Arab game developers seek greater inclusion in video game industry

As quarantine dragged on, gamers found solace in Nintendo’s cutesy, relaxing life simulator, through which one could virtually interact with friends by visiting each other’s island home bases. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 01 January 2021
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Arab game developers seek greater inclusion in video game industry

  • Some Saudis who created their own games, have so far struggled to break out of the Middle East due to prejudice

RIYADH: Video games are one of the most popular forms of media in the world, reportedly worth around $90 billion globally.
A 2019 report by business consulting firm Frost and Sullivan ranked Saudi Arabia as the 19th-largest gaming market in the world in terms of revenue, at around $837 million. That figure was expected to grow at a 22.5 percent compound annual rate between 2019 and 2025.
However, despite the regional popularity of video games, Arab gamers have been increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with the way that their language and culture have been represented by the industry, and have been calling for greater inclusion and cultural awareness, especially in big-budget games.
Some Saudi game developers have attempted to combat this by creating their own games, but have so far struggled to break out of the Middle East, in part due to prejudice. Abdullah Konash, a Saudi indie game developer, highlighted one incident where a game he worked on — “Areeb World” — faced attacks online, purely because it was an Arabic-only game.
The educational game, published by Saudi-based software company Remal Ventures, was released on Steam in 2015 and, according to Konash, provoked harassment from non-Arab gamers, deeply disheartening the team.
“While we did see a few comments that were encouraging and offered real feedback, many of the comments we received were from trolls,” he said. “Questions such as ‘Is this game halal?’ or ‘Is there a special price for infidels?’ or ‘How do I blow myself up?’”
Dutch-Egyptian video game developer Rami Ismail has often spoken up about the media prejudice faced by Arabs and Muslims. At a 2016 Game Developers Conference (GDC) panel on how Islam is treated by the media, he bitterly remarked: “Muslim blood is cheap. We’re probably the cheapest blood in the media right now.”
In a 2015 talk at XOXO, an annual conference held in Portland for independent artists, Ismail showed the audience an example of how Arabs are disrespected in popular media by showcasing a popular game with a $100 million budget failed to present the written Arabic in the game correctly. “This was a game in which a giant part of the budget went into making sure that you can shoot my people in hyper-realistic fashion … and they couldn’t even check (if the Arabic was correct),” he said.
Ismail is known to the industry as a “Visible Muslim” — a term he told Arab News he accepts only because he understands the necessity of it.

At a 2016 Game Developers Conference panel on how Islam is treated by the media...Muslim blood is cheap. We’re probably the cheapest blood in the media right now.’

Dutch-Egyptian video game developer Rami Ismail

“It’s one of those monikers that you would hope one day becomes unnecessary. I appreciate that it gives me the power to shine the spotlight on other Muslims, Arabs, and Middle Eastern folks around me, but you wouldn’t really say that there’s another notable American developer in the same vein,” he said. “I would very much like to not be the ‘visible Muslim developer,’ we should just be ‘developers.’ But, given the state of things, I understand that’s not where we are, and that I can be a steppingstone for a future where things are better. I take that responsibility very seriously.”
However, he stressed, Islam is a religion with a wide and varied demographic, and he can only offer one perspective as a Muslim.
“It’s hard to consider myself an ambassador for all Muslims. I like to think of myself more as a door or a window for people to look into a world they might otherwise not know, understand, or even acknowledge exists,” he said.
Ismail has also been jokingly referred to as “the imam of videogames,” a moniker he strongly dislikes.
“I don’t see myself as knowledgeable enough to be called an Imam, but when you think about it, the role of an Imam is to be the most knowledgeable person about a certain topic, and for a lot of the videogames industry, I suppose that person would actually be me,” he said.
Nonetheless, Ismail has played an active role in enlightening the games community about Islam. Recently, he utilized the wildly popular Nintendo Switch game “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” as a way to educate non-Muslims about Ramadan.
As quarantine dragged on this year, gamers found solace in Nintendo’s cutesy, relaxing life simulator, through which one could virtually interact with friends by visiting each other’s island home bases.
However, while the game celebrates several other festivals, with nods to Christmas (“Toy Day” in the game), Tanabata (a yearly Japanese festival), and Easter (“Bunny Day”), Ismail noticed there was no in-game equivalent of either Eid or Ramadan.
So he created an area on his own island decked out in traditional Ramadan style, and invited Muslims and non-Muslims alike to visit him for a virtual iftar.
“For me, Ramadan is about a sense of community and togetherness, and this year it looked like I was going to do it all alone in the Netherlands,” he said. To his surprise, he ended up getting immediate responses from hundreds of people, ensuring that he did not spend the month entirely alone.
According to Konash, there is a clear double standard when it comes to showcasing other religions in the media.
“Things that are normal to our culture — such as the hijab — can be mistakenly viewed as propaganda by gamers from other cultures, but in many other media examples, clear allusions to Christianity, like nuns or churches, are seen as normal,” he said.
However things do seem to be taking a turn for the better. Tariq Mukhttar, another Saudi game developer, told Arab News that as a participant in “all things video games” for more than two decades, he had witnessed a change in attitude in gaming towards Arabs and Muslims.
“As Hollywood changes, so does the video game landscape. Driven by market forces, immigrants entering the workforce, or the desire to enrich the medium with fresh art, culture and history, the industry has been especially welcoming and tolerant to diversity and inclusivity, where minorities are precious,” he said.
Mukhttar said he felt there was new incentive to (staff the industry) with people of diverse ethnicities and backgrounds, even though it remains a predominantly Western industry.
“I have experienced a welcoming, almost protective, attitude towards minorities and people of color. The games industry has wrapped their arms around their diverse members in defiance. It has always been an example of tolerance and promotion of a friendly environment fighting against toxicity,” he said.
“It’s comforting to see the vide game industry hold steadfast to a more tolerant and inclusive set of morals,” he continued. “I think we will continue to see a rise in positive representation of Muslims and Arabs in the medium to push back established stereotypes.”


