DAVOS: Davos delegates on the snowy slopes of the Swiss Alps got a taster of sunnier climes Friday, as guests were treated to a Saudi-themed lunch and cultural event.
Those attending the World Economic Forum witnessed an enchanting “Saudi Voyage” as they sampled food from every corner of the Kingdom, including dates, coffee and rice.
Guests at the event also got to experience culture from Saudi Arabia’s five regions through music, art and dance.
Three renowned Saudi Arabian chefs — Ali Al-Yousef, Duha Abdullah and Rakan Al-Areefi — created the diverse menus, while Saudi musicians Abdullah Al-Garni and Saud Al-Shareef entertained the guests.
Artwork by modern Saudi artists was on display, giving an insight into the history of 20th century art in the Kingdom and shedding light on the foundations of the contemporary art movement that is growing in the country today.
A guest at the function, South African social entrepreneur Lavuyo Rani, said: “For me, it’s an experience — especially the food — it’s the first time I’ve experienced it, but I’m really enjoying it.”
The event was organized by the MiSK Global Forum (MGF) — the worldwide platform of the MiSK Foundation founded by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Concept artist Florian de Gesincourt watched several WEF sessions and used the content as inspiration to produce artwork displayed on screens in the main entrance foyer of the WEF Congress Center as well as at the Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvédère in the town. The artwork can be seen on MGF’s social media channels.