NEW YORK: Pop star Ariana Grande promised Friday to return to Manchester to play a charity concert following a suicide attack at her show, as she urged fans to respond to the tragedy with love.
In her first substantive comments since Monday’s tragedy, the singer said she felt “uplift” by seeing fans’ compassion after the blast which killed 22 people and was claimed by the Daesh group.
The 23-year-old, who suspended her tour and returned to her Florida home to rest, said she planned a concert as “an expression of love for Manchester.”
She said that the concert would raise money for the victims of the attack and their families. The date has not yet been set.
“Our response to this violence must be to come closer together, to help each other, to love more, to sing louder and to live more kindly and generously than we did before,” she said in an essay posted on her social media accounts.
“We won’t let this divide us. We won’t let hate win,” she said.
Grande, whose fan base is dominated by girls and young women, said she had seen a “beautiful, diverse, pure, happy crowd.”
She said that she viewed her concerts as places for her fans “to escape, to celebrate, to heal, to feel safe and to be themselves.”
“This will not change,” she said.
Grande canceled two weeks of concerts, including two shows in London, after the attacks. She flew home on Tuesday after releasing a brief message saying she felt “broken.”
She plans to resume her “Dangerous Woman” tour in Paris on June 7.
Ariana Grande plans show for Manchester victims
Ariana Grande plans show for Manchester victims
Jeddah to transform public transport with new expansion
- Initiative includes 91 new buses, expanded bus stops and routes, and exclusive taxi franchise
JEDDAH: Jeddah is set to undergo a major public transportation expansion with new routes and increased services.
Jeddah Transport Co. CEO Yousef Al-Sayegh has announced the launch of 91 new buses, including three electric vehicles, and an increase in bus routes from six to 14 starting April 1.
This expansion will significantly enhance mobility across the city, with the number of bus stops increasing from 46 to 383, and a goal of serving 9 million riders annually.
The announcement was made during a recent event hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce Saudi Arabia Jeddah Chapter, which focused on transportation initiatives and business collaboration opportunities.
During his presentation, Al-Sayegh outlined the company’s history and operations, focusing on public transportation, transit-oriented development, and sustainable urban mobility.
He highlighted key initiatives, including bus and taxi services, infrastructure development, and investments to enhance Jeddah’s public transport network.
Al-Sayegh discussed the company’s partnership with SAPTCO, the local bus service provider, which began in 2018.
“We started with six bus routes, and Jeddah remains the only city in Saudi Arabia with air-conditioned bus stations. Today, 76 buses serve the city, carrying 26 million passengers over the past five years,” he said.
Al-Sayegh also outlined plans for an exclusive public taxi franchise to improve service quality and efficiency.
A consultancy contract has been secured to assist with the tendering process, financial modeling, and operational requirements.
The initiative includes a distinct visual identity for Jeddah’s taxis, featuring a standardized brand, logo, official uniforms, and designated taxi parking signage.
Each taxi will have informative interior stickers and digital passenger screens.
“Taxis and drivers will maintain a standard appearance, with dashboards displaying the driver’s name and company details. Four different color-coded taxis will distinguish services provided by four companies,” he added.
Speaking to Arab News, Al-Sayegh emphasized the importance of expanding Jeddah’s bus network and increasing the number of stations to boost ridership.
“The more stations we have, the more people can access public transport. We have increased bus routes to 14, and if demand rises, we are prepared to expand further. Our goal is to make Jeddah’s public transport system comfortable, reliable, and punctual.
“Our buses are kept clean and are driven by qualified professionals who prioritize safety. Women can confidently use public transport as all buses are equipped with surveillance cameras linked to a control room with facial-recognition technology.”
Nausherwan Hafeez, president of the Jeddah chapter, said: “This conversation showcased Jeddah Transport Co.’s efforts to enhance mobility across the city and address a key challenge in our community.
“We look forward to organizing more events that bring business leaders together to exchange insights, foster connections, and collaborate across industries to find solutions to common challenges.”
