RIYADH, 21 October — The Oriental Ladies Group Bazaar, held at the Philippines Embassy here at the weekend, proved a big draw with family members of diplomats turning up to relish a rich Asian cultural feast.
The bazaar consisted of a colorful array of stalls representing each participating country and selling traditional artifacts, clothes and foods.
The family event included stage presentations by children in national costumes of Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Brunei, Singapore, China, Japan, Korea, Nepal and Malaysia.
OLG President Nabila Riaz, who was one of the organizers, told Arab News that the proceeds of the fair will go to Al Nahda Children’s Society. She said the OLG aimed to introduce the different cultures and traditions of the Asian countries to Saudi Arabia. It was established in 1986 by the wives of diplomats and has 70 members from the 12 Asian embassies in Riyadh.
At the bazaar, the ladies group released a cookbook containing select recipes from the 12 Asian countries. It is available from the Pakistani and Philippines embassies. The wife of the Indian ambassador, Mrs. Sunita Mainee Ahmed, told Arab News that the OLG meets once a month with a view to strengthening relations among the countries and keeping in touch with news and events. The group elects a president each year.
Mrs. Ahmed said she hopes to introduce the OLG to more Saudi women and co-operate with Saudi women’s groups to exchange knowledge about each other’s cultures and form a close friendship.
She also said the Indian Embassy will hold its own bazaar in two weeks.
Philippines Ambassador Bahnarim A. Guinomla said he was happy and proud to be hosting this year’s bazaar , adding that the event brought together the Asian countries for a cause and an appreciation of each other’s cultures.
