The Jeddah peace talks were suspended in July over fundamental differences between the warring parties…reports Asian Lite News
Amid continued violence in Sudan, warring rivals — the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — announced that their delegations had arrived in Saudi Arabia’s port city of Jeddah to resume a fresh round of peace talks.
Since April 15, the SAF and the RSF have engaged in deadly clashes in capital Khartoum and other areas, resulting in at least 3,000 deaths and more than 6,000 injuries, Xinhua news agency.
The Jeddah peace talks were suspended in July over fundamental differences between the warring parties.
But a statement on Wednesday, the Armed Forces said: “Based on the SAF’s belief that negotiation is one of the means that may end the war, we accepted the invitation to go to Jeddah to complete what was previously agreed upon, which is the full implementation of the Jeddah Declaration, to facilitate the humanitarian work and the return of our citizens and normal life to the cities where the rebels wreaked havoc looting, burning, random bombing and raping.”
It stressed that the resumption of talks does not mean the cessation of armed confrontations against the RSF.
On its part, the paramilitary force said in a statement on Wednesday that “in response to the invitation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the US to resume negotiations, our negotiating delegation arrived in Jeddah today”.
“We hope that the other party will show credibility, realism, and the will to reach a solution that will stop the war and end the suffering of our people,” the statement said.
The RSF further expressed willingness to reach a peaceful settlement for the conflict and achieve the aspirations of the people in building the Sudanese state on new foundations and rebuilding one professional national army.
Since May 6, Saudi Arabia and the US have brokered negotiations between the Sudanese warring parties in Jeddah.
Several truces have been reached and breached since then, with the two sides accusing each other of violating them.
According to the UN International Organization for Migration, nearly 5.8 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan due to the prolonged conflict.
The participants emphasised the importance of benefiting from views and positive suggestions presented during the two-day (August 5-6) meeting, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the Saudi Press Agency…reports Asian Lite News
The talks on the Ukraine crisis have concluded in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah, where participants have called for continuing international efforts to build a common ground for peace.
The meeting, which excluded Russia, was chaired by Saudi Minister of State and National Security Adviser Musaad bin Mohammed Al-Aiban. It was attended by representatives from more than 40 countries and international organisations, including the US, India, the EU, China and the United Nations.
The participants emphasised the importance of benefiting from views and positive suggestions presented during the two-day (August 5-6) meeting, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the Saudi Press Agency.
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, said that he hoped the initiative would lead to a “peace summit” of world leaders this autumn to endorse the principles, based on his own 10-point formula for a settlement, The Guardian reported.
The meeting, which is set to take place on August 5 and 6, will see the participation of national security advisers and other high-ranking officials from about 40 nations….reports Asian Lite News
Ukraine and its allies have come together to garner worldwide backing for a peace proposal. This blueprint will be the focal point of discussions scheduled to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, over this weekend.
The meeting, which is set to take place on August 5 and 6, will see the participation of national security advisers and other high-ranking officials from about 40 nations. The primary goal of this gathering is to reach a consensus on crucial principles aimed at putting an end to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian President’s office has unveiled a three-step strategy to implement Ukraine’s Peace Formula.
The first stage includes meetings between Ukrainian authorities and ambassadors accredited to Ukraine, aimed at discussing the Peace Formula in detail, Andriy Yermak, head of the president’s office, said on Wednesday in a Telegram post.
At the second stage, Kiev will hold talks with foreign national security advisers and political advisers to find mechanisms for the implementation of the peace plan, Yermak added.
According to Yermak, a global summit with the participation of world leaders to implement measures aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine would become the final stage of the peace strategy, Xinhua news agency reported.
The first international meeting to discuss Ukraine’s Peace Formula was held in Denmark in June, and the next meeting will be held in Saudi Arabia, Yermak said.
National security advisers and political advisers from countries in the West, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America will take part in the meeting, he noted.
According to Igor Zhovkva, the deputy head of the Ukrainian President’s office, representatives of more than 30 countries will participate in the meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on August 5-6.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky put forward a 10-point formula designed to achieve peace in Ukraine in November 2022.
