São Paulo – The Saudi Ministry of Culture and information is planning a Saudi cultural week in São Paulo in the first week of June. The announcement has been made this Wednesday (19th) by Abdulaziz Almulhem, the deputy minister for International Cultural Relations, at the offices of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, in São Paulo.
Almulhem was accompanied by his advisor Acamain Khalid, by the chargé d’affaires of the Saudi embassy in Brasília, Ibrahim Aleisa, and by the public relations from the Saudi diplomatic representation in Brazil, Wail Hababi. They were welcomed by Michel Alaby, the Arab Brazilian Chamber CEO, and by Ramez Goussous, the institutional and international relations advisor to the Arab Brazilian Chamber board.
“There are many stereotypes concerning both countries. The Saudis think Brazil is about soccer players, and Brazilians believe there are lots of Bedouins in Saudi Arabia. We want to showcase our folklore and our traditions and to make people interested in Saudi culture,” Almulhem explained.
According to the deputy minister, the cultural week will feature approximately 20 attractions, including dancing, seminars, literature and history lectures, art shows, fashion shows, jewellery exhibits, cuisine, handicraft and calligraphy. All attractions will be free of charge. “We are promoting culture in a broad sense, in the sense of presenting ourselves to others,” the deputy minister said.
Almulhem has been in Brazil since the beginning of this week, visiting potential facilities to host the attractions. He and his entourage have been to places such as the Villa Lobos Park, the São Paulo Museum of Modern Art (Masp), Ibirapuera Park, the Tomie Ohtake Institute, and the Theatre of the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (Tuca). The Saudi delegation also paid visits to the Secretariat for Culture of the State of São Paulo and to the University of São Paulo (USP).
According to the deputy minister, there is the possibility of other cultural events being held in Brazil. “Further activities will hinge upon the results of this event. We want different activities with a broader scope,” he said. According to Almulhem, the ministry is also considering holding cultural weeks in other Brazilian cities, like Rio de Janeiro and Brasília.
The event in June is being held in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of External Relations, via the embassy, and is backed by the Arab Brazilian Chamber.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
