Saudi Shura council head says Gulf unity at forefront of King Salman’s priorities
The region is facing unique challenges which require cooperation
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to the unity of the GCC in December
Updated 05 January 2021
Arab News
DUBAI: King Salman put Gulf unity and continuation of Gulf Cooperation Council at the forefront of his priorities, the head of Shoura Council said on Monday.
The region is facing unique challenges which require cooperation, Abdullah Al-Sheikh added in a report from state news agency SPA.
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to the unity of the GCC in December.
Since the GCC’s establishment in 1981, the Kingdom had taken a balanced approach that supported every effort and every action that contributed to achieving common goals and aspirations, a government spokesman said.
“As the elder sister to the GCC countries, the Kingdom has sought to overcome the various obstacles, disagreements, and developments facing the work process, whether in terms of viewpoints or on the ground,” the spokesman said in a statement published by the Saudi Press Agency.
“The Saudi policy has ensured the protection of the unity of the GCC countries, support for member states to reach settlements and viable solutions to disputes between Gulf states, and the continuity of cooperation with Arab, Islamic, and international countries.”
The spokesman said Saudi Arabia’s “sole goal” was “to protect the unity of the GCC member states and reject disputes between them.”
Saudi driving influencer urges women to get behind the wheel
TikTok star Balqees tells viewers of her driving content to ‘invest’ in themselves
Updated 10 sec ago
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Balqees, a trailblazing Saudi female driving enthusiast, is channeling the power of social media to empower women to get their license to drive — and do it well.
“I began driving and developing a fascination for it as a teenager, seeing it as a way to make life easier and, honestly, an adventure,” she told Arab News.
Her love and enthusiasm for driving only grew stronger after she left the Kingdom to pursue her studies. Upon her return in 2010, Balqees became a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment on the road.
Balqees, Saudi driving influencer
Recognizing the need for more accessible and engaging driving education for women, Balqees created a TikTok account to share her knowledge and expertise with the masses.
“My team was very supportive of me and insisted that I open a TikTok account, even though I was initially skeptical about whether that was my target audience,” she explained.
HIGHLIGHT
Recognizing the need for more accessible and engaging driving education for women, Balqees created a TikTok account to share her knowledge and expertise with the masses.
The decision proved to be a game-changer, as Balqees’ account on TikTok (@b9ths10) has since amassed nearly 600,000 followers, indicating a market for such content tailored toward women in the region.
Balqees’ videos are meticulously produced, tackling topics like safe driving, common driving mistakes and obstacles in an engaging and informative manner. She also demonstrates and explains what to do in tricky situations on the road.
“We work very hard on our videos as one video takes days to create and produce, but the team helps and supports me,” she noted.
Invest in yourself and learning experiences because you are the only one who will save yourself.
Balqees, Saudi driving influencer
Despite facing naysayers, Balqees has remained steadfast in her determination to contribute her perpsective on the skill.
“Not all people in my life were supportive, as many were asking me to stop having big dreams and give up on my passions, but I didn't listen to the negativity and continued doing what I like to do and didn’t give up,” she said with unwavering resolve.
Balqees’ perseverance has paid off in remarkable ways. Her compelling content and infectious enthusiasm for driving have attracted the attention of major brands, both in the automotive industry and beyond, making her a prominent voice in the community.
“Social media is a sea full of opportunities, and we should watch it to benefit from and exchange experiences and make a profit,” she added.
Balqees’ message to young women who are still hesitant to start driving is one of empowerment and self-belief: “Invest in yourself and learning experiences because you are the only one who will save yourself.”
Balqees stands as an example of what can be achieved when women are given the freedom to pursue their passions and dreams.
Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and the transformative impact that women can have on society when they are empowered to take the wheel.
Reconnect with ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘The Batman’ and more at Jeddah’s new entertainment destination
Comic book displays, virtual and augmented reality games
Several visitors hail venue as ideal for both adults, children
Updated 16 sec ago
Afshan Aziz
JEDDAH: Warner Bros. Discovery’s new indoor entertainment destination in Jeddah is showcasing six concept zones inspired by some of cinema’s most iconic stories.
The venue includes “Batman,” “Tom and Jerry” and “Harry Potter” zones, alongside areas for shoppers.
Enthusiasts will be able to delve into Batman’s storied history and evolution with comic book displays, as well as interactive virtual and augmented reality games.
The Warner Bros. Discovery entertainment zone is open until Aug. 16, featuring interactive, family-friendly attractions and live entertainment. (Instagram/jed.calendar)
The zone featuring Harry Potter’s Magical World zone resembles Hogwarts from the movies. It includes interactive games inspired by the films, including a broomstick ball-throwing contest, and a store replicating the experience of Harry Potter buying his first wand.
Walid Jabbour, managing director of EventBox, said: “The ‘Warner Brothers Discovery Celebration’ is a unique event that brings together the best of Warner Bros. — from 100 years of history encompassing animation studios, ‘Harry Potter,’ movies, and superheroes — all in one place here in Jeddah.”