Currently, direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia seem unlikely, given the ongoing intensity of the war, and Kyiv’s focus on a counter-offensive to regain lost territories.
However, Ukraine is adopting a different approach to pursue its vision of peace. Rather than engaging in direct talks, Ukraine is concentrating on building a larger coalition of diplomatic support beyond its core group of Western backers.
To achieve this, Ukraine aims to involve Global South countries like India, Brazil, South Africa, and Turkey in the peace-building process. By including nations from the Global South, Ukraine seeks to strengthen its diplomatic standing and garner more widespread support for its peace proposal.
This broader coalition of allies is expected to bolster Ukraine’s position and increase its leverage in seeking a resolution to the conflict with Russia.
India confirms participation
India will participate in the Ukraine peace talks to be hosted by Saudi Arabia on August 5-6, 2023, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
Saudi Arabia has invited several Western nations, Ukraine and some major developing countries to discuss the peace plan proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this year. The plan is said to include the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the withdrawal of Russian troops in addition to the release of all prisoners.
Russia has not been invited for the talks but it has said it will follow the discussions.
“India will participate in this event. Our participation is in consonance with our long-standing position that dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward,” MEA Official Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India response to a question at his weekly media briefing.
Bagchi, however, did not say who would represent the country at the summit. “We will let you know when I am in a position to do so,” he said.
Meeting Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Hiroshima on May 20, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had conveyed India’s clear support for dialogue and diplomacy to find a way forward.
He said that for a resolution of the situation, India and he personally would do everything within their means, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said after the meeting.
India has also reiterated its support for the UN’s efforts in continuing the Black Sea Grain Initiative and expressed hope for an early resolution to the present impasse.
On Monday (July 17, 2023), Russia said it was terminating the implementation of the UN-brokered deal that allowed food exports from Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia through a shipping corridor in the Black Sea.
The leaders of the Arab countries stressed the importance of strengthening joint Arab action based on common foundations, values, interests, and one destiny. The Jeddah Declaration affirms importance of promoting joint Arab action…reports Asian Lite News
Leaders of the Arab world united for regional peace and stability. The joint declaration called for stopping foreign interference in the domestic affairs of Arab countries and categorically rejecting all support for the formation of armed groups and militias outside the scope of state institutions. They also supported the two-state solution in accordance with international references to find peace in Palestine.
The leaders of the Arab countries stressed the importance of strengthening joint Arab action based on common foundations, values, interests, and one destiny.
This came in the “Jeddah Declaration” at the conclusion of 32nd Regular Session of the Arab League Council at the Summit Level today (Jeddah Summit).
The “Jeddah Declaration” emphasised the importance of strengthening joint Arab action based on common foundations, values, interests and one destiny, and the necessity of unifying ranks, solidarity and cooperation in maintaining security and stability, protecting the sovereignty of Arab countries and the cohesion of their institutions, preserving their achievements, striving for further progress concerning Arab action, and taking advantage of the human and natural assets that the region enjoys, and addressing the challenges of the new era in a way that serves the goals and aspirations of a promising future for the peoples and future generations.
The Declaration reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian issue to Arab countries as one of the key factors of stability in the region, and stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just settlement to the Palestinian issue and find real grounds for achieving peace based on the two-state solution in accordance with international references.
Regarding Sudan, the Declaration expressed deep concern at the ramifications of the Sudanese crisis, reaffirming the need to ensure de-escalation, resort to dialogue and unity, alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people, stating that the meetings of Jeddah, which commenced on May 6th, 2023, among Sudanese groups, is an important step that can be built upon to end this crisis and restore security and stability in Sudan and protect the capabilities of its people.
The Declaration welcomed the decision made by the Arab League council at the ministerial level to resume the participation of delegations of the Syrian government in the meetings of the Arab League and its affiliated bodies, expressing hope for this decision to support the stability of Syria, preserve its territorial unity, and resume its role within the Arab world.
The Declaration also expressed its support for all efforts that could guarantee security and stability in the Republic of Yemen and fulfill the aspirations of the Yemeni people.
