In a festive atmosphere reflecting the cultural diversity embraced by the Saudi capital, the Ministry of Media, in cooperation with the General Entertainment Authority, announced the launch of the “Sudanese Culture Week” events today, as part of the “Global Harmony” initiative in its second edition, which is being held in Al-Suwaidi Park, one of the most prominent destinations of the Riyadh Season.
This unique cultural event comes after the successful conclusion of the “Ethiopian Cultural Days”, which witnessed a remarkable public turnout and widespread interaction from visitors, as attendees enjoyed artistic performances inspired by the ancient Ethiopian heritage, and tasted the famous Ethiopian coffee, reflecting the depth of human and cultural ties.
Details of Sudanese Cultural Week
The Sudanese Week is the final event in the “Global Harmony” initiative’s series of weeks, and its activities are scheduled to continue until December 20. More than 80 performers and artists will participate in this week’s events, presenting artistic displays that express authentic Sudanese folklore, including folk dances representing the various states of Sudan, from the Nubian North to Kordofan, Darfur, and the East, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the rich diversity of this culture.
The events will also include concerts by a selection of Sudanese artists, presenting masterpieces of "Haqiba" songs and modern melodies that blend the distinctive pentatonic scale with African and Arabic rhythms. In addition to the arts, there will be pavilions showcasing traditional clothing such as the Sudanese thobe for women and the jalabiya for men, as well as a special section dedicated to popular cuisine, handicrafts, and traditional wedding attire (Jertig).
Context of the initiative and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
The “Global Harmony” initiative is part of the Quality of Life Program, one of the key programs for achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. This initiative aims to promote the concept of human coexistence and showcase the Kingdom as a global destination that embraces diverse cultures. Since its launch, the initiative has highlighted the lives of residents in the Kingdom, showcasing their contributions and cultural diversity, and emphasizing the values of tolerance and harmony that characterize Saudi society.
Cultural and social importance
The Sudanese Cultural Week holds special significance given the deep historical and fraternal ties that bind the Saudi and Sudanese peoples. The Sudanese community is one of the largest expatriate communities in the Kingdom, making this event an exceptional opportunity to strengthen cultural exchange, enable residents to celebrate their cultural heritage in their second home, and introduce visitors of all nationalities to the beauty and rich history of the Nile Valley.
For more than 40 days, Al Suwaidi Park succeeded in transforming Riyadh Season into a global carnival, as the initiative showcased the cultures of 13 countries, providing an integrated entertainment and educational experience that was well received by visitors and widely praised for its organization and services.
