Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — King Abdul Aziz University's (KAU) international students organized a two days heritage of peoples and cultural festival 2017 at the university Sports Tent recently. Prof. Dr. Abdullah Bin Mefreh Theyabi, vice president of academic section, was the chief guest of the opening ceremony. In his address Theyabi said the festival gave significant interaction of the participants through the sections that highlighted the heritage of each country. He added that the festival has achieved its objectives, as it allowed everyone to recognize the culture, customs and traditions of the participating countries. He gave heartfelt thanks to the organizing committee of the festival and university students who are studying in the internal and external scholarships system. Theyabi toured the exhibition, which included 22 stalls of participating countries namely India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Yemen, Turkey, Nigeria, China, Togo, Ghana, Senegal, Palestine, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Somalia, Benin, Burkina Faso, Kosovo, Chad, Gambia and GuineaBissau. Each stall was decorated with traditional clothes, antiques textiles, popular cuisine as well as historical pictures and natural landmarks. Some countries also showcased historical images, which expressed closed relationship with Saudi Arabia. Afghanistan showed the image of King Abdulaziz meeting with the King of Afghanistan Mohammad Zahir Shah, the last king of Afghanistan. Prof. Dr. Abdel-Moneim Bin Abdulsalam Hayani, dean of student affairs, said in his speech that 22 participating countries contained a variety of performances of arts, crafts, traditions, heritage fashion, food and photographs of tourist attractions. Visitors expressed special interest in the Indian stall. Akram Mohiuddin from Hyderabad was representative of Indian students team in the exhibition. At the stall he showed monuments of Jamaa Masjid, Delhi, Asif Jah, Lucknow Mosque, Lotus Temple, Dehli, Golden Temple, Amritsar. He described some interesting facts of India that it is largest democracy in the world, the 7th largest country and one of the most ancient civilizations etc. Pakistani students were led by Jawad Majeed. He was accompanied by Rashid Miandad, Shahid Hasnain, Omer Farooqi, Usman Ashraf, Waqas Khan, Tasneem Akhter, Muzammil Anjum, Ejaz Ahmed and Ali Shan. During the event the beautiful and diverse culture of different provinces of Pakistan including Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir were presented in traditional costumes. Cultural artifacts from all parts of Pakistan were showcased and beautiful landscapes were emphasized. The traditional food of Pakistan was served to the guests. Consul Generals of mainly participating counties were present to encourage their students. Arshad Munir Consul (Press) was representing Consul General Pakistan during the event with Mohammed Bilal, principal Pakistan International School (PISJ) Azizia. At the end only 3 teams including Philippine, Pakistan and Yemen were chosen based on rehearsal to perform in front of participants, visitors and chief guests.