The Declaration expressed solidarity with Lebanon and urged all Lebanese parties to dialogue in order to elect a President of the Republic who fulfills the aspirations of the Lebanese people, the regular work of the constitutional institutions, and the adoption of the required reforms to get Lebanon out of its crisis.
The Declaration called for stopping foreign interference in the domestic affairs of Arab countries and categorically rejecting all support for the formation of armed groups and militias outside the scope of state institutions.
The Declaration stated that visions and plans based on investing in resources and opportunities and addressing challenges can localise development and activate available capabilities, adding that such visions and plans should utilise technology in order to achieve a comprehensive Arab industrial and agricultural renaissance to which Arab countries should contribute through integrated potentials.
The Declaration expressed commitment to and pride in Arab values and culture based on dialogue, tolerance, openness and non-interference in other countries’ affairs under any pretext. The Declaration also affirmed the need to exert more efforts to preserve Arab culture and inherent Arab identity among the youth and to strengthen their pride in the well-established Arab values, customs and traditions.
UAE SEEKS PEACE
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, said the UAE supports all efforts to promote stability and peace in the region.
During the 32nd Arab Summit held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, His Highness Sheikh Mansour stressed that the best way to ensure development and prosperity in the Arab region is through cooperation.
His Highness Sheikh Mansour said that despite the region’s challenges, some hopeful developments could lead to the resolution of local conflicts, affirming the importance of building on related accomplishments.
He congratulated Syria for returning to its place among friendly countries during the summit, hoping it would get through its current difficulties and achieve stability and prosperity.
He also appealed to Arab countries to capitalise on positive developments to reinforce their cooperation and establish economic and developmental collaborations.
His Highness Sheikh Mansour called on the Sudanese people to solve their issues through dialogue and compromise to overcome the country’s crisis, expressing his gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s role in facilitating talks in Sudan and helping end the political deadlock.
Calling it a daring and complex rescue, MoS MEA informed that evacuees of this batch were located in the vicinity of the Sudanese Capital Khartoum, from where the violence was erupted…reports Asian Lite News
Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan received the eighth batch of 121 Indians at the Jeddah airport evacuated from the conflict-hit Sudan. This batch also included the family members of the Indian Embassy officials, MoS wrote on Twitter.
“A daring rescue! 8th batch of 121 Indians arrived at Jeddah by IAF C 130 J from Wadi Seidna, Sudan. This evacuation was more complex as the location is in vicinity of Khartoum. Family members of our Embassy Officials were also part of this group. Warm welcome. #OperationKaveri,” Muraleedharan tweeted.
Calling it a daring and complex rescue, Muraleedharan informed that evacuees of this batch were located in the vicinity of the Sudanese Capital Khartoum, from where the violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces erupted.
Earlier, on Thursday, Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan received rescued Indians from Port Sudan at Jeddah under ‘Operation Kaveri’.
A total of 135 passengers were onboard the IAF C-130J aircraft that landed in Jeddah from Port Sudan.”Delighted to receive 7th batch of stranded Indians at Jeddah from Port Sudan, 135 passengers onboard IAF C-130J aircraft,” MoS Muraleedharan tweeted.
"7th batch of stranded Indians reached Jeddah from Port Sudan, 135 passengers onboard IAF C-130J aircraft," tweets MoS MEA V Muraleedharan pic.twitter.com/tOKeV6pcJf
Informing of the evacuation of the stranded Indian nationals from Port Sudan, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted on Thursday saying the Indians left for Jeddah on a flight.
“7th batch of stranded Indians departs from Port Sudan. 135 passengers onboard IAF C-130J flight leave for Jeddah under #OperationKaveri,” Bagchi tweeted.
10th batch en route
IAF C-130J flight on Friday evacuated the 10th batch of 135 Indian passengers from Port Sudan to Jeddah after the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) agreed to extend their ceasefire amid ongoing violence in the capital Khartoum and the western Darfur region.
