By Mohammed Omair Khan
Associate Editor, TheRahnuma.com
(RAHNUMA) RIYADH, October 18th – Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Media Affairs, Dr. Khalid bin Abdul Qadir Al-Ghamdi, inaugurated the “Global Harmony Initiative” under the framework of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030. The inauguration took place at the renowned Movenpick Hotel in Riyadh.
The objective of the program is to foster harmony and integration between Saudi citizens and expatriates living in the Kingdom. Dr. Khalid emphasized that the initiative aims to encourage cultural exchange, allowing expatriates to embrace Saudi culture, lifestyle, and traditions while simultaneously celebrating their own cultural heritage from their home countries. The initiative seeks to ensure that expatriates do not feel alienated but rather integrated into Saudi society.
Dr. Khalid highlighted that the Global Harmony Initiative is a key part of the Saudi government’s commitment to improving the “Quality of Life” for all residents, both Saudis and non-Saudis alike, under the ambitious Vision 2030. The initiative also seeks to recognize the vital role expatriates, particularly from countries like India, play in the economic development of both their home countries and Saudi Arabia. He noted that while expatriates have already made significant contributions, Vision 2030 sets new targets that require even greater involvement.
He further mentioned that Saudi Arabia has already achieved many of the Vision 2030 goals, particularly in improving the quality of life for its residents. It’s noteworthy that the largest expatriate community in Saudi Arabia is from India, with approximately three million Indian nationals residing in various cities across the Kingdom.
To celebrate this cultural harmony, a 45-day program has been organized at Riyadh’s Suwaidi Park, which features participation from nine countries. The program for India started on October 12, 2024, and will continue until October 21, 2024, showcasing a range of cultural and artistic performances. Experts in art and culture are displaying their talents, and Saudi citizens are enjoying these events as well.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Media, spokesperson Abdul Rahman Majarshi introduced the initiative, highlighting that it aims to showcase the social, economic, and cultural achievements of non-Saudi residents living in Saudi Arabia. Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mr. Suhail Ajaz Khan, along with members of the Indian Embassy, attended the event. Former Ambassador of Palestine, Dr. Zikrur Rahman, was also present at the inauguration, representing the strong ties between the two nations.
