RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
Ugandan performers, creatives, and entertainers participated in the Global Harmony Festival during Riyadh Season 2025, which took place at Al Suwaidi Park in Riyadh on December 9, 2025.
Riyadh Season is an annual cultural and tourism programme organised by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the Ministry of Media and Entertainment. Running from November to February, the event brings together artists and entertainers from across the world. During the 2025 edition, Al Suwaidi Park hosted the “Countries of the World” showcase, with each week dedicated to celebrating the culture, cuisine, music, and commercial offerings of a selected country.
Uganda participated in Riyadh Season for the first time, becoming the first sub-Saharan African country to be featured at the global event. Uganda Days were held on December 9 and 10, featuring a 25-member artistic lineup supported by the General Entertainment Authority of the Saudi Ministry of Media and Entertainment.
The Crane Performers attracted significant public interest with their vibrant kadodi drum procession, engaging audiences as they performed across different sections of the park. Commenting on the significance of the event, Ms. Margaret Kafeero, Head of Public Diplomacy at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that events such as these not only promote cultural exchange but also strengthen global ties and create new opportunities for tourism, investment, and international collaboration.
At the Ugandan exhibition space, visitors sampled Uganda’s coffee and engaged in traditional games such as Omweso. Addressing attendees, Uganda’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Isaac Biruma Sebulime, stated that Uganda’s participation formed part of a broader cultural and commercial diplomacy strategy. He further noted that Uganda’s presence represented East Africa’s entry point into Saudi Arabia’s expanding cultural and entertainment economy.
Prominent Ugandan artistes, including A-Pass, Vinka, Navio, DJ Bryan, and media personality Sheila Gashumba, showcased Uganda’s creative export potential, which continues to gain recognition beyond national borders.
In addition to music and performance, Uganda presented its coffee, safari tourism offerings, cuisine, crafts, and investment opportunities to millions of Saudi residents and international visitors. The initiative aligns directly with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV (NDP IV) priorities, including tourism development, export promotion, agro-industrialisation, the creative economy, and private sector growth.