FASTFACT
The Warner Bros. Discovery entertainment destination includes ‘Batman,’ ‘Tom and Jerry’ and ‘Harry Potter’ zones, alongside areas for shoppers.
He added: “What makes it truly special is that it’s the first time such a comprehensive gathering of Warner’s iconic properties is taking place in Jeddah.
“Bringing this grand spectacle to our audience underscores our commitment, and the enthusiastic response from visitors affirms that having ‘Batman,’ ‘Harry Potter,’ and more all in one location is truly extraordinary.”
Harry Potter’s Magical World includes interactive games inspired by the fictional wizarding world. (AN photos)
Young visitors will also have the opportunity to meet their favorite heroes and characters from Warner Bros. Discovery, including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash from the “Justice League,” as well as Tom, Jerry, and the Scooby-Doo gang.
Julene Muller, event art director, told Arab News: “The energy and excitement from the crowd have been phenomenal, making this event a vibrant celebration for all ages.”
She added: “There’s always something new to discover, with various experiences, walkthroughs, and plenty of photo opportunities available. And of course, the Batmobile remains a favorite among visitors.”
Aleksandar Radulovic, a crew member of the Tom and Jerry Mini Orchestra, explained: “We are aiming to bring the music of the classic cartoons to life. These are the cartoons we grew up with, and now we want to share them with the younger generation.”
Their ensemble consists of a drummer, trombonist, pianist, bassist, and percussionist who plays the xylophone and produces other effects.
“Everything is meticulously organized, and we’re thrilled to be here. We originally collaborated on these ‘Tom and Jerry’ projects with Warner Bros., starting two years ago in Riyadh,” he added.
Fahad Nazer, a father of three, said: “The fully air-conditioned indoor entertainment area is a lifesaver this summer. My kids explored all the concept zones and had a fantastic time.
“The staff was extremely helpful and supportive, especially with the games, so I didn’t have to worry about my children getting lost.”
He said the crowd control was “impressive with five different time slots for booking tickets, which manages the flow very well and ensures kids can enjoy interactive games with shorter lines.”
Another visitor, Mohammed Harbi, said: “My son was thrilled to train with Superman and Batman. It’s amazing that Jeddah now has such a unique entertainment venue; having Warner Bros. here was a pleasant surprise.
“Experiencing it not only brought joy to our children but also allowed us to reminisce about our own childhood days with the ‘Tom and Jerry’ show. I never imagined we’d have such attractions in the city, and the tickets are affordable.
“However, it was challenging for me with a 9-month-old baby since they don’t allow strollers.”
The entertainment zone is open until Aug. 16.
Highlights and attractions
The “Celebrate Every Story” event features four shows across three stages. On the main stage, there is “Looney Tunes: Get in the Game,” an interactive sports-themed show where Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck compete to become the new team captain of Team Looney Tunes.
The “Tom and Jerry Mini Orchestra Performance” displays classic animations of the iconic cat and mouse duo on a large screen with a live orchestra playing their memorable tunes and sound effects.
The “Justice League Training Show,” allows guests to train alongside Justice League members and assist in saving the day during a live stage event. At the “Scooby-Doo: Mystery at the Mall” show visitors can help Scooby and the gang solve a mysterious case.
At the “Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Experience” zone visitors can explore the iconic Batmobile from the movie “Batman Returns,” the Keaton Mobile and impressive life-sized figures of Batman, The Joker, Harley Quinn, and Catwoman.
The Animation Zone is a must-visit for cartoon lovers. It brings to life the worlds of “Looney Tunes" and “Scooby-Doo,” with interactive games and mystery-solving adventures.
The Celebration Zone allows visitors to take photographs and relive pivotal moments from the history of Warner Bros.
Flynas launches Saudi Arabia’s first sign language training program for cabin crew
The program will train the airline’s cabin crew to effectively communicate with passengers who have hearing impairments, with a specific focus on learning sign language
Updated 36 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Air carrier Flynas has launched Saudi Arabia’s first program to train airline cabin crew in sign language.
According to a recent report by Saudi Press Agency, the program is being implemented in collaboration with the Saudi Association for Hearing Impairment, and is part of Flynas’ efforts to adopt sustainable initiatives that positively impact society.
Flynas launches Saudi Arabia’s first program to train cabin crew in sign language. (SPA)
The program will train the airline’s cabin crew to effectively communicate with passengers who have hearing impairments, with a specific focus on learning sign language.
The training covers various stages of passenger communication, from welcoming and boarding procedures to in-flight service, including safety measures, as well as farewell procedures.
Flynas has previously implemented similar initiatives, including a training program, in cooperation with the Saudi Autistic Society, for ground service staff and airline cabin crews on the best ways to care for passengers with autism spectrum disorder.
