Wow I am just surprised by how some people are just so narrow minded and can't accept new information. For those who don't know, according to recent discoveries in Saudi Arabia, archaeologists have found a 9000 year old civilization that actually used domesticated horses. To put this in perspective, the ancient Egyptian civilization is dated to around 5000BC and the Indus valley civilization between 3500BC and 4000BC. The point is that every has a history and something unique to offer if we only look for it.
Horses Domesticated 9,000 Years Ago in Saudi Arabia : Discovery News
Indians historically and even today have been open to people and welcomed them. I think given the fact that the Saudi govt. made an effort to send an 80+ team of artists and performers wouldn't it be worth to at least SEE what they have to offer. Did people criticizing the initiative even READ what the article said? And please no Iran talk.
In any case, there are 88 Saudi artists and here is another article on the road show.
The Hindu : Arts / Art : An Arabian treat for Delhi
Art exhibition, talks, folk performances and more on the menu
For the first time in the country, a “Saudi Cultural Week” showcasing the Arab country's rich cultural heritage, art and fashion has been organised on a big scale here in the Capital.
Organised jointly by Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, the cultural week has multiple components. It was inaugurated at Lalit Kala Akademi on Tuesday. The event had another first as the much sought after holy water from the Zamzan well at Makkah was served to visitors in miniature jars by men dressed in traditional robes.
The walls at the Akademi are decorated with art works of different hues and Arab garments are on display. Six artists are present to explain their works to visitors who want to know about the art scene in the West Asian country. The exhibition showcases over 100 Persian and Arabic calligraphic art, paintings, heritage photographs, digital art and multi-media art.
Welcoming the 88-member delegation, ICCR Director-General Suresh Goel said Saudi Arabia is an important country for India both in terms of civilisation and in strategic and economic dimensions. According to Arab News Editor-in-Chief Khaled Almaeena, who will deliver a talk on the geo-political situation in the Gulf at Jamia Millia Islamia on Thursday, a small but significant beginning has been made to cement cultural ties between India and Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Cultural Week is on up to October 1. The exhibition at Lalit Kala Akademi is on till September 30.
As part of the cultural week, a 60-member cultural troupe from Saudi Arabia country will present music and popular folk performances at Siri Fort Auditorium-I this Thursday.