Riyadh’s Suwaidi Park Comes Alive with Levant Week Celebrations

Riyadh — Suwaidi Park has transformed into a lively cultural hub this week, as Global Harmony continues its series of themed regional festivals.

The spotlight is currently on the Levant, bringing together traditions, performances and flavors from across the region.

Visitors arriving at the park are met with vibrant music, energetic shows and a festive atmosphere that reflects the rich heritage of Levantine culture.

The week opened with dramatic performances that blended modern entertainment with cultural artistry, creating an immersive and colorful start to the celebrations.

Circus groups, DJs and live musical acts took the stage on opening night, featuring well-known Lebanese performers who energized the crowd.

Musician Guy Manoukian and singer Wael Saab delivered standout performances, drawing large audiences and adding a memorable musical spirit to the event.

Alongside the Levant program, Egypt Week is continuing until Friday, giving visitors the chance to enjoy a mix of Arab cultural highlights.

Traditional dance and drumming groups filled the pathways of Suwaidi Park, leading families and children through guided parades with rhythmic beats.

Performers in bright cultural attire engaged with visitors warmly, adding an element of storytelling to each section of the park.

A major attraction of the festival is the bustling bazaar area, known as the “happiness culture” center, where artisans present their crafts.

The market features both traditional and modern handicrafts, with many vendors having decades of experience in their craft fields.

Syrian craftsman Mahmoud Al-Azwan, who has lived in the Kingdom for 16 years, shared his appreciation for the platform created for regional artists.

He has been practicing his craft for 40 years, specializing in Damascene artwork, wooden pieces and embroidered designs.

Al-Azwan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase his heritage, noting that events like these strengthen cultural unity in meaningful ways.

He described each festival day as unique and inspiring, stating that every interaction brings a new moment to cherish.

He encouraged fellow artisans to pursue excellence in their craft, highlighting the strong support provided for artists in the Kingdom.

Another vendor, Anas Habib from Jordan, presented Palestinian embroidery,
Jordanian mosaic pieces and handcrafted pottery created by his team.

Habib, who has worked in the field for 15 years, flew to Riyadh specifically to join the cultural celebration.

He noted a strong sense of harmony among participants and visitors, with curiosity and cultural appreciation shaping the festival’s atmosphere.

Habib said the event encourages deeper connections across communities, as people learn about different traditions and histories.

He praised the enthusiasm shown by Saudi visitors, many of whom asked detailed questions about the origins of the crafts.

For him, the most rewarding moments came from seeing genuine interest, as families explored the stories embedded in each handmade piece.

Food vendors are also drawing significant attention, offering Levantine and Arab dishes that highlight regional diversity.

Egyptian vendor Ahmed Abd Al-Sagoor is serving popular classics, including shawarma, kibbeh and tabbouleh to eager guests.

He explained that the diverse dishes reflect shared cultural roots, while also showcasing unique culinary elements from each nation.

Levant Week will continue until Nov. 25, after which Yemen Week will take over the festival grounds.

Global Harmony will remain active in Suwaidi Park until Dec. 27, with upcoming showcases featuring Pakistan, Indonesia, Uganda and more.

The festival aims to strengthen cultural understanding across communities, offering an open space for families to learn, explore and celebrate diversity.