“#OperationKaveri progresses further. 10th batch of evacuees with 135 passengers onboard IAF C-130J flight departs Port Sudan for Jeddah,” tweeted the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi. This comes after the army said it would extend the ceasefire “for an additional 72 hours” following mediation efforts by Saudi Arabia and the United States in the final hours of the repeatedly broken three-day truce, due to end at midnight (22:00 GMT) on Thursday.
The RSF also said it approved the extended truce, adding that the proposal came from two diplomatic groupings that include the US, Saudi Arabia, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
On Thursday, warplanes patrolled over the capital’s northern suburbs as fighters on the ground exchanged artillery and heavy machine-gun fire.
The previous ceasefire has not stopped the fighting but created enough of a lull for tens of thousands of Sudanese, as well as, foreign nationals to leave to safer areas and for foreign nations to evacuate hundreds of their citizens by land and sea.
Sudan is experiencing bloodshed as a result of clashes between the army and paramilitary forces. Even though there is a 72-hour ceasefire, there have been allegations of violence.
Fighting has erupted between soldiers loyal to Sudanese army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, paramilitary Rapid Support Soldiers (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.
Committed to ensuring that no Indian national is left behind in Sudan, India has deployed its military planes and warships in the war-torn country. (ANI)
India launched “Operation Kaveri” to bring back stranded Indians from the war-torn country…reports Asian Lite News
The third batch of another 135 stranded Indians, aboard the second IAF C-130J aircraft, left strife-torn Sudan and reached Jeddah on Wednesday.
Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan tweeted: “Third batch comprising 135 Indians from Port Sudan arrived in Jeddah by IAF C-130J aircraft.”
“Onward journey to India for all who arrived in Jeddah will commence shortly,” he added.
Muraleedharan also received the second batch of the 148 evacuated Indians as the first IAF C-130J reached Jeddah airport on Wednesday. Earlier, naval vessel INS Sumedha reached Jeddah port with 278 evacuated passengers.
“#OperationKaveri in full swing. The second IAF C-130J flight departs Port Sudan for Jeddah, carrying another 135 passengers. This is the third batch of evacuees under #OperationKaveri,” MEA tweeted.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs tweeted that 121 passengers left by the IAF C-130J aircraft.
However, the MoS MEA later tweeted saying 148 Indians were evacuated in the second batch.
“First IAF C-130J aircraft under #OperationKaveri from Port Sudan carrying 148 Indians landed in Jeddah,” tweeted MoS MEA V Muraleedharan.
On Tuesday, the Union minister of state for External Affairs inspected the transit facility at the International Indian School, Jeddah where Indians evacuated from Sudan will be received & put up briefly before arriving in India.
“Inspected transit facility @IndianPage, Jeddah where Indians evacuated from Sudan will be received & put up briefly before travel to India. It is fully equipped incl with mattresses, provisions, fresh meals, toilets, medical facilities, Wifi. Has 24*7 control room. #OperationKaveri,” the MoS wrote on Twitter.
As the fighting between the Sudanese Army and paramilitary groups intensified in the capital Khartoum, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed on Monday that its ‘Operation Kaveri’ to evacuate its citizens from battle-torn Sudan is underway and about 500 Indians had reached Port Sudan.
India launched “Operation Kaveri” to bring back stranded Indians from the war-torn country.
Indian Navy’s INS Teg on Tuesday joined ‘Operation Kaveri’ to further facilitate the ongoing evacuation of Indians stranded in Sudan. The frigate on Tuesday arrived at Port Sudan with additional officials and essential relief supplies for stranded Indians, a senior MEA official said.
“INS Teg joins #OperationKaveri. Arrives at Port Sudan with additional officials and essential relief supplies for stranded Indians,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted on Tuesday.
“Will boost ongoing evacuation efforts by Embassy Camp Office at Port Sudan,” Bagchi added.INS Teg is the fourth Talwar-class frigate constructed for the Indian Navy.
In a recent development, warring factions in Sudan have agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire on Monday after the US and Saudi Arabia mediated the truce while countries are engaged in evacuating their citizens from the country. (ANI)
Elaf’s move to its new headquarters represents a culmination of the group’s modernization and expansion plans…reports Asian Lite News
Elaf Group, a leader in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors, inaugurated its new headquarters in Jeddah on Wednesday. The move comes as part of the group’s new modernization and development strategy, which aims to strengthen its position in the hospitality sector on the national and regional levels.
