Our Bureau
Riyadh
In a recent address, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Media, Khalid bin Abdulqader Al-Ghamdi, underscored the invaluable contributions of over 20 million Indians in the Kingdom. This statement came during the launch of the Global Harmony Initiative, which is part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan aimed at enhancing the quality of life and fostering cultural integration within the nation.
Al-Ghamdi’s remarks were made against the backdrop of the ongoing Riyadh Season, a vibrant festival that commenced on October 13. The Deputy Minister pointed out that the Indian community, which numbers approximately 2.6 million, plays a pivotal role in not only enriching Saudi society but also bolstering economic growth.
Al-Ghamdi said, “The relationship between our countries is witnessing improvement, witnessing so many new arenas of cooperation including economics, cultural or all the aspects and these will be aligned to vision 2030 or its counterpart long-term projects in India.”
The importance of Indian contributions extends beyond mere economic metrics. The historical ties between India and Saudi Arabia have deepened considerably over the years, particularly through high-profile visits by leaders such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Al-Ghamdi emphasized that such diplomatic engagements are crucial for fostering mutual understanding and respect between nations.
The Global Harmony initiative aims to promote coexistence among expatriates and locals through a series of cultural exhibitions, concerts, and culinary showcases. Al-Ghamdi noted that these activities are designed not only to entertain but also to educate both Saudis and expatriates about each other’s cultures.
“This is an initiative by the Ministry of Media. It is one of the initiatives of the Vision 2030 and program on the quality of life in Saudi Arabia. It aims to show how residents are living in harmony in the society of Saudi Arabia,” added Al-Ghamdi.
The economic impact of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia cannot be overstated. Indians are involved in numerous sectors including healthcare, engineering, IT services, and hospitality. Their expertise has been instrumental in driving forward key projects aligned with Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependency.
Looking ahead, Al-Ghamdi expressed optimism about the future collaboration between Saudi Arabia and India. He called for more initiatives that promote dialogue and understanding among different cultures residing in the Kingdom.
As Saudi Arabia continues its transformation under Vision 2030, initiatives like Global Harmony serve as vital platforms for recognizing the essential roles played by expatriate communities in shaping a dynamic and inclusive society in Saudi Arabia.
