JEDDAH: A game development marathon wrapped up in Jeddah on Saturday with the creation of eight new Saudi games in just 48 hours.
Global Game Jam (GGJ) is run by an international non-profit based in California, with a mission to foster game design, game education and stimulate collaboration through events. It takes place around the world and is organized simultaneously in more than 800 locations. This year marks the 12th annual GGJ.
“Think of it as a hackathon focused on game development,” GGJ’s Jeddah organizer Mashael Abul-naga told Arab News. “It is where creative people sit down at one table together and create something that none of them would have done alone.”
Abul-naga has organized the event for the third year in a row, and her goal is to establish a platform for Saudi-based game enthusiasts to gather, share their experiences and inspire each other. “This event is one of the most beautiful things I have been working on for the last couple of years, and every year I feel so excited doing it again,” she said. “This year we had over 110 participants, including designers, developers, animators, artists, 3D designers, programmers, voice actors and producers.”
The three-day event took place at Vibes Offices, a coworking space in the city, and started Thursday. This year’s theme was “repair.” Participants formed their teams once the theme had been announced, then brainstormed and began working on their games. They finalized their games and uploaded them to the GGJ website at the end of the event.
“Hard Broken” is about a girl who has to fix a robot, which is really her father, by finding pieces in a junkyard. Players in “Dheyaa” are alone in a castle and have to fix lights so they can see monsters, kill them and progress to the next level. The star of “Retro Virus” is an an engineer tasked with repairing a spaceship that will evacuate the human survivors of an apocalyptic battle.
“Instead of making presentations, this year we are making the teams test their games through allowing guests, gamers, and non-gamers to try the games and give the teams their feedback,” said Abul-naga.
She added that the event allowed people to learn from each other how to collaborate, delegate tasks, and work collectively. They also earned international recognition and enjoyed an adventure that was a mixture of education and fun.
Some people at GGJ had prior experience in the field while others were trying their hand for the first time, but Abul-naga explained that the most important part of the experience was people leaving their comfort zone and being visible on the local and international game development scene.
Abul-naga, who has a background in HR and has been fascinated by video games from a young age, is keen to build public awareness about the games’ industry as well as motivating people and channeling their potential.
“I have seen extremely creative people (at GGJ), introverted, but still trying to leave their comfort zone and I am doing my best to give them a chance.”
Tarek Mukhtar, the founder and manager of Riyadh-based Gamedev Corners, traveled to Jeddah for the event. “It was evident to me that Jeddah would be the most vibrant and have the biggest turnout for GGJ 2020 in the country,” he told Arab News. “I took part as an animator and background developer. It’s not a competition, it’s just for fun.”
The GGJ event also included workshops on game engines, 3D design, as well as building a CV and beginning a career in the games’ market.
Zahraa Al-Halis, 20, took part as a game developer. “Although it wasn’t easy to do in one day, still, the feeling of accomplishment is amazing,” Al-Halis said.
Game development marathon wraps up in Jeddah
https://arab.news/rwgy4
Game development marathon wraps up in Jeddah
- The three-day event took place at Vibes Offices, a coworking space in Jeddah, and started Thursday
- This year’s theme was “repair”
Abdullah Bin Faisal Bin Turki Al Saud receives highest Japanese Imperial Award
- He was recognized for his role in strengthening economic ties between both countries
- A total of 1,888 people, including 107 foreigners from 45 countries, have been honored
TOKYO: The former governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority has been awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, a highly esteemed honor in Japan.
Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al Saud was recognized for his role in strengthening economic ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, who is also a former foreign minister of Egypt, and Jordan’s former ambassador to Japan Leena Madhuhar Hassan Annab received the same honor for their roles in promoting friendship between Japan and their respective nations.
Yousef Ahmed Al-Hnaity, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces, was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.