KAUST develops new cooling technology to improve efficiency and lifespan of solar panels

Updated 9 sec ago
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KAUST develops new cooling technology to improve efficiency and lifespan of solar panels

  • New technology has the potential to cut down the maintenance cost of solar cells
  • Experiments were conducted in cold and rainy regions of the US to test its effectiveness in different climate conditions

RIYADH: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has made a notable research breakthrough, developing a new composite material that improves the efficiency and lifespans of the cells used in solar panels through cooling.

The new technology has the potential to cut down the maintenance cost of solar cells, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Results of the study, carried out in partnership with the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, were published in the journal Materials Science and Engineering.

The study targeted the issues of commercial solar panels, which only convert around 20 percent of sunlight into electricity, while the remainder is absorbed as heat or reflected away. Other problems include high temperatures, which reduce the efficiency and performance of the cells, shortening their lifespan and demanding more frequent replacement.

This means that cooling is essential, yet traditional cooling systems such as fans and pumps consume electrical energy; passive cooling, on the other hand, requires no electricity.

Prof. Chiaochiang Gan, lead researcher at KAUST, explained that the nanomaterials used in the passive cooling process are thin substances that can be applied to multiple systems that demand cooling, such as solar cells and agricultural greenhouses, without affecting their performance.

He said that the study, conducted through the Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies, led to the creation of a material that absorbs moisture from the air at night and releases it during the day.

Covering solar cells with this material, when deployed in coastal areas of Saudi Arabia for weeks, helps keep them cool.

The passive cooling technology also helps reduce the cost of generating electricity from these cells by 18 percent.

Experiments were also conducted in cold and rainy regions of the US to test its effectiveness in different climate conditions; the results proved the technology effective in all environments.

Preliminary studies also show that other applications for the material include light-emitting devices, which typically suffer from reduced efficiency at higher temperatures.

Abdullah Al-Muqbil, researcher at the Institute of Microelectronics and Semiconductors, director of the Optics and Electronics Center of Excellence at KACST, and co-author of the study, noted that these findings also open up potential for application in lighting and laser technologies.

The research team at KAUST achieved a record-breaking performance in solar cell efficiency due to their specialized designs, showcasing the diverse expertise at the university, according to SPA.

The Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies is one of four research centers of excellence run by KAUST. It aims to support the Kingdom’s national goals in fields such as artificial intelligence, food security, renewable energy and storage technologies and smart health.


Replacement of Holy Kaaba’s kiswa completed

The kiswa-changing ceremony at the Grand Mosque in Makkah takes place on Thursday morning. (SPA)
Updated 11 min 37 sec ago
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Replacement of Holy Kaaba’s kiswa completed

  • Kiswa exceeds 14 meters in height and is adorned with Quranic verses embroidered with gold-coated silver and pure silver threads, written in the Thuluth script

RIYADH: The Grand Mosque in Makkah faced the dawn of the first day of the first month in the Islamic calendar, Muharram, with the kiswa-changing ceremony by the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, represented by the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa.

This annual event embodies the Kingdom’s commitment to serve the Two Holy Mosques — not only in organizational and administrative aspects but also on a symbolic and sacred level, given the central place the Kaaba holds in the hearts of more than a billion and a half Muslims worldwide.

They installed the embroidered curtain with gold-plated threads, the hizam (belt), the samadiah (decorative elements), lantern-shaped pieces, and decorations surrounding the mizab (rainwater spout), the corners, and other adornments, creating a captivating scene infused with feelings of reverence and supplication.

The occasion also highlights the pioneering role of Saudi youth, who form the backbone of production, supervision, and execution within the complex. 

National competencies demonstrate leadership in guiding work teams, overseeing design details, and innovative technical solutions that ensure the highest standards of precision — merging exquisite craftsmanship with modern technological aspirations.

