PANAJI
United Goans of Saudi Arabia (UGSA) celebrated its second annual World Goa Day at the Novotel Hotel in Dammam on October 9.
The formal dinner and dance brought together Goans and friends from across the Gulf for an evening of music, food, culture and fellowship.
The event extended from 7 pm until 2 am and featured live performance by Tammy and Roy, with Felly Gomes as master of ceremony, and they travelled all the way from Goa. Local DJ VAX and a seven-member live band from the Philippines also kept the dance floor lively throughout the night.
Guests travelled from Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, as well as from different parts of Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh. The event was fully booked among Goans and other communities in the region. Many attendees made long journeys to reconnect with fellow Goans and celebrate their shared heritage.
UGSA President Edson Fernandes, a native of Seraulim-Goa, welcomed guests and spoke about the committee’s efforts to bring the community together throughout the year through cultural, sporting, social and traditional events.
He said these gatherings help people stay connected, support one another and keep Goan identity alive through culture, traditions, language, music, food and a shared love for Goa.
He also acknowledged the dedication of the committee members, noting that an event of this scale takes months of preparation and teamwork. “Goenkarponn”—the pride and spirit of being Goan—was at the heart of the celebration, he said, adding that Goans carry their identity and the flag of Goa wherever they go.
The chief guest was Sayed Fazeel Ahmed, Director of Sculpt Infra Arabia. The guest of honour was Manob Das, Managing Director of Advanced Specialist & General Contracting Services. The special guest, Fr Nelson Lobo, Director of Faith Formation at AVONA, Kuwait, encouraged Goans to remain united, live by the values of humanity and care for one another’s needs.
Edson Fernandes also conveyed a message from Rene Barreto, co-founder of World Goa Day, who is originally from Vasco-Goa, and is now based in the United Kingdom.
Barreto called on Goans around the world to come together as one global family, guided by collaboration, diversity, friendship and unity. He urged the community to look beyond divisions of politics, religion, creed, caste and village, and to let unity represent Goans living abroad.
“Over the past two years, UGSA’s World Goa Day celebration has grown in popularity and continues to evolve. With the support of the community, the event offers Goans an opportunity to share the pride of Goa in the Kingdom,” said Fernandes.
“The packed dance floor remained lively from the beginning of the evening until the very end—a testament to the community’s enthusiasm and enduring connection to its homeland, even amid the challenges and uncertainties of the region.”
