Barran Press
For the second consecutive day, the "Yemeni Nights" event continues in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, as part of the "Global Harmony" initiative launched by the Ministry of Information and the General Entertainment Authority in the Kingdom.
The Yemeni cultural festivities, which kicked off last Sunday and will last for three days, drew significant official and public Yemeni attendance, as well as ambassadors from several Arab and foreign countries. The events feature traditional Yemeni music and synchronized heritage folk dances.
The festivities include folkloric performances and the Yemen Carnival, interspersed with musical concerts by prominent Yemeni artists such as Hussein Moheb, Adnan Al-Aidaroos, Soha Al-Masry, Mahyoub, Yahya Enabah, Kamelia Anbar, Salah Al-Mahdi, and Ammar Al-Azaki.
This initiative aims to promote cultural communication and coexistence among peoples by highlighting Yemeni heritage, customs, and traditions, which are part of the shared culture between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
On the sidelines of the events, "Barran Press" conducted video interviews with several Yemeni artists, media personalities, and guests participating in the concerts.
A Creative Idea
Deputy Minister of Information, Abdul Basit Al-Qa'edi, described the "Global Harmony" initiative as a "creative idea that brings together people from different countries of the world, highlighting the common traits and shared qualities that unite them rather than divide them."
Regarding the Yemeni cultural nights, Al-Qa'edi told "Barran Press" that they "have been a pinnacle of astonishment, creativity, and excellence."
He added that "these cultural nights, with their heritage, folkloric, and celebratory activities, as well as musical performances, showcase the extensive commonalities between Yemen and the Kingdom, reaching the point of near-identicalness."
He also noted the unexpectedly large turnout of Yemeni families, both young and old, men and women, adding, "This Yemeni presence proves that the Yemeni people yearn for life and joy, rejecting the death and destruction projects brought by the Houthi militia that sought to bury happiness in the hearts of Yemenis."
Concluding his remarks to "Barran Press," Al-Qa'edi expressed gratitude to the Kingdom for these cultural nights, highlighting the role of the Yemeni Ministry of Information in selecting the participating Yemeni artists and folklore groups for these cultural nights.
Peace and Love
Yemeni singer Hussein Moheb told "Barran Press": "We will present our best to the audience, with many pleasant surprises."
He added, "We will sing with the audience. Today's turnout has set a daily attendance record at Al-Suwaidi Park in Riyadh."
Expressing his pride in the distinguished audience, Moheb said, "This audience supports us in every event, especially in Riyadh, the world’s cultural capital."
Addressing his audience both inside and outside Yemen, he said, "Peace is the cornerstone above any conflicts. Peace and love are enduring—they are stability and prosperity for the future we dream of for ourselves and our children."
Harmony Since Time Immemorial
Comedy artist Mohammed Al-Haweri stated that the Yemeni and Saudi peoples have been in "harmony since time immemorial."
Al-Haweri told "Barran Press" that "this event has shown the harmony even more. The songs and heritage are very similar; the most harmonious peoples are the Saudis and Yemenis."
A Breath of Fresh Air and One Nation
Satirical artist Mohammed Al-Adra'i considered the Yemeni cultural events in Riyadh an opportunity for Yemenis to breathe.
He told "Barran Press": "This is a chance for Yemenis to breathe after being suffocated by the Houthis and banned from singing. Look, everyone is singing, rejoicing, dancing, and relaxing. Yemenis have come here from all parts of Yemen, both south and north."
Commenting on Saudi-Yemeni relations, Al-Adra'i said, "There has been extraordinary harmony for a long time," considering this initiative "confirms to the world that there is harmony between the Yemeni and Saudi peoples and that they are one nation."
Large Attendance and Global Harmony
Yemeni comedian Ali Al-Saadani described the cultural event as one of love, harmony, and peace, emphasizing that it brought together the world in a unified celebration. Al-Saadani noted that Yemen's participation was particularly notable and significant.
In a statement to "Barran Press," Al-Saadani remarked, "The audience's presence was a true example of global harmony." He added that the prominent participation of Yemen had a profound impact, drawing a large crowd.
"The audience at these events, especially the Yemeni festivities, signifies the unity of Yemen and Saudi Arabia as one heart," Al-Saadani said.
He extended his gratitude to the organizers for bringing together global cultures in Riyadh, the cultural capital of the Arab world, calling the event a "significant cultural occasion."
Honoring Heritage
Al-Saadani highlighted the richness of Yemeni heritage, stating, "Yemen flourishes with diverse cultures and a vast heritage. The event, spanning yesterday, today, and tomorrow, is a proud moment for Yemen and Yemenis."
He added that Yemeni and Saudi heritage blend seamlessly in terms of culture, traditions, and even cuisine.
Complete Harmony
Media personality Maya Al-Absi emphasized the perfect harmony between Yemeni culture and other cultures. She told "Barran Press" that this cultural exchange showcases the unity of Yemenis across different countries, including Saudi Arabia.
Al-Absi noted that Yemen consistently features rich cultural elements, including music, artistic and poetic culture, and traditional attire.
She also highlighted the significant cultural proximity between Yemen and Saudi Arabia, adding that while there are minor differences, these nuances enrich their shared and intertwined culture.
One Spirit and a Message
Journalist Abdullah Al-Muneefi remarked that the "Global Harmony" initiative, especially the Yemeni days, was distinguished by the enthusiastic Yemeni audience. He added that Yemenis experienced joy and delight that had been absent for the past ten years due to the repercussions of the coup and the war.
Al-Muneefi told "Barran Press" that the initiative reflects the strength of bonds, the unity of culture, and the blending of heritage and arts.
Journalist Mohamed Al-Mikhlafi considered these evenings a manifestation of the unified spirit fostered by Saudi Arabia within the community, for both citizens and residents.
Al-Mikhlafi told "Barran Press" that the initiative sends a message that this country is inclusive of everyone and that all contribute to the vision being nurtured and implemented by state institutions, including in the realm of entertainment.
He emphasized the importance of such entertainment spaces for residents, particularly the Yemeni community, who "lack such opportunities significantly and cannot experience this beautiful and diverse reality in their own country."
On October 17, the Saudi Ministry of Information launched the "Enhancing Communication with Residents" initiative, one of the programs under "Quality of Life" to achieve the goals of Vision 2030, under the slogan "Global Harmony."
The initiative, held at Al-Suwaidi Park as part of Riyadh Season, aims to highlight the lives of residents in the Kingdom, showcasing the diversity and richness of their cultures and the integration and harmony with Saudi society. It also highlights the efforts of the governmental and private sectors to improve the quality of life in Saudi cities.
The initiative targets nine different cultures from countries including India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Yemen, Sudan, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Bangladesh, and Egypt. It includes musical concerts, roving performances, cultural and entertainment family activities, traditional foods, and various handicrafts, engaging both citizens and residents from different nationalities.