The renowned Arab singer, Assi El Hallani, expressed his immense joy and pride in participating in the "Night of the Cedars" event, held as part of Riyadh Season. He described it as "a night to remember" and an exceptional artistic and human experience that carried profound messages of resilience and hope. In a press conference following the concert, El Hallani emphasized that this evening was not merely an artistic event, but a powerful message that "Lebanon is well and will continue to thrive despite all challenges," and that authentic Lebanese art remains a strong presence on the Arab and international stage.
A timely appreciation initiative
Al-Hallani emphasized that the "Night of the Cedars" initiative was a generous gesture from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Entertainment Authority under the leadership of Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh, expressing deep appreciation for Lebanese art at a time when Lebanon is facing difficult economic and political circumstances. He explained that this event represents significant moral support for Lebanese artists and the Lebanese people, and underscores the deep fraternal and cultural ties that bind the two countries. Al-Hallani extended his special thanks to Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh for this initiative, which contributed to the success of the evening and its presentation in a manner befitting Lebanese and Arab art.
General context: Riyadh Season as an Arab cultural platform
“Rice Night” comes within the broader context of Riyadh Season, which has transformed in just a few years into one of the world’s most important entertainment and cultural festivals, as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The season is no longer merely a platform for local events, but has become a meeting place for Arab and international arts and cultures, attracting leading stars from various fields. Dedicating an entire night to celebrating Lebanese art reflects the Kingdom’s role as a hub for Arab culture and provides an important opportunity for Lebanese artists to reach their wide audience in the Gulf and the Arab world, especially given the decline in major artistic events in Lebanon.
Importance and expected impact
Regionally, this evening holds great symbolic importance, reaffirming the status of Lebanese art as an integral part of Arab cultural identity. It also sends a message of solidarity, assuring Lebanon, a land of art and beauty, that it is not alone in facing its crises. On a local Saudi level, such events contribute to strengthening Riyadh's position as a capital of entertainment and culture in the region, and highlight the Kingdom's openness to diverse Arab arts. Al-Hallani expressed his deep pride in Riyadh, which he described as a "source of honor and pride," due to the love, generosity, and kindness of its people.
Al-Hallani concluded his remarks by praying for a long life for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and for good health and well-being for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He noted that he had included poetry and songs in his performance as a gift expressing his love and appreciation for the Kingdom and its people, hoping that they had resonated deeply with the audience. He also praised the ongoing development of Riyadh Season and its innovative and creative ideas, wishing the Kingdom continued progress and success.
