Stalls From 17 Countries Lend Color to Ramadan Exhibit

JEDDAH, 17 October 2005 — “Ramadan Around the World,” a colorful, two-day exhibition, ended last night at the Jeddah InterContinental Hotel. The charity event, organized by the Women’s Welfare Society, drew more than 500 visitors the first day.

“The exhibition is more than just wonderful,” said Princess Sarah bint Abdullah, who visited the exhibition Saturday night. “The gathering of so many communities in one place displaying their heritage and traditions gives great pleasure.”

Stalls from 17 countries — Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Iran, Pakistan, India, Yemen, Sudan, Egypt, Tunisia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Jordan, Palestine, Senegal, Morocco and Turkey — displayed various traditions, symbolized by costumes, jewelry, handicrafts and food.

Most of the exhibit items were for sale, whereas the food that is distinct in each country was free for the tasting at all the stalls.

The Pakistani stall was distinguished by its gold jewelry and henna hand-drawing.

“We came to this exhibition holding our traditions to introduce them to people,” said Mariam, an organizer for the Pakistani stall.

The Indian stall was equally vibrant with an exquisite display of the country’s haute couture and intricate jewelry.

“We were overwhelmed by the response of the visitors,” said Farha Sayeed, wife of the Indian consul general in Jeddah. “This was a good opportunity for us to promote India’s art, culture and cuisine to the Arab world.” The stall was staffed by Indian women wearing the country’s traditional saris.

Tajos Amen Mohamad, wife of the Malaysian consul general, supervised her country’s stall. “I am so happy that I came here to live with my husband two months ago,” she said. “We used to live in Zimbabwe. My husband was the consul general there. Life in Saudi Arabia is much better and easier. I’m so happy that we took part in this exhibition.”

Next to the national exhibits were many stalls for private artistic works. There were stalls, such as the Charity Warehouse stall, featuring handmade decorated handbags, accessories, thobes and other craft items.