RIYADH: Mohammed Vakil, an Indian singer, performed for a gathering of Indian and Pakistani expatriates at the weekend.
Vakil sang his hit numbers, popular ghazals and some Bollywood songs during the performance, organized by the Indo-Arab Friendship Association.
He also paid tributes to music legends including Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali and Jagjit Singh at the well-attended event.
Speaking to Arab News, he said that singing for Yash Chopra’s “Veer Zaara” remains the major highlight of his Bollywood career.
He considers himself very lucky that he got to work with a legend like him, who had such a great understanding of not just filmmaking, but also of music.
Overwhelmed by the love and compassion showered on him by the music lovers, he said: “I truly appreciate it, this is the reason why I keep visiting the Kingdom.”
Those attending the program described it as a memorable event.
Manzar Khan, an Indian banker who attended the event said: “It was a very fulfilling event; the way Vakil sings full of passion and enthusiasm, has made me a fan of his ghazal singing.”
The event was moderated by Mohammad Qaiser, president of Tanzeem Hum Hindustani.
Indian singer regales Riyadh expats
Indian singer regales Riyadh expats
Najran’s camels are embedded in local culture and traditions
- Several distinct camel breeds are found in the region
- Animals permeate Arab consciousness, says expert
RIYADH: In Najran, camels are not only a vital livestock resource but also a cornerstone of local identity and tradition.
According to Hadi Benyan Al-Amer, head of Najran’s Camel Association, the region has several distinct camel breeds.
Principal among them is the Awarik, an ancient Arabian lineage linked to territories where arak trees flourish, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
These light-colored, sparsely-haired camels possess remarkable resilience, and are prevalent across southern Arabia.
The Majahim are characterized by dark hues spanning black to brown, and excel in both milk yield and endurance.
The Asayil are prized for their sleek, lean physiques, and dominate in speed-based competitions.
Al-Amer said traditional water sources known as Odood, or traditional water wells and artesian wells, have sustained herders navigating the Empty Quarter’s grazing lands for generations.
These permanent water points, equipped with dedicated drinking basins for camels, showcase the animals’ extraordinary environmental resilience.
Among the principal wells accessible from Najran are Al-Minkhali, Abu Shadid, Hamra Nathil, Tamani, Umm Al-Wahat, and Khujaima.
Countless additional wells dot the Empty Quarter and adjacent territories, forming the backbone of camel owners’ far-reaching pastoral networks.
Dr. Hind bint Dawood Al-Shuqair of Najran University’s Arabic Language Department explained how camels have permeated Arab consciousness through legends and stories spanning thousands of years.
Representing endurance, power, and grace, they have become inseparable from Arab cultural identity.
Archaeological evidence at Al-Ukhdood, Mount Al-Tharwa and Hima, preserves through carvings and ancient artwork the deep bond between people and camels, Al-Shuqair said.
She drew attention to Saudi Arabia’s substantial investment in camel heritage, exemplified by proclaiming 2024 as the Year of the Camel.
This designation emphasizes their importance to national prosperity and cultural heritage while backing global initiatives to promote awareness of camels as valuable economic and cultural assets.
The Kingdom further demonstrates its commitment to protecting the animals through the annual King Abdulaziz Festival, the SPA reported.
