JEDDAH: Smiles, celebration, and the spirit of togetherness filled the air as nearly 3,000 people, including a large number of Saudi nationals, gathered to celebrate the enduring Saudi–Indian friendship at the Saudi India Festival – Season 2, held in Jeddah on Friday, January 16, 2026.
The grand cultural event was organized by the Goodwill Global Initiative (GGI) in collaboration with the Consulate General of India and was hosted at the International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ), Boys’ Section, Al-Rehab district.
The festival was graced by the presence of Indian Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri as the chief guest. Held under the inspiring theme “.5CM Corridor”, the event symbolized half a century of Indian migration to the Gulf—once the world’s second-largest migration corridor—and highlighted the deep-rooted people-to-people ties that continue to strengthen relations between India and Saudi Arabia.
Cultural Extravaganza Steals the Show
A vibrant cultural fiesta unfolded as more than 150 Saudi and Indian artists—many of them young children and teenagers—lit up the stage with mesmerizing performances. Their boundless energy captivated an enthusiastic audience, filling the auditorium to capacity and spilling over into the sprawling school campus. The five-hour audio-visual spectacle celebrated rhythm, colour, and shared heritage through a rich blend of Arab and Indian folk and classical art forms.
Consul General Highlights Five Pillars of Partnership
In his keynote address, Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri underscored the importance of celebrating cultural harmony and shared heritage between the two nations. He outlined people, participation, partnership, purpose, and prosperity as the five guiding pillars of the festival.
“When people connect and participate wholeheartedly, guided by a shared purpose, prosperity follows naturally,” he said, noting that the strong India–Saudi partnership of today is firmly rooted in enduring human connections. Recalling centuries-old civilizational ties and the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora to Saudi Arabia’s nation-building over the last five decades, he praised GGI for conceptualizing and executing a meaningful cultural celebration.
Dignitaries Grace the Inaugural Session
The inaugural session was presided over by Hassan Cheruppa, President of GGI. Felicitation speeches were delivered by Dr. Ashraf Amir, Dr. Reem Al-Madani, Dr. Mohammad Imran, Ahmed Alungal, and Rahim Pattarkadavan.
GGI General Secretary Ishaque Poondoli welcomed the gathering, while Treasurer Jaleel Kannamangalam proposed the vote of thanks.
Several prominent dignitaries attended the event, including Fahmina Khatoon Suri, IM Husain, Dr. Mohammad Aslam Khan, Adil Hamza Melibari, Sheikh Abdulraham Abdullah Yusuf Melibari, and Sheikh Ahmed Atallah Farouqi.
Folk and Fusion Performances Enthrall Audience
The highlight of the evening was the spellbinding performance by the 15-member ‘Sautul Mamlaka’ Folk Performing Arts Troupe, led by Fadi Saad Al-Hawsavi. Their powerful renditions of Saudi folk-art forms—Bahri, Mizmari, Khubaiti, Jazani, and Khutwa Janoubiya—earned thunderous applause.
Equally impressive were performances by Indian teenage artists, who showcased India’s cultural richness through Bharatanatyam, Gujarati, Punjabi, Odissi Sampulpuri, and Kathak dance forms. A special Saudi–Indian fusion performance beautifully portrayed the early phases of Indian migration to Arabia, symbolizing shared history and cultural unity.
Nearly 100 young performers presented welcome dances, traditional and fusion oppana, Arabic dance, sufi dance, and cinematic fusion numbers, choreographed mainly by Rahmath Muhammad Alungal. Artists from Good Hope Arts and Science Academy and Phenom Academy also delivered outstanding performances.
Music and a Memorable Finale
Renowned singers Jamal Pasha, Mohammed Sikander Ali, Mumtaz Abdurahman, Sofiya Sunil, and Shifana Shaji enthralled the audience with soulful renditions that added musical magic to the evening.
Bringing the celebrations to a graceful close, Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri and Consul IM Husain presented mementos to sponsors and performers, warmly acknowledging their invaluable support and contributions.
The Saudi India Festival Season 2 stood as a vibrant testament to the enduring friendship, cultural harmony, and shared future of India and Saudi Arabia.
