Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia ‘bowled over’ by diverse Riyadh season

In this file photo, Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan performs in Riyadh on Oct. 25, 2019, as part of the Riyadh Season. (Photo courtesy: Supplied)

Pakistani singers Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan performed in Riyadh on Oct. 25, 2019, as part of the Riyadh Season. (Photo courtesy: Supplied)

• Atif Aslam and Rahet Ali Khan, perform live in concert in Riyadh last month
•  It was amazing to enjoy with our families, says Pakistani expat

RIYADH: Riyadh Season, Saudi Arabia’s most culturally diverse season yet, has won the hearts of thousands of Pakistanis from across the country as 20,000 expats gathered to witness two of Pakistan’s biggest music stars, Atif Aslam and Rahet Fateh Ali Khan, perform live in concert in Riyadh last month.
Color Run, a 5 km marathon, as well as a plethora of activities presenting more opportunities for recreation and entertainment for expats in Riyadh,  followed the first-of-its-kind concert.
Sameer Khan, 40, a Pakistani engineer, said he participated in Color Run in Riyadh alongside 12 Pakistani families from his neighborhood.
"Some of us went to see the live performances the night before and were bowled over,” he said.
“On stage, Atif Aslam said he had ‘missed the opportunity to perform here’ for many years, which resonated with the thoughts of thousands of Pakistanis. The next day, my colleagues and the families from our compound took our children to participate in the first-ever public event (Color Run). It was amazing to enjoy with our families, feeling so liberated, and hope to have more of these in the Kingdom."
Many Pakistani expats who spoke to Arab News said the huge success of Riyadh Season further established the fact that Saudi Arabia was on its way to a well-planned long-term strategy to further improve the quality of life of its people.
“This is a milestone bigger than economic growth, as it is a leap towards Saudi Arabia's commitment to growth and development, as well as mutual respect for different cultures," Pakistani expat Asim Azhar, 45, said.
"Riyadh Season has found its way to thousands of expatriates who take pride in their contribution towards Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and appreciate the mutual respect for different cultures," Haniya Azeem, 42, said.
As part of the Kingdom's launch of 11 entertainment seasons in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Season 2019 has so far been the most culturally diverse and inclusive. It will take place from October to December this year and includes a wide range of artistic, sporting and cultural events, including theatre, music performances, and fashion shows.
“It naturally makes our stay in Saudi Arabia a more rich and fulfilling experience,” said Kaifi Zaheer, 33.  
“We are thrilled that the Saudi government recognizes and celebrates our aspirations, dreams, and visions which align with the country where we live and where most of us were born.”