Bangladesh heritage celebrated in Saudi Arabia’s Global Harmony fest
Thousands gather at Global Harmony festival to honor Bangladesh’s music, dance, and traditions as Riyadh embraces cultural diversity under Vision 2030
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — The rhythms of Bangladesh echoed through Riyadh’s Al-Suwaidi Park this week as thousands of expatriates and Saudi residents came together for the “Bangladesh Culture Week,” part of Saudi Arabia’s Global Harmony festival celebrating the Kingdom’s multicultural communities.
The event featured colorful performances, traditional songs, and culinary showcases representing Bangladesh’s rich artistic heritage. It was hosted by Bangladeshi actress Prarthana Fardin Dighi and presenter Rabiul Haque Zaman, who led the audience through an evening of music and dance that turned the park into a mosaic of sound and celebration.
According to the United News of Bangladesh, the festival’s Bangladeshi segment began on November 11 as part of the Kingdom’s broader Global Harmony initiative, which highlights cultural diversity under the Saudi Vision 2030 framework.
The initiative is supported by the Saudi Ministry of Media’s Quality of Life Program and runs for 49 days, featuring 14 countries across Asia and Africa.
For many Bangladeshi expatriates, the night was deeply emotional — a rare chance to celebrate their homeland while living abroad. “We work hard every day to support our families back home. Events like this make us feel seen and connected,” said one attendee.
The celebration featured renowned Bangladeshi performers including singer Asif Akbar and actress Dighi, alongside a host of folk musicians, dancers, and influencers. The lineup represented the vibrancy and resilience of Bangladesh’s cultural identity, from Baul traditions to modern pop music.
Officials from the Global Harmony committee said the initiative aims to foster mutual respect and understanding between Saudi citizens and the expatriate community. “We are honored to host Bangladesh — one of the Kingdom’s largest expatriate populations,” said committee spokesperson Sarry Shaaban, adding that the program is open and free for all visitors.
The festival’s upcoming segments will spotlight Egypt, Pakistan, Indonesia, and several other nations, each showcasing their heritage through art, music, and cuisine. The initiative was first launched in 2024 to celebrate the diversity of the Kingdom’s residents and strengthen its position as a global cultural crossroads.
Organizers said the participation of Bangladeshi talent this year underscores the growing cultural ties between Dhaka and Riyadh — a relationship that extends beyond labor migration to include shared artistic and people-to-people connections.
As the evening drew to a close, thousands joined in singing familiar Bangla tunes under the Riyadh skyline — a symbolic reminder that even far from home, culture remains a bridge of belonging and pride.
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