JEDDAH, 2 December 2006 — The enthusiastic response received by Saudis who attended the Indo-Saudi Tourism Mart organized by Orion Sargam in Dammam last week shows that the three-day event, which was the first of its kind in the Kingdom, would go a long way in opening new opportunities for the people of the two countries.

The event was different from others organized by the Keralite expatriates in the Kingdom as it brought together Saudi and Indian officials, businessmen, artists and ordinary people, setting the stage for a new era of economic and political cooperation and cultural exchange.

The event was primarily aimed at promoting the south Indian state of Kerala as a world-class tourism spot for Saudis who travel a lot and spend nearly SR45 billion annually. All Saudis who took part in the event were unanimous in their admiration about Kerala’s natural beauty.

“I would like to visit Kerala at the next available opportunity,” said Salah Al-Saif, general manager of a private company in Dammam.

“I have heard about Kerala, but did not know that it has world-class tourist attractions. I was really impressed when I saw a presentation about Kerala. Now I want to visit the place with my family,” he told Arab News.

Al-Saif was referring to a presentation made by B. Suman, director general of Kerala Tourism Department, at the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry during a tourism seminar on the first day of the mart.

Dewli Al-Dewli, who also attended the presentation, said he was eager to see Kerala’s enchanting backwaters and its other marvelous natural sceneries. “I want to visit Kerala today,” he added.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Saihati, chairman of Saihati Group and chief patron of Orion Sargam, opened the Kerala Tourism Exhibition, the Kerala Food Festival and Indo-Saudi cultural programs on the last day of the mart. Rafeek Younus, president of Orion Sargam, and other active workers of the organization were present.

“It was more successful than expected,” said Saihati referring to the tourism mart. “I asked Saudi businessmen and officials about their reaction to the event. They are highly impressed. We could have attracted more people had we advertised properly,” said Saihati.

Younus, the main architect of the mart, commended Saihati, the Indian Embassy, especially Rajeev Shahare, deputy chief of the mission, and Kerala Tourism for their roles in making the event a big success. “Saihati has plans to hold similar functions all over the Kingdom,” he pointed out.

The exhibition gave the visitor an idea of tourist attractions and facilities as well as major art forms in Kerala while a variety of cuisines prepared by Keralite women helped Saudis and other visitors get an idea of the delicacies and therapeutic food items available in the state.

A variety of folk dances presented by a 45-member Saudi troupe based in Dammam gave the mart a festive look. A large number of Keralites applauded the performance of the Saudi entertainers.

“These cultural programs help us know each other and strengthen our bonds of friendship,” said Al-Dewli.

Al-Saif said he believed Kerala would be an ideal place for Saudi families to visit. “Saudi families look for security and people who understand their culture. We know that Keralites are peace-loving people and know our culture and traditions as a result of long-standing relations,” he said.

Ahmed Eissa Yousuf, who studied computer science at a college in Pune had also come to the exhibition with his family. He is now working as a translator at a police station in Dammam and knows three languages: English, Urdu and Arabic. “I am thinking of visiting Kerala with my family,” he said.

Mubarak Eissa Al-Doh, head of the team, said his organization was ready to present a variety of Saudi cultural programs in Kerala and other parts of India. “We can present 30 varieties of dances including the famous Aradha sword dance,” he told Arab News

The team has visited many foreign countries such as Austria, Denmark, Italy, Morocco, Syria, Iraq, Egypt and Tunisia.

“We have seen this type of festival for the first time in the Eastern Province. We are happy to participate in this program, which is held on the 50th anniversary of Kerala’s formation. We congratulate the people of Kerala,” he said.

Groups of Keralite women had prepared a variety of food items for display and sales at the food festival. One stall supplied traditional breakfast food such as iddali, dosha and pittu. Cooked tapioca with sardine curry supplied by another stall also attracted many including Saudis.

“I like these Kerala breakfast food items very much. I don’t know why they supplied continental food when I visited the state last time,” Al-Saihati said after tasting the food with his family members.

Mariyu Sagheer, headmistress at the International Indian School, Dammam, said the event was well-organized. She hoped that the event would help attract a large number of Saudis to Kerala.

Mimicker Kottayam Nazeer, Kalabhavan Prajod, Nelson and Kishor Kumar made the cultural evening lively. They won the applause of both Saudis and Indians by presenting a series of attractive programs imitating well-known politicians and film stars in Kerala.

“This is a good beginning,” said Nazeer, who is visiting Dammam for the third time. “The participation of both Saudi and Indian artists made this event really unique,” he told Arab News.

He hoped that Saudi authorities would provide Indian organizations and artists more opportunities to present various cultural programs.

He was referring to a ban on musical instruments. “This ban has put us in a difficult situation. Instruments are essential to achieve perfection,” he added.

Nazeer spoke highly of Saudi art forms. “There are a lot of similarities in our cultures, traditions and arts,” he said.