Riyadh Season: Asim Azhar Praises Saudi’s World-Class Festival

Rehan Khan

Riyadh: Pakistani singer Asim Azhar captivated a large crowd at Suwaidi Park during the ongoing Riyadh Season, a widely celebrated cultural festival in Saudi Arabia, on Friday night.

Known for his talent and charisma, Asim described Riyadh Season as a “world-class festival,” commending the event’s scale, energy, and the warm reception from both locals and expatriates.

In a media interaction prior to his performance, Azhar shared his excitement about this year’s visit to Riyadh, calling it a unique experience.

“I’ve performed worldwide as a representative of Pakistan and a peace ambassador,” he remarked, adding that although he last performed in Riyadh in 2018, the atmosphere this time felt ‘totally different’.

He described the experience as akin to visiting Riyadh for the first time, highlighting the vibrancy and transformation of the Saudi capital.

Expressing his dedication to making ‘Pakistan Week’ memorable for both the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia and local Saudis, Asim said, “Art and culture are two important pillars of any society.”

He applauded the Saudi government for its transformative approach to promoting these sectors. Through Riyadh Season and similar initiatives, Saudi Arabia is bridging cultural gaps, connecting people of diverse backgrounds, and demonstrating the unifying power of art, he noted.

Reflecting on his journey, Asim mentioned his special connection with Riyadh, acknowledging the support of young Saudis who promoted his work on social media when he began his career in 2011.

This early backing, he explained, helped propel his music across the Middle East, winning him fans in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and beyond. “The Riyadh community played a significant role in my career, pushing my music to new heights,” he shared, expressing gratitude to his Saudi fan base.

As Riyadh Season continues to attract international attention, it has become a cultural magnet for artists worldwide. “Saudi Arabia’s evolution towards embracing arts and culture is attracting talent globally,” Azhar observed, noting that events like these not only entertain but also foster global connections.

He pointed to the recent arrival of Brazilian footballer Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia as an example of the Kingdom’s expanding cultural appeal.

Concluding his remarks, Asim extended his gratitude to the Riyadh Season organizers and the entire team, praising their efforts to bring joy and a sense of relief to the public through the festival.