Four individuals from Tunisia, representing various fields and achievements, were awarded the Gold Rays with Rosette. The recipients are Habib Gamra, co-founder and chairman of the Pan-African Course on Interventional Cardiology; Adnene Khouaja, the first vice president of the Tunisia-Japan Friendship Association; Jamel Boujdaria, former director of the Asia, American and Asian Affairs Bureau at Tunisia’s Foreign Ministry; and Imed Ben Ammar, former director of the Bourguiba Institute of Modern Languages.
A total of 1,888 people, including 107 foreigners from 45 countries, have been honored. Among the overseas winners are the former US Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, both of whom will receive the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.
The awards ceremony will take place on May 9 at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
Riyadh festival inspires youth with math, tech focus
- The event featured 25 interactive pavilions, dialogue sessions, theatrical performances
- The festival drew thousands of students from across the Kingdom
RIYADH: The second STEAM Festival, themed “Math, the Language of Science,” ended at the King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The event featured 25 interactive pavilions, dialogue sessions, theatrical performances and workshops focused on science and innovation.
It was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Education, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, the National Institute for Educational Professional Development and the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, with support from the Riyadh Foundation for Science.
The festival drew thousands of students from across the Kingdom, more than 400 volunteers and more than 800 teachers who took part in workshops.
Attendees embarked on an inspiring educational journey through Arab, Islamic and Saudi scientific heritage, modern mathematical applications, emerging technologies and future opportunities.
Specialized panel discussions led by experts explored key topics in mathematics, technology and innovation, the SPA reported.
The festival also marked the launch of a national initiative to promote science and technology festivals. The scheme aims to spark youth interest in STEM, nurture innovation skills and build globally competitive generations.
NCW carries out study of marine biodiversity in Red Sea
- The research examined underwater habitats
- Scientists used an environmental sensitivity map to classify different underwater areas
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife has conducted a study of marine biodiversity in the Red Sea.
The research examined underwater habitats, and was part of efforts to safeguard the Kingdom’s natural resources, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Scientists used an environmental sensitivity map to classify different underwater areas based on the vulnerability of the species found there, prioritizing areas with a high number of at-risk species.
Surveys were carried out on 64 locations along the coastline to investigate the health of the species in those regions.
Changes in water temperature were measured in 37 different spots, to monitor the impact that higher temperatures have on wildlife.
CEO of the NCW, Mohammed Qurban, said that the study aligned with the green development goals of Saudi Arabia, which promote environmental sustainability in the Kingdom.
He also talked about the significance of surveys and how they were a critical tool to detect signs of any changes to habitats, which allowed organizations to address any issues.
NCW said in a statement that it would continue a number of studies and programs throughout the year to protect the marine and terrestrial biodiversity in the Kingdom.
The Red Sea is home to an array of wildlife including whales, dolphins, hammerhead sharks and sea snakes.
This week, one of the largest coral colonies in the world was discovered in the Red Sea.
The massive Pavona coral colony is expected to become an environmentally friendly tourist attraction managed by Red Sea Global.
Earlier this month, marine scientists found creatures thriving in deep waters of the Red Sea under seemingly unfavorable conditions of low oxygen levels and high acidity.
The unusual ecosystem was found in Difat Farasan near the border between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
The NCW is also leading initiatives to protect the dugong population in the Red Sea from further decline.
Efforts by the center include satellite tracking and scientific research to monitor its distribution in Saudi Arabia’s territorial waters.
Additionally, national plans are in place to manage and rehabilitate the species’ natural habitats, supporting long-term sustainability and the conditions necessary for dugong reproduction and survival.
Madinah Bus Network adds 9 new routes
- The expanded network now covers Madinah’s most densely populated districts
- The 177-strong bus fleet now serves more than 455 main and secondary stops
RIYADH: The Madinah Bus Network will launch nine new routes on Thursday, raising the total number of operational routes to 15.
The expanded network now covers Madinah’s most densely populated districts and key areas, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The Madinah Region Development Authority, which oversees the project, confirmed that the 177-strong bus fleet now serves more than 455 main and secondary stops across 639 km of routes.
