- RIYADH: The cultural scene of the Saudi capital city became alive and amiable Wednesday with the simultaneous opening of two major festivals at the local Lulu Hypermarket: the Riyadh Summer Festival with highlights of Saudi culture and the Thai Food Festival, featuring an abundant selection of spicy and flavorful dishes from Thailand.
The festivals were inaugurated by Dr. Charn Jullamon, Thai charge d’affaires, amid great fanfare.
“Saudi Arabia is truly a great country with diverse group of people living and working together, and it is indeed a pleasure to see two major festivals being hosted by Lulu,” Jullamon said.
He said the Thai festival was part of a major cultural initiative that can go a long way in “strengthening ties between people of diverse group, between religions and between nations.”
“The Lulu family is happy to organize the two festivals this year,” said M. Shehim Unni, regional director of Lulu Hypermarkets.
“A major drop & win competition is also underway to reward our loyal customers during the month-long festivals.”
The Thai festival is being held only at Lulu Hypermarket in the city, while other malls in the city are also celebrating the Riyadh Summer Festival.
The Riyadh Summer Festival is being promoted by the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) in association with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).
Referring to the Thai festival, Shehim said the event was attracting a number of guests, who visit the hypermarket for Thai curry prawns, Thai desserts and many more delicacies.
He said the combination of around 20 main herbs and spices used in preparing Thai dishes give the cuisine distinctive characters.