Saudi energy minister announces discovery of seven oil, gas deposits
Aramco discovers “two unconventional oil fields, reservoir of light Arabian oil, two natural gas fields, and two natural gas reservoirs”
Unconventional oil fields and one reservoir discovered in Eastern Province while two natural gas fields and two reservoirs in Empty Quarter
Updated 01 July 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s energy minister announced the discovery of seven oil and gas deposits in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province and Empty Quarter, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said Saudi Aramco had discovered “two unconventional oil fields, a reservoir of light Arabian oil, two natural gas fields, and two natural gas reservoirs,” SPA said.
Two unconventional oil fields and one reservoir were discovered in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province while two natural gas fields and two reservoirs in the Empty Quarter.
The “Ladam” unconventional oil field was discovered in the Eastern Province after the flow of very light Arabian oil in the Ladam-2 well at a rate of 5,100 barrels per day, accompanied by about 4.9 million standard cubic feet of gas per day.
“Al-Farouk” unconventional oil field was discovered in the Eastern Province after Arab ultra-light oil flowed from the Al-Farouk-4 well at a rate of 4,557 barrels per day, accompanied by about 3.79 million standard cubic feet of gas per day.
The “Unayzah B/C” reservoir was discovered in the “Mazalij” field in the Eastern Province, after Arab Light oil flowed from the Mazalij-62 well at a rate of 1,780 barrels per day, accompanied by about 0.7 million standard cubic feet of gas per day.
“Al-Jahaq” field was discovered in the Empty Quarter after natural gas flowed from the “Al-Arab-C” reservoir in Al-Jahaq-1 well at a rate of 5.3 million standard cubic feet per day, and from the “Al-Arab-D” reservoir in the same well at a rate of 1.1 million standard cubic feet per day.
“Al-Katuf” field was discovered in the Empty Quarter after natural gas flowed into Al-Katuf-1 well at a rate of 7.6 million standard cubic feet per day, accompanied by about 40 barrels per day of condensate.
The “Hanifa” reservoir was also discovered in the “Asikra” field in the Empty Quarter after natural gas flowed in the Asikra-6 well at a rate of 4.9 million standard cubic feet per day.
Natural gas flowed into the same well from “Al-Fadhili” reservoir at a rate of 0.6 million standard cubic feet per day, accompanied by about 100 barrels of condensate per day.
OIC holds international symposium on Jerusalem, Gaza war in Jeddah
Permanent Observer of Palestine to the UN Riyad Mansour said Saudi position on the war in Gaza plays an important role in Palestinian people accessing their rights
Updated 01 July 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation held an international symposium on Jerusalem and the Gaza war at the organization’s headquarters in Jeddah on Monday.
Organized in conjunction with the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, the symposium was titled: “Jerusalem and the Gaza War: Palestinian Identity and Existence Under Threat of Erasure.”
“This meeting is being held at a time when we all feel the danger of the conditions that the occupied city of Jerusalem is enduring, as a result of repeated Israeli attacks on its Islamic and Christian holy sites, its people, and its Arab identity through settlement policies, land confiscation, house demolitions, building the Apartheid Wall, assaulting Muslim and Christian worshipers, and other serious violations,” the Secretary-General of the OIC Hissein Brahim Taha said.
He said that the city Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine and is an integral part of Palestinian territory that was occupied in 1967.
He added that all Israeli policies and actions are illegal and illegitimate, and constitute an assault on the political, historical and legal rights of the Palestinian people, embodying a blatant violation of the rule of international law and United Nations resolutions.
Israeli actions threaten to expand the circle of conflict to a dangerous religious dimension that threatens security and stability in the entire world and require responsible international action, Taha said.
The head of the OIC also reiterated its condemnation of the ongoing Israeli military aggression against the Gaza Strip which has killed nearly 38,000 people, destroyed hundreds of thousands of buildings, properties, and civilian infrastructure, and displaced more than a million Palestinians from their homes.
He expressed disappointment at the failure of the UN Security Council to oblige Israel to implement its resolutions calling for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, and guaranteeing safe, sustainable and unhindered access to aid organizations so that humanitarian aid can be delivered to all parts of the Gaza Strip.
He added that he hoped the international community, states and organizations would bear their legal, political and moral responsibilities and put an end to the Israeli genocide in Gaza which threatens to expand the cycle of violence and instability in the entire region.
The Permanent Observer of Palestine to the UN Riyad Mansour said that Saudi Arabia’s position on the war in Gaza plays an important role in Palestinian people accessing their inalienable national rights.
He said: “Since the beginning of the aggression, we have been able to unify, in New York, the Arab and Islamic position regarding three goals that are extremely important for the Palestinian people. They are: stopping the aggression immediately in the Gaza Strip and in all of the occupied Palestinian territory, introducing enough humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip to respond to the needs of the people, and stopping war crimes and crimes against humanity including the forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza.”
Mansour expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the Ministerial Committee Assigned by the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit, led by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, to visit the five permanent members of the Security Council and other countries in an attempt to stop Israeli aggression and gain further recognition for Palestine.