Zeina Alnouri, head of events and programs for the Jeddah chapter, said: “These are exciting times for Saudi Arabia, and we are proud to serve as a platform for companies like Jeddah Transport Co., to share their vision and foster collaboration.
“We look forward to continuously hosting this new event series, featuring exclusive announcements that provide our attendees with valuable insights into the Kingdom’s future.”
Saudi Arabia’s retail market driven by youth, digital growth: experts say
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s retail sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a digitally savvy young population, increasing consumer confidence, and shifting spending habits, according to a senior executive.
In an interview with Arab News at Retail Leaders Circle in Riyadh, Abdellah Iftahy, senior partner at McKinsey and Co., said that 75 percent of retail spending will come from Saudi youth by 2035.
“The consumer of tomorrow is not the one that we see today, and that will actually quite dramatically shape and shake the retail industry,” Iftahy said.
He continued: “Brands not relevant to today’s youth may struggle to compete. A key consumer trend is the rising importance of value for money, driven by a growing middle class in Saudi Arabia. This will shape the retail industry with a focus on mass-market, value-for-money offerings.”
Iftahy noted that Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce market is expected to grow significantly, with one in four retail transactions happening online by 2035.
This growth will be driven by increasing digital adoption, rising disposable income, and evolving consumer preferences within the Kingdom.
“Consumers are digitally savvy, and the young population actually transacts much more, both in terms of brand discovery but also in terms of clothing, if you will, to purchase online. E-commerce will continue to become a fast-growing channel going forward,” Iftahy said.
He mentioned that food service would be another growing channel, with significant investments expected in entertainment, hotels, hospitality, and restaurants. This, he added, would ultimately boost the food service sector for distributors supplying these outlets.
Echoing these sentiments, Karl Nader, partner and managing director at AlixPartners, pointed out that while consumer sentiment in the US and Europe is expected to decline in 2025, the Kingdom remains an exception.
“This is coming from a few areas. We’re increasing spend in grocery. But actually, within grocery, we expect Saudi consumers, what the data is telling us, is that there is a shift toward more value-added products, value-driven products, more discounters, private labels, and so on,” Nader said.
As a result, consumers are adjusting their financial habits to rebalance their budgets.
Nader also stated that the increase in Saudi consumer spending on dining out and entertainment reflects strong consumer confidence, or short-term factors like post-pandemic recovery and government stimulus.
One reason for this increased spending is the greater availability of entertainment options, driven by government and Public Investment Fund-backed projects that are expanding the sector.
Luxury and e-commerce
While budget-conscious spending is increasing, the luxury retail sector is also set for expansion, with international brands looking to establish a stronger presence in Saudi Arabia.
“Fundamentally, retail is about demand, and if demand grows with population and expats coming, we see all of the subsectors benefiting from that,” Iftahy said.
He added: “I think some of the subsectors that may grow faster would be luxury, because what we see today is there is a lot of spend from Saudis outside of Saudi. So, if supply comes in, we expect this to grow at a higher rate than the rest of the industry.”
Iftahy went on to say that everything related to entertainment and hospitality is growing because people have been spending more time outside of their homes, and that trend is expected to continue.
The evolution of Saudi Arabia’s retail industry is also changing the role of traditional retail spaces.
Challenges vs. opportunities
Despite the opportunities, retailers in Saudi Arabia face key challenges, including rising operational costs, workforce productivity gaps, and the need for digital transformation.
“The productivity levels in Saudi retail are lower than global standards,” Iftahy noted. “Retailers must improve efficiency, leverage consumer data, and explore adjacent market opportunities.”
Additionally, the changing role of women in the workforce is influencing consumer behavior. “With more Saudi women working and managing careers, retailers need to rethink their engagement strategies,” Nader said.
Sustainability and ethical consumerism are also gaining traction among younger Saudi shoppers. “Brands that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability — through eco-friendly packaging, ethical sourcing, and corporate responsibility — will have an edge in building long-term customer loyalty,” Iftahy added.
