India at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s Global Harmony initiative
- In Reports
- 02:48 PM, Oct 17, 2024
- Myind Staff
Saudi Arabia has introduced a new initiative called Global Harmony, designed to improve the quality of life and strengthen relationships between local communities and expatriates, especially the Indian community. This initiative was launched on Wednesday night and aims to celebrate the different cultures of expatriates living in the Kingdom.
Khalid bin Abdulqader Al-Ghamdi, the Saudi deputy minister for media, said that the goal of this initiative is to show how people from various cultures live together peacefully in Saudi society. It is part of the larger Quality of Life program that supports the country's Vision 2030 goals.
At the launch event, Indian Ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan and diplomats from other countries were present. Al-Ghamdi highlighted the important role that the Indian community plays in Saudi society. He noted that Indians make up the largest group of expatriates in the country, with around 2.6 million residents. In the past year alone, this number has grown by about 200,000 due to many factors, including new job opportunities from Vision 2030.
Khan explained that the increase in the Indian population is not just because of job prospects but also due to the friendly relations Indians have in Saudi Arabia. He mentioned that more skilled Indian workers are now in the country. The strong ties between India and Saudi Arabia, boosted by visits from both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Saudi Crown Prince, have also played a role.
The Global Harmony initiative runs from October 13-21 at Al-Suwaidi Park during the ongoing Riyadh Season. It features performances from various cultural groups, with countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Yemen, and others participating. Notable Indian artists such as musician Himesh Reshammiya, rapper Emiway Bantai, and cricketers Umran Malik and S. Sreesanth are also involved.
A special market area will showcase Indian food, clothing, and handicrafts. This initiative aims to highlight the lives of expatriates, their family and social activities, and their contributions to the economy, showing how well they integrate into Saudi society.
Launched in 2016, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a plan to diversify the economy, empower citizens, and make the Kingdom a global leader. It consists of three stages, each lasting five years and building on the last.
The Global Harmony initiative is being organised with the General Entertainment Authority and is part of the Riyadh Season, which is one of the largest winter entertainment events in the world and began on Sunday.
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