Singer Asim Azhar hails Riyadh Season as "world-class festival" | The Express Tribune

Singer Asim Azhar captivated a large audience at Suwaidi Park during the ongoing Riyadh Season, a prominent cultural festival in Saudi Arabia, on Friday night.

Known for his talent and charisma, Azhar praised Riyadh Season as a "world-class festival," noting its scale, vibrant energy, and the enthusiastic response from both locals and expatriates.

Before taking the stage, Azhar expressed his excitement during a media interaction, highlighting the uniqueness of his current visit to Riyadh. “I’ve performed worldwide as a representative of Pakistan and a peace ambassador,” he stated, reflecting on his previous performance in Riyadh in 2018. He remarked that this year's atmosphere felt "totally different," describing it as if he were visiting for the first time, and acknowledged the city's vibrancy and transformation.

The singer emphasised his commitment to delivering a memorable performance for ‘Pakistan Week,’ aiming to create lasting memories for the Pakistani community and local Saudis. “Art and culture are two important pillars of any society,” he noted, commending the Saudi government for its efforts to promote these sectors. Through initiatives like Riyadh Season, Azhar believes Saudi Arabia is bridging cultural gaps and showcasing the unifying power of art.

Reflecting on his career, Azhar highlighted the special connection he has with Riyadh, noting that young Saudis were instrumental in promoting his work on social media since he began his career in 2011.

This early support helped expand his fan base across the Middle East, particularly in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. “The Riyadh community played a significant role in my career,” he acknowledged.

As Riyadh Season continues to attract international attention, Azhar observed that Saudi Arabia’s evolution in embracing arts and culture is drawing talent from around the world. He cited the recent arrival of renowned Brazilian footballer Cristiano Ronaldo as evidence of the Kingdom's growing appeal.

In closing, Azhar expressed his gratitude to the organisers of Riyadh Season and the entire team behind the event, praising their efforts to bring joy and relief to the public through the festival.