LuLu Hypermarket, the largest and fastest-growing retail chain in the region and the flagship enterprise of the LuLu Group, is celebrating the 75 years of India-Saudi bilateral relations with a promotion on Indian goods called ‘India-Saudi Utsav’. The festival was inaugurated Sunday at the LuLu Hypermarket Riyadh Avenue Mall, Riyadh, by Indian Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed. He was accompanied by Shehim Mohammed, director of LuLu Saudi Hypermarkets and other LuLu Group officials. “I am delighted to inaugurate this showcase of Indian products ranging from vital food grains that are such an integral part of the Arab table to fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood from India,” said Ambassador Sayeed. “The LuLu Group and LuLu Hypermarket represent a valuable bridge between India and the KSA and this is an excellent opportunity to highlight the range and variety of Indian products to shoppers. It’s been 75 years of India-Saudi diplomatic relationship, and the partnership has been launched with the India-Saudi Utsav, in partnership with LuLu. A wide range of new Indian products have also been launched at the festival. We congratulate LuLu Group, especially Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group Yussuf Ali M.A for very meticulously carving a name for India in the food market.” The festival, which takes place in all the LuLu Hypermarkets across KSA, also includes attractive promotions for lifestyle and electronics shopping. New products launched at the event include Dragon fruits from India and from brands, such as Gramiya, NutriOrg, Hugo, Reitzal, Milky Fresh, Bikaji, and D-Alive. Saudi Wedding Expo is another highlight of the festival where a wide range of Indian fabrics will be available to customers in Jalabiya or Abaya designs. The festival will run till Aug. 21, 2021. The LuLu Group imports over Rs.3,500 crores worth of Indian products annually and this is expected to go up in the months ahead. The Group is also one of the biggest employers of Indians —nearly 29,000 Indians work for the group. Mohammed said that ‘India-Saudi Utsav’ is a tribute to the group’s strong ties with the subcontinent. “During the last two years, the number of Indian products we’ve launched is far more in comparison to what we’ve done over the previous five years. This shows the current incumbency and efficiency of the team in bringing more products from India and popularising it in Saudi Arabia.” Two quiz programs was launched for the same by the Ambassador, through Madhyamam daily for expats and through LuLu’s official Twitter for Saudi residents. — SG