An exceptional artistic evening in the heart of Riyadh
Lebanese artist Ragheb Alama expressed his immense joy at participating in the "Night of the Cedars" concert, held as part of Riyadh Season, describing it as one of the most prominent artistic evenings in his illustrious career. In a press conference following the concert, Alama praised the high level of professionalism in the organization in the Saudi capital and the enthusiastic response from the audience, whom he described as "exceptional and discerning," emphasizing that this experience embodies the leading position the Kingdom has achieved in the entertainment industry.
Alama explained that the artistic atmosphere in Riyadh has become characterized by complete comfort and professionalism, where artists face no technical challenges related to sound, stage design, or logistics. He emphasized that this advanced level reflects the true image of the Kingdom, historically known for its generosity, hospitality, and affability—a feeling experienced by every artist who visits.
"Rice Night": A symbol of historical relations
Ragheb Alama considered the concept of "Laylat Al-Arz" (Night of the Cedars) to be deeply significant, representing more than just a concert; it is a sincere expression of the profound fraternal and historical ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. He added, "This night is a message of love and appreciation from the Kingdom to Lebanon, its people, and its art." He expressed his hope that this successful experience would be replicated in various regions of the Kingdom, such as Jeddah, Dammam, and Al-Ula, to further strengthen this unique cultural exchange.
These events are part of the major transformations taking place in the Kingdom under Vision 2030, which aims to enhance Saudi Arabia's position as a global hub for culture, art, and entertainment. Riyadh Season is one of the most prominent outcomes of this vision, attracting top stars from around the world and offering diverse entertainment experiences that cater to all segments of society, thus contributing to boosting tourism and supporting the local economy.
The importance of the event and its regional impact
The impact of "Laylat al-Arz" (Night of the Cedars) wasn't limited to the large audience; it extended to millions of viewers worldwide. Alama noted that broadcasting the concert on numerous Arab channels helped convey a message of love and brotherhood to Lebanese communities everywhere, strengthening the bonds between the two nations and highlighting the true nature of their deep-rooted relationship. He emphasized that the role of artists extends beyond entertainment to include fostering respect and understanding between peoples.
Alama revealed that he had canceled a previous artistic commitment to participate in this event, emphasizing that he couldn't miss it due to its immense artistic and symbolic value. He extended his special thanks to His Excellency Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, describing him as "a man who works tirelessly to bring joy to people," and praising his efforts in reviving the archive of Lebanese songs from the 1980s and 1990s in an artistic spectacle that brought together different generations in a unified spirit.
Future art projects
In closing, Ragheb Alama discussed his upcoming artistic projects, announcing his readiness to release a full album after the holy month of Ramadan. He explained that the album will include diverse songs in Lebanese, Gulf, and Egyptian dialects, expressing his hope that it will be well-received by his fans throughout the Arab world.
