Saudi media ministry launches initiative to showcase diverse lives of residents

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Media has launched a new initiative designed to showcase the diverse range of cultures that call the Kingdom home.

Expats from diverse backgrounds shared their optimism with Arab News, with one highlighting the initiative’s significance in “embracing different cultures” within Saudi Arabia.

The Global Harmony initiative aims to showcase the diverse lives of residents in the Kingdom, highlighting their professional and family life, social and recreational activities, contributions to the economy, success stories, and cultural integration in Saudi society, according to the Ministry of Media.

It will also highlight government and private sector efforts to improve the quality of life in Saudi cities.

As a track of the initiative, the Ministry of Media, in partnership with the General Entertainment Authority, is arranging events in Riyadh Season.

These events will feature cultural, artistic, and folkloric activities and shows, attended by prominent media outlets from the residents’ countries.

Cultures of nine different countries: India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Yemen, Sudan, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Bangladesh, and Egypt will be presented in several events in Riyadh Season for 45 days starting from tomorrow.

Among them, there will be concerts, cultural and entertainment family events, traditional foods, and various handicrafts.

Mohammad Sabbah, a Palestinian who has called Saudi Arabia home for more than 20 years, reflected on his time in the Kingdom, describing it as “a rewarding journey filled with security and stability for me and my family.”

“We’ve found a second home here, where safety and peace are a constant under the Saudi leadership and warm hospitality of the people.”

He praised the newly launched initiative as “a crucial move toward fostering a more inclusive and interconnected society,” and added: “This represents a forward-thinking vision for Saudi Arabia. I see diversity as a source of strength and enrichment.”

As a marketing director at Energy Tracks, Sabbah highlighted the importance of the initiative in recognizing the role of expatriates.

“It acknowledges the value of expatriates in the community and serves as a bridge for better understanding and meaningful collaboration,” he said.

“Despite our cultural differences, we’ve found harmony with Saudi society. We’re proud to be woven into the fabric of this generous nation and are eager for an even brighter future ahead, especially with Vision 2030.”

Zineb Jariri, Senior PR Account Executive at Umami Communication, highlighted that the initiative demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to fostering cultural diversity and celebrating the different communities living in Saudi Arabia.

“It truly embodies the spirit of shared coexistence and strengthens mutual understanding between locals and expatriates from around the globe,” she said.

Moroccan Jariri emphasized that this initiative acknowledges the positive contributions of expats in various sectors of Saudi life. “It offers a chance to tell the story of Saudi Arabia as a flourishing, inclusive nation,” she remarked.

She anticipates that this move will promote social cohesion, boost cultural awareness, enhance cultural tourism, and further solidify Saudi Arabia’s standing as a regional leader.