Retail growth
Despite economic uncertainties in global markets, both Nader and Iftahy agree that Saudi Arabia’s retail sector is poised for continued growth.
“I think the Saudi market across the different sectors is still growing, and there are a lot of opportunities for growth that can be captured by local or international players,” said Iftahy.
“I would say the international players that have a value proposition and products that are differentiated and bring additional value to consumers have higher chances of winning.”
He highlighted that Saudi Arabia offered growth opportunities across consumer and retail segments, with the greatest potential for international brands offering unique products or value propositions.
As Vision 2030 continues to drive economic transformation, experts believe that businesses that embrace e-commerce, data-driven strategies, and experiential retail will thrive, while those that fail to adapt will struggle in an increasingly competitive market.
Ithra hosts screening of Japanese indie horror hit
- Shinichiro Ueda: One key point is that this film was created as part of an acting workshop we conducted, and then we made a film with the participants
- Ueda: As a result, there were no casting costs. We also assembled a strong team from within the workshop, which helped keep the budget low
DHAHRAN: As a part of Japan Cultural Days in Dhahran, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Ithra, recently hosted a special screening of the 2017 film “One Cut of the Dead.”
It was followed by an exclusive Q&A with director Shinichiro Ueda.
“One key point is that this film was created as part of an acting workshop we conducted, and then we made a film with the participants,” Ueda told the crowd.
“As a result, there were no casting costs. We also assembled a strong team from within the workshop, which helped keep the budget low,” he said.
The event gave audiences a rare opportunity to explore the film’s creative process, behind-the-scenes secrets, and the journey that turned this indie film into an international phenomenon.
“For the protagonist’s house, we used my own home, and as for the baby … that was my own child."
“Yes, ‘One Cut of the Dead’ was indeed shot in one continuous take,” he confirmed, earning applause from the audience.
At first glance, it seems like a typical horror movie — a film crew shooting a bloody zombie film in an abandoned location, complete with exaggerated movements and endless screams — only to find themselves caught in a real zombie outbreak.
Chaos ensues as they struggle to survive, all while the cameras keep rolling. However, nothing is as it seems.
Before the screening, audiences at Ithra were advised not to be deterred by the seemingly chaotic and confusing beginning.
“You will be rewarded after the first 40 minutes, and it will all make sense,” an announcement assured viewers before the 96-minute film began.
The film’s innovative structure and execution have made it a favorite among directors who appreciate smart and unconventional filmmaking. American filmmaker and actor Quentin Tarantino called it one of his favorite films of the year.
Edgar Wright, director of “Shaun of the Dead,” highlighted its clever storytelling, and Rian Johnson, director of “Knives Out” and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” praised its creativity.
For the discussion, Ueda wore a Saudi thobe and shemagh, joining several of the film’s actors, along with a moderator and translator.
They explored how the film defied genre conventions, blending horror and comedy with an inventive storytelling structure that surprised audiences worldwide.
The film won multiple honors, including the Audience Award at the Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival and Best Director at the Fantaspoa International Fantastic Film Festival.
Dammam resident Ahmed Albather shared his excitement with Arab News about finally watching the 2017 classic he had heard so much about.
“I heard about this screening and came specifically to watch it. The film is said to be one of the best Japanese indie zombie films of the last decade, if not longer. I love Japanese movies, so I had to come,” Albather said.
“This is my first visit to Ithra’s Japan Cultural Days, and I am really impressed by it and how they brought the director to talk to us here,” he added.
The film is being showcased in its original Japanese with Arabic and English subtitles.
For those who missed the event, “One Cut of the Dead” will have another screening at Ithra Cinema on Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m., without the director’s talk.
Tickets can be purchased through the Ithra website or at the venue.