Since its launch three years ago, the network has improved traffic flow, enhanced public transport quality, and supported environmental sustainability by reducing vehicle emissions.
During peak seasons such as Ramadan and Hajj, continuous shuttle services have eased the movement of worshippers and visitors to and from the Prophet’s Mosque.
The authority said that the buses meet high standards, ensuring comfortable, reliable, and safe service for all users, the SPA reported.
Saudi Arabia, Italy strengthen ties at business forum
- Discussions focus on energy transition, investment opportunities, sports-driven economic growth
Turin: The Saudi-Italian Business Forum concluded on Wednesday in Turin, bringing together officials, business leaders and experts from both countries.
Cristina Tumiatti, vice president of Piccola Industria Unione Industriali Torino, opened the third day of the forum with a speech on industrial excellence.
“Saudi Arabia represents a market of extraordinary strategic potential. Its geographic position and dynamic economic environment make it a natural hub for businesses,” she said.
Tumiatti shared her personal expereinces in the Kingdom and praised its rapid transformation: “I have witnessed firsthand the progress and openness that characterize the Saudi business environment.”
She also emphasized Italy’s focus on Middle East partnerships: “Our initiatives promote digital ecological manufacturing and investments aimed specifically at companies entering the Saudi market.”
Waleed Al-Rubaie, general manager of petrochemicals at the Ministry of Investment, addressed global economic challenges and stressed the need for international cooperation.
“We come together at a time where the world is facing many challenges, and we can only overcome these by working together,” he said.
Al-Rubaie reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s green commitment: “We are dedicated to balancing energy availability with sustainability through our new green initiatives.”
His remarks underscored the energy sector’s shift toward sustainability as key to tackling climate change and ensuring long-term economic resilience.
Fahad Al-Subaie, director of clubs investment at the Ministry of Sports, spoke about the link between sports and economic development.
“We are targeting a 3 percent GDP contribution by 2030, aiming to create around 200,000 jobs,” he said.
He highlighted major investments since 2018, including the Newcastle acquisition and Formula One partnerships.
“These initiatives are not just about sports; they are about creating opportunities and driving economic growth,” he added, noting their impact on tourism and jobs.
Al-Subaie also pointed to Saudi Arabia’s global ambitions: “Our successful hosting of the 2024 World Cup is a testament to our commitment, as we are the first nation to achieve this with the highest attendance in history.”
Marco Osnato, president of the Bilateral Friendship Section UIP Italy-Saudi Arabia, highlighted the strengthening ties between the two countries.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Meloni, Italy and Saudi Arabia are becoming strategic partners. This partnership is reflected in our growing economic relations,” he said.
He stressed the role of political dialogue in boosting economic ties: “Frequent visits and agreements between our nations serve to solidify our commitment to mutual growth.”
Osnato added: “Italy is well-positioned to become a key player in the hydrogen supply chain,” pointing to shared goals in energy transition and sustainability.
Kamel Al-Munajjed, chairman of the Saudi-Italian Business Council, reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Italy. “This is the largest Saudi business mission to ever visit Italy, reflecting our serious commitment to collaboration,” he said.
Al-Munajjed led a delegation of nearly 70 Saudi representatives, highlighting the forum’s importance in strengthening business ties.
Sara Al-Faiez, senior manager at the Saudi Investment Promotion Authority, Invest Saudi, presented the Kingdom’s investment landscape: “Our goal is to create an attractive investment environment through policy reforms and partnerships.”
She noted the Kingdom’s strategic location: “Saudi Arabia is a global hub, with 80 percent of the world’s population within a seven-hour flight.”
Al-Faiez highlighted strong investment opportunities, especially in sectors aligned with Vision 2030.
As the forum concluded, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to stronger cooperation, leveraging shared strengths to navigate global challenges.
Discussions and partnerships formed during the forum are expected to deliver mutual benefits as Saudi Arabia and Italy pursue new opportunities in a shifting global economy.