The kiswa exceeds 14 meters in height and is adorned with Quranic verses embroidered with gold-coated silver and pure silver threads, written in the Thuluth script, forming a masterpiece that demands precise engineering, care and artistic expertise to preserve its identity and quality over time.

This annual event is not merely a repeated occasion but an extension of a historical legacy established by the Founding King Abdulaziz — and reinforced by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It is part of the national vision centered on serving the Two Holy Mosques and enhancing the quality of services provided to pilgrims and other visitors.

Every year, the ceremony to change the kiswa is a memorable scene in the collective memory of the Islamic nations and a living symbol of how the care for the holy sanctuaries has evolved from a responsibility into a leadership role.


Kingdom marks world’s anti-drug day

Updated 27 min 7 sec ago
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Kingdom marks world’s anti-drug day

  • More than 922 kg of banned substances seized in KSA over 12 months
  • A number of awareness events were held across the country on Thursday — the UN’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

RIYADH: More than 922 kg of banned substances, including more than 20 million pills, have been seized in Saudi Arabia over the past year, the Kingdom’s customs authority announced on Thursday as officials marked the UN’s world anti-drug day.

One recent drug bust in cooperation with authorities from the Syrian Arab Republic thwarted an attempt to smuggle 200,000 amphetamine tablets from the Levant nation, a Ministry of Interior spokesperson said via the Saudi Press Agency.

The announcement was made as a number of awareness events were held across the country on Thursday — the UN’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Events in the Riyadh and Asir regions will run until Saturday, educating members of the public about the dangers of drugs.

Smugglers have attempted to bring contraband into the country in various ways, by concealing the items in shipments of food, household utensils, vehicles, shoes and even inside their body cavities, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority said.

The organization places the fight against drugs as one of its top priorities and will continue to tighten security at the Kingdom’s borders, it added.

Jasim Mohamed Albudaiwi, the secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, said that the GCC countries see drug control measures as a top priority.

The GCC states have formed a united front to tackle the use and trade of illicit substances which endanger families and society, he added.

Albudaiwi also stressed the importance of reintegrating recovering drug addicts into society, and highlighted the role that schools, the media, religious leaders and civil society’s institutions play in stopping the use of drugs.

Meanwhile, the Naif College for National Security in Riyadh celebrated the graduation of 63 trainees of various courses on Thursday, including anti-drug programs.

The ceremony was attended by Maj. Gen. Muhammad bin Saeed Al-Qarni, the director general of narcotics control, who congratulated the graduates and stressed that the Kingdom’s anti-drug programs received the full support of the country’s leadership.

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has called on members of the public to contribute to the fight against drug smuggling in order to protect society and the Kingdom’s economy.

Reports can be made to the domestic telephone number 1910, internationally via 009661910, or via email at 1910@zatca.gov.sa.

All reports are treated with confidentiality, the authority said, and accurate information will be rewarded financially.


Saudi foreign minister discusses Syria’s stability with US envoy

Updated 57 min 44 sec ago
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Saudi foreign minister discusses Syria’s stability with US envoy

  • Tom Barrack, US envoy to Syria, visited Riyadh on Thursday

LONDON: Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi minister of foreign affairs, received Tom Barrack, the US envoy to Syria, in Riyadh.

During the meeting on Thursday, officials discussed ways to support the Syrian Arab Republic in enhancing its security, stability, and economic recovery, reported the Saudi Press Agency.


Djibouti ambassador praises deep ties between African state and Saudi Arabia

Updated 26 June 2025
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Djibouti ambassador praises deep ties between African state and Saudi Arabia

  • Djibouti Embassy celebrates 48th anniversary of independence 
  • Ambassador reaffirms Djibouti’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause

RIYADH: The Djibouti Embassy in Riyadh donned patriotic colors as its staff celebrated their national day on Wednesday night, hosting a befitting reception to mark the occasion.

On the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the National Independence of Djibouti, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti to Saudi Arabia and the dean of the Diplomatic Corps, hosted an official reception at the Cultural Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter.

The event was attended by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, deputy governor of Riyadh Region, as guest of honor and patron, and Prince Sultan bin Salman, the founder and chairman of the Saudi Aviation Club.

The reception was also attended by numerous princes, ambassadors, distinguished business leaders, media professionals, artists, and members of the Saudi and Djibouti community.

Addressing the gathering the ambassador highlighted Djibouti’s remarkable achievements over the past five decades, particularly in terms of security, stability, and sustainable development.

He also emphasized the deep and sincere fraternal relations that unite the leaderships and people of the two nations.

Furthermore, the ambassador reaffirmed Djibouti’s firm and unwavering position in support of the Palestinian cause, advocating for the restoration of the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Saudi Arabia also strongly supports the two-state solution as the path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Palestine is officially recognized by 147 of the UN’s 193 member states and has observer status at the UN.

The ambassador also reiterated Djibouti’s commitment to a calm, constructive, and principled diplomacy, actively working to promote peace in the region and around the world, rejecting wars and advocating for dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable development.