Dar wa Emaar’s ‘Saraya Al-Fursan 2’ achieves SR450m in sales within 3 months of launch
Dar wa Emaar Real Estate Investment and Development Company, a pioneer in the real estate development sector in Saudi Arabia, has achieved an impressive 50 percent sales milestone, totaling SR450 million ($120 million), for its Saraya Al-Fursan 2 residential development in Al-Fursan Suburb, Riyadh, just three months after its launch. Introduced during last year’s Cityscape Global, the second phase of the project has been realized through DwE’s ongoing partnership with the National Housing Company.
Saraya Al-Fursan 2 is a testament to the enduring success of its predecessor, reflecting the deep trust and confidence clients and the NHC place in Dar wa Emaar. This second phase not only continues the legacy of quality and excellence established by the first but also signals the strength of the ongoing partnership between DwE and NHC, which has been crucial in meeting the high expectations and demands of today’s Saudi real estate market.
Commenting on the project’s resounding early-stage success, Mansour Aljfaili, sales director at DwE, said: “DwE has had the privilege of serving the Kingdom and its people for nearly two decades, during which we have witnessed the flourishing of the real estate industry and the emergence of a mature, discerning, and optimistic market. Homeownership is one of the most significant investments an individual or family can make, and Saraya Al-Fursan 2’s strong sales figures demonstrate that DwE has once again earned the trust and confidence of the public. These impressive results have also surpassed our target for the first year since the launch, reflecting the exceptional demand and confidence in our projects. We look forward to seeing Saraya Al-Fursan, and the Al-Fursan Suburb community, continue to evolve and thrive in the years to come.”
Saraya Al-Fursan 2 represents the latest milestone in DwE’s commitment to honoring Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage while addressing the current and future primary property ownership aspirations of its people. Strategically located just 10 km from King Khalid International Airport and 30 km from Riyadh Boulevard and the King Abdullah Financial District, Saraya Al-Fursan 2 offers unparalleled connectivity while enhancing quality of life with homes tailored to suit the evolving needs of today’s Saudi citizens and residents.
This vibrant, community-focused lifestyle development offers 718 housing units across four thoughtfully designed villa models: two five-bedroom family villas and two four-bedroom villas.
Each model blends modern and vernacular architectural motifs, with their exterior facades characterized by bold, cubic designs accented by mashrabiya screens and warm earthen tones. The interiors combine open, contemporary layouts with traditional majlis and dewaniyah spaces. Saraya Al-Fursan 2 emphasizes sustainable design with features like energy-saving LED lighting, natural marble and porcelain flooring, and high-quality construction materials ensuring durability and environmental consciousness.
Saraya Al Fursan is a key project within Al-Fursan Suburb, designed to increase the supply of quality housing in this ambitious city development. Spanning 461,683 square meters, it dedicates 41 percent of its space to residential villas, 32 percent to gardens and landscapes, and 27 percent to commercial spaces, roads, and public facilities.
German tourist killed by wild elephant in India
- Police said they had tried contacting the dead man’s family “but no one responded to our calls“
- The tourist continued driving toward the wild elephant despite warnings by travelers
NEW DELHI: A German tourist died in India after he was attacked by a wild elephant in a forest reserve, police said Wednesday.
The 77-year-old was riding a hired scooter in Tiger Valley in southern Tamil Nadu state on Tuesday evening when the agitated elephant attacked him on a hilly forest road, tossing the tourist into the woods.
“He failed to understand warnings by other travelers who had stopped a safe distance after spotting the wild elephant and drove ahead,” said Uma, a police officer who uses only one name.
“The elephant attacked him and he died on the way to a local hospital,” the officer told AFP.
Police said they had tried contacting the dead man’s family “but no one responded to our calls.”
Local media reported that the tourist continued driving toward the wild elephant despite warnings by travelers who were waiting for the animal pass — and honked loudly to drive it away.
His decision to “ignore warnings and attempt to cross the road despite the elephant’s presence led to the fatal accident,” forest officer G. Venkatesh said, according to the New Indian Express newspaper.
India has an estimated 30,000 wild Asian elephants.
In India, elephants attack locals regularly — and vice versa — as humans encroach into forest areas.
