RIYADH: A capacity crowd of 20,000 Pakistanis and Indians drowned their differences in the high-decibel concert on Friday night by renowned Pakistani singers Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
The event was part of the Riyadh Season and the citizens of Pakistan and India, two traditional archrivals, were all praise for Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) for bringing them together.
Aslam performed a non-stop hit-set, giving people exactly what they came for.
“I’ve missed you all these years,” he said stopping mid-set feeling surreal, creating an uproar of emotions with fans screaming for more.
“I really did,” he reflected a few songs later. “And I really want to thank Turki Alalshaikh for making this happen!”
Audience enjoying Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's live performance in Riyadh Season, Riyadh, Sauid Arabia on Oct 25, 2019. (Supplied)
Feeling just at home, Aslam took the audience on a two hour journey which ended with a beautiful hymn that spoke about and paid respect to the two Holy cities in Saudi Arabia. “I am living the Saudi Vision 2030. Such a happy moment for all of us who’ve waited for him for 15 years,” Jana, a student from Jeddah said.
Raahat Fateh Ali Khan performed his biggest Bollywood hits with a live orchestra.
Last week, Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, tweeted about the first-of-it’s-kind event for Indian and Pakistani nationals living in the country for Riyadh Season which sparked off the celebration on social media.
“This is such an honor. I deeply respect the Saudi Government for this decision and for honoring us. There has never been anything on such a big scale for expats living in the Kingdom,” Azhar Ali, an Indian national living in Riyadh told Arab News.
“Makes us feel more integrated in society and we’re grateful to have our stars come and perform here,” Maqsood Ali, a 40-year-old Pakistani national living in Riyadh said.
Salma Khan, a 38-year-old Canadian national drove from Jeddah to Riyadh with her husband and children to attend the concert. “We took a road trip. I’m so glad my kids will get to witness this historic moment. I can’t believe I’m driving to another city in the Kingdom and that too to watch my favorite artists from Pakistan perform! It’s so overwhelming and I’m so glad we came. The performances were impeccable,” she said.
Riyadh Season 2019 will last for two months until December 15th and will be hosting over 100 events and activities.
