Bangladeshi expatriates, along with the Saudi audience, enjoyed a vibrant celebration of Bangladeshi heritage on Tuesday night (KSA time) as the ‘Bangladesh Culture’ segment of the Global Harmony festival lit up Al-Suwaidi Park with colorful cultural displays, music and dance performances.
The event, hosted by popular Bangladeshi actress Prarthana Fardin Dighi and Rabiul Haque Zaman, showcased the rich traditions, music, dance and cuisine of Bangladesh as part of Saudi Arabia’s Global Harmony initiative.
Thousands of expatriate Bangladeshis, along with some of their families, gathered to enjoy live performances and sing together, transforming the park into a sea of sounds and lights.
For many, it was an emotional and pride-filled night, a moment to reconnect with their roots and share their culture with the wider Saudi community, celebrating unity, friendship and the growing cultural ties between Bangladesh and the Kingdom.
“This is absolutely amazing. We remain busy, struggling every day here to keep our families smiling back home. This event is refreshing and a chance to share joy with friends,” Rumel, a Bangladeshi expatriate who attended with his friends, told UNB.
Actress Dighi said she would be hosting the Bangladesh Culture programmes until November 14.
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“I came here to host for the first time — a role I’ve never played before. It feels wonderful to be here, close to the Bangladeshi community. The audience is amazing. We are grateful to the Saudi authorities and the Ministry of Media,” she told UNB.
Sarry Shaaban, spokesperson for the Global Harmony committee, expressed his excitement at hosting one of the largest expatriate communities in Saudi Arabia as part of the initiative.
“We are thrilled to have the Bangladeshi community join us. This event will help Saudi audiences learn more about Bangladesh and its culture,” he said.
Sarry added that the programme is open to everyone.
“It’s free for all to attend and enjoy. For many, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a second home — we’re happy to host them,” he said.
Other nations and regions to be featured in the event include Egypt (Nov. 15–17); the Levant (Nov. 18–20); Yemen (Nov. 21–28); Pakistan (Nov. 29–Dec. 1); Indonesia (Dec. 2–4); the Philippines (Dec. 5–8); Uganda (Dec. 9–10); Ethiopia (Dec. 11–13); and Sudan (Dec. 14–20).
The Global Harmony initiative was first launched in October 2024 to celebrate the diversity of the Kingdom’s residents.
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Last year’s event celebrated the cultures of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and the Philippines.
This year’s Bangladesh Culture Week features a diverse lineup of artistes, celebrities, and influencers from Bangladesh, including renowned singer Asif Akbar and actress Dighi, in a colorful showcase of the country’s cultural identity.
Packed with lively performances, traditional music and dance and authentic Bangladeshi cuisine, the celebration promises to be a spectacular display of Bangladesh’s rich heritage.
Artistes will present a variety of cultural and theatrical performances reflecting the nation’s artistic excellence.
Last year’s event featured legendary Bangladeshi rock icon Nagar Baul James, DJ Sonica, and popular singers Habib Wahid, Porshi, and Beauty Khan — with James’s first-ever performance in Riyadh being a major highlight.
The Global Harmony initiative continues to host a series of cultural weeks representing 14 countries over a span of 49 days.
The programme is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a global hub for cultural and civilizational diversity.
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The Saudi Ministry of Media recently concluded the Indian Cultural Week, another installment of the Global Harmony 2 initiative, while the Bangladesh segment began on November 11.
The Indian Cultural Week attracted over 200,000 visitors and featured an array of artistic and cultural performances reflecting the deep-rooted ties between Saudi Arabia and India, while also celebrating Riyadh’s growing cultural diversity.
The week, organized under the Quality of Life Program supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, brought together more than 100 Indian artistes who presented theatrical, artistic, and heritage performances showcasing India’s rich cultural identity.
Interactive pavilions displayed traditional arts, crafts, cuisine, and customs from different regions of India, drawing significant attention from diplomats, cultural figures, and large crowds of citizens, residents, and members of the Indian community.
The week concluded with energetic performances by Indian troupes that received enthusiastic applause, embodying the spirit of cultural exchange and mutual appreciation that the Kingdom seeks to promote.