PANAJI
The Silver Jubilee celebration of World Goa Day 2025 will make history in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the United Goans of Saudi Arabia (UGSA) hosts a mega event for the first time.
Global Goan singing icon Mark Revlon will headline the celebration with a live performance at the Novotel Hotel, Dammam, on October 10 from 7 pm onwards. A self-taught musician and music producer, Revlon leads the popular Mark Revlon Band, one of Goa’s best-known music groups. He has performed across the world in the USA, UK, Scotland, Canada, Australia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Bahrain, Oman, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Qatar, Kuwait, India and Goa.
Adding to the excitement, DJ Flossie from Qatar, originally from Benaulim, Goa, will keep the crowd dancing with her mix of retro, pop, Latin, reggae, blues, rock, metal and Bollywood music. DJ Vax, based in Saudi Arabia, will also perform alongside the popular live band Staccato, known for their energetic performances.
The event will be hosted by Goa’s well-known compere Updesh Swar, known for his engaging style and professionalism. Both Mark Revlon and Updesh Swar will be visiting Saudi Arabia for the first time to represent Goa during this milestone celebration.
Simon D’Silva, President of the Global Goan Association and Goan Welfare Association, Qatar, will be the Chief Guest, while Jude Coutinho, General Manager of Logosjes Techno, Bahrain, will be the Guest of Honour.
Founded in 2012, the United Goans of Saudi Arabia aims to unite Goans, promote culture and values, and build a support network for the community. Currently led by President Edson Fernandes, the committee continues to strengthen this bond. Fernandes, from Seraulim, has spent over two decades working abroad and now serves as Regional Director for a leading American firm in Saudi Arabia.
As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, UGSA aligns with this spirit of growth and global unity. The event, marking the Silver Jubilee of World Goa Day, will bring Goans together from across Saudi Arabia and neighbouring GCC countries.
World Goa Day, observed on August 20, celebrates Goan identity and the inclusion of Konkani in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 1992.