In his address during the HQ’s inauguration ceremony, Dr. Adel Ezzat, the Chief Executive Officer of Elaf Group, expressed his excitement with the relocation to their new premises. Saleh Salem Bin Mahfouz, SEDCO Holding Chairman, and Dr. Abdulraouf Mohammed Mannaa, Chairman of Board at Elaf Group, were also present at the ceremony.
“Our move [to the new HQ in Jeddah] reflects the ambitions of the group and our determination to enhance our contributions to the national hospitality sector,” he said. “We shall continue to press on with our long and storied march of success after shining success.”
The new headquarters are designed to take Elaf’s renowned working environment to a whole new level, fostering innovation and helping increase productivity with ample working space and all the facilities the staff will need to perform their jobs to the highest standards, thus helping the group maintain its position as one of the most sought-after employers among Saudis across the Kingdom.
“As the Kingdom experiences a windfall of prosperity and growth across every facet of life, our new headquarters is more than capable of keeping up with its progress and catalyzing even more success,” Ezzat continued, adding that the move to their new base of operations is one of many steps Elaf is taking under its ongoing modernization and development strategy, which has poised the group for even greater success within one of the Kingdom’s key economic sectors.
“Elaf group is determined to meet its sector’s Vision 2030 objectives,” he continued.
Ezzat concluded his address by affirming that the group was well on its way to a position of regional leadership in the hospitality and tourism sectors as it continues to enrich and add value to the overall industry’s GDP contributions while also creating jobs for Saudis, driving the national economy, and helping achieve the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives.
Elaf’s move to its new headquarters represents a culmination of the group’s modernization and expansion plans. Over the past few months, Elaf has also launched the first of a chain of Joudyan hotels in Riyadh’s upscale Olaya district, setting the stage for many future hotels across major local destinations. Furthermore, the group is currently working towards the completion of extensive renovation and upgrading efforts across its hotels to keep pace with the runaway growth the tourism and hospitality sectors are currently experiencing.
Vistara is India’s highest-rated airline on Skytrax and TripAdvisor, and it has been the winner of several ‘Best Airline’ awards, besides being lauded for world-class cabin cleanliness and upholding high safety standards…reports Asian Lite News
Vistara, India’s finest full-service carrier and a joint venture of Tata group and Singapore Airlines, successfully inaugurated non-stop flights between Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and Mumbai (India). The inaugural flight departed from Mumbai on August 2, 2022 at 1805 Hours (IST) and landed in Jeddah at 2050 Hours (AST). The airline now flies thrice a week between the two cities on its Airbus A320neo aircraft.
Commenting on the launch of the new international route, Mr. Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara, said, “We are delighted to launch services to Jeddah, and to add Saudi Arabia to our growing international network. Given the multitude of upcoming futuristic projects in Saudi Arabia, strong trade ties with India and presence of large Indian diaspora, there is growing traffic between the two countries. We are confident that travellers will appreciate having the choice of flying India’s best airline on this route.”
Sector
Flight No.
Days of Operation
Departure
Arrival
Mumbai (BOM) – Jeddah (JED)
UK 235
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
1805 hrs
2050 hrs
Jeddah (JED) – Mumbai (BOM)
UK 236
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
2150 hrs
0530 hrs (+1)
+1 indicates next day arrival. All timings shown are in local time zonesThe inaugural flight from Jeddah to Mumbai will be operated on 3 August 2022
SCHEDULE OF FLIGHTS BETWEEN MUMBAI AND JEDDAH
Vistara is India’s highest-rated airline on Skytrax and TripAdvisor, and it has been the winner of several ‘Best Airline’ awards, besides being lauded for world-class cabin cleanliness and upholding high safety standards. In a short span of seven years since starting operations, Vistara has raised the bar for operations and service standards in the Indian aviation industry to become the country’s most loved airline and has recently crossed the milestone of flying 35 million passengers.
Vistara (TATA SIA Airlines Limited): TATA SIA Airlines Limited, known by the brand name Vistara, is a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Sons Private Limited and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA).
Vistara brings together Tata’s and SIA’s legendary hospitality and renowned service excellence to offer the finest full-service flying experience in India. Vistara commenced its commercial operations on January 9, 2015, with an aim to set new standards in the aviation industry in India and it today connects destinations across India and abroad. The airline has a fleet of 53 aircraft, including 41 Airbus A320, five Airbus A321neo, five Boeing 737-800NG and two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and has flown more than 35 million customers since starting operations. For more information about Vistara, visit www.airvistara.com
Unlike traditional cities, it will run on 100% renewable energy and prioritize health and well-being over transportation and infrastructure…reports Asian Lite News
NEOM is launching an exhibition in Jeddah to share the recently announced designs of THE LINE with the public. The display includes detailed designs, renders and architectural concepts of THE LINE, enabling visitors to better understand the scope and complexity of the project. The exhibition starts on August 1 at the Superdome in Jeddah and will offer nearly 50 guided tours per day in both Arabic and English. The displays are spectacular and providing levels of detail that reinforce the ambition of the vision for this new urban environment.
On July 25, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Chairman of the NEOM Board of Directors, announced the designs of THE LINE. The announced designs provide the most important characteristics of THE LINE, which is 200 meters wide, 170 kilometers long and 500 meters high. It will eventually accommodate 9 million residents and will be built on a footprint of 34 square kilometers. This small footprint will use less land when compared to other cities of similar capacity and will contribute to conserving 95% of NEOM’s land. THE LINE puts nature ahead of development, envisioning a future for urban communities without streets, cars and emissions. Unlike traditional cities, it will run on 100% renewable energy and prioritize health and well-being over transportation and infrastructure.
During the exhibition, the public will be able to experience THE LINE first-hand and explore the endless possibilities of future living. An online booking and registration process will ensure no overcrowding and maximum impact for guests. Visitors can now register to receive free tickets via Hala Yalla. Every tour lasts one hour.
The exhibition will run from August 1 to August 14, before moving to other locations such as the Eastern Province and Riyadh. It will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; advanced registration is required.
One audience member, Ghazal Mazen, 16, said that she grew up listening to Korean songs because of her older sisters, and has been a fan of Ateez since early 2020…reports Asian Lite News
Jeddah Season set a new attendance record over its 60 days of events this year. Organizers said 6 million people had visited the season — the highest number in its short history.
Jeddah Season began in May and ended on Saturday, July 2. The number of visitors it attracted suggests the Kingdom’s drive to boost its tourism and entertainment sectors is a success.
The season created numerous opportunities for partnerships with the private sector, as well as a wide range of employment opportunities for young Saudi men and women in stores, restaurants, cafés, markets, or other organizational or logistical services.
More than 80 percent of all employees involved in Jeddah Season were Saudis.
Saranghae KSA festival unites K-pop fans
Saudi Arabia’s first K-pop festival, Saranghae KSA 22, brought fans from a wide range of backgrounds together under the roof of the Jeddah Superdome for a three-day celebration of Korean music and culture.
K-pop installations, an Umbrella Boulevard and a Cherry Blossoms Avenue provided picture-perfect backgrounds for fans, who were also given a taste of Korean cuisine at stalls selling a range of Korean favorites.
One audience member, Ghazal Mazen, 16, said that she grew up listening to Korean songs because of her older sisters, and has been a fan of Ateez since early 2020.
“I really can’t describe how I feel now. It feels like a dream I have been waiting to live in real life,” she said.
High-quality screens ensured fans were able to see their favorite performers, while a screen suspended from the middle of the dome displayed images taken by audience members at the photo booth, as well as short clips of the bands.
The Consulate General of Korea in Jeddah delievered a one-of-kind Korean experience, offering to photograph fans wearing traditional Korean outfits, as well as providing cooking demonstrations.
Performing on the festival’s opening day, EPEX and Ateez greeted the audience in Arabic and Korean.
Both bands took a break to meet the audience and answer questions from fans.
