INTERVIEW: Saudi film fans ‘crave more Arabic content’, says VOX Cinemas exec

Mohammed Al-Hashemi
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Updated 13 September 2021
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INTERVIEW: Saudi film fans ‘crave more Arabic content’, says VOX Cinemas exec

  • Mohammed Al-Hashemi, Majid Al-Futtaim's country head in Saudi Arabia, gave an exclusive interview with Arab News on the chain’s movie theaters in the Kingdom

JEDDAH: In the three years since cinemas reopened in Saudi Arabia, international films, and anime in particular, have proven to be hugely popular and successful. However there is a growing demand from local moviegoers for more Arabic content, according to a local industry expert.

Mohammed Al-Hashemi is the country head in Saudi Arabia for leisure, retail and entertainment business Majid Al-Futtaim, the parent company of VOX Cinemas. In an exclusive interview with Arab News, he said that the chain’s movie theaters in the Kingdom attract a wide range of customers with diverse tastes in film.
“As a guest-centric brand, we screen a large variety of movies to cater to the different preferences of our guests,” he added.
He said that demand for international blockbusters is high, including a huge appetite for Japanese anime such as the recently released “Demon Slayer,” which was a massive box-office hit. But he added that local audiences also want more locally produced films.
“The success of movies such as (comedy-drama) ‘Mesh Ana’ and (horror-comedy) ‘El Ens W El Nems’ demonstrates to us that audiences are craving Arabic content, and we are committed to diversifying our content and ensuring that premium Arabic-language feature films are made accessible to our discerning audiences,” said Al-Hashemi.
As part of this commitment, an exclusive distribution deal was signed with leading Saudi Arabian animation studio Myrkott in 2018 to screen its first feature, “Masameer,” across the Middle East and North Africa.
“The following year, we distributed ‘Born a King’ (a drama about the diplomatic events surrounding the formation of what would become Saudi Arabia) regionally, which proved a huge hit with cinemagoers, and signed a partnership with Manga Productions to bring ‘The Journey,’ the first-ever Saudi-Japanese anime, to the big screen,” Al-Hashemi said. He also a highlighted a landmark major production partnership with Image Nation Abu Dhabi and MBC Studios for films across the MENA region.
“The partnership with MBC will greenlight several projects annually, representing a significant boost to the region’s growing film, TV and entertainment industry, particularly in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Speaking about the success of VOX Cinemas in the first three years of operation in the Kingdom, Al-Hashemi said that since its first cinema opened in Riyadh in 2018 the business has expanded rapidly to include 149 screens at 14 theaters in five cities.
“VOX Cinemas introduced multiplexes for the first time in all five of those cities and we are currently the largest exhibitor by screen count, market share and admissions in the Kingdom,” he added.
“And despite the challenges posed by the pandemic we have continued with our ambitious growth strategy. We surpassed 100 screens, just three days after the lockdown was lifted, with the opening of VOX Cinemas Sahara Mall in Riyadh.” 

The success of movies such as (comedy-drama) ‘Mesh Ana’ and (horror-comedy) ‘El Ens W El Nems’ demonstrates to us that audiences are craving Arabic content, and we are committed to diversifying our content and ensuring that premium Arabic-language feature films are made accessible to our discerning audiences.

The Saudi cinema industry has become a major influence on global content and therefore we are dedicated to producing Saudi content that will resonate with both regional and global audiences.

We look forward to leveraging the opportunities of the nascent and rapidly evolving leisure and entertainment sector in this market, and bringing our unrivaled entertainment experiences to families across the Kingdom, as well as boosting job creation in the film and leisure industries.

Mohammed Al-Hashemi

Following the opening of that location in June last year, VOX brought the magic of the movies to Tabuk and Hail for the first time and expanded its presence in Riyadh and Jeddah “as part of our commitment to make our innovative and world-class entertainment experiences accessible to everyone across the Kingdom, even in remote cities.”
Last month, the chain celebrated the opening of the eight-screen VOX Cinemas The Esplanade, its ninth multiplex in Riyadh, as part of a family entertainment complex that also includes Yalla! Bowling and billiards. Later this year, VOX will expand its Saudi operation to a sixth city with the opening of a multiplex in Jubail.
Al-Hashemi said that the Kingdom is experiencing a modern renaissance, as a result of recent reforms driven by Saudi Vision 2030, and evolving at a rapid pace into a global powerhouse of leisure and entertainment.
“At Majid Al-Futtaim, we are dedicated to leading the way in developing a strong and sustainable industry and contributing to the diversification of the economy,” he said.
“And as part of our long-term vision we will diversify our offering by opening Ski Saudi, the largest ski slope and snow park in the Middle East, at Mall of Saudi in 2025, and introduce Dreamscape, a virtual reality experience, to Riyadh in early 2022.”




Instilling confidence in customers is key to maintaining the pace of recovery.
Mohammed Al-Hashemi

These upcoming attractions underpin a commitment to be at the forefront of the ever-expanding entertainment landscape across Saudi Arabia, he added, and to introduce pioneering entertainment experiences that can be a place where communities socialize and enjoy quality time together.
Meanwhile Majid Al-Futtaim continues to explore opportunities to bring more local content to the big screen, he said, to help ensure the local economy grows from within.
“The Saudi cinema industry has become a major influence on global content and therefore we are dedicated to producing Saudi content that will resonate with both regional and global audiences,” said Al-Hashemi.
Majid Al-Futtaim has a long-term growth strategy for Saudi Arabia, he added, and is dedicated to realizing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and supporting the Quality-of-Life Program by enhancing participation in cultural and entertainment activities.
“Saudi Arabia has a burgeoning entertainment industry and was the top theatrical market in the Middle East in 2020, a position it continues to hold again this year,” he said.
“We look forward to leveraging the opportunities of the nascent and rapidly evolving leisure and entertainment sector in this market, and bringing our unrivaled entertainment experiences to families across the Kingdom, as well as boosting job creation in the film and leisure industries.”
While the cinema industry was hit hard by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Al-Hashemi said recent box office results suggest that it has turned a corner toward recovery.
“The biggest challenge we faced when we first reopened post-lockdown was the lack of new content as studios postponed the release dates of major movies,” he said.
In the past few months, however, VOX Cinemas experienced a significant increase in ticket sales thanks to the release of blockbusters such as the latest chapter in the “Fast and Furious” saga, “F9,” Marvel’s “Black Widow” and Disney’s “Jungle Cruise,” family-friendly animated hits such as Pixar’s “Luca,” and “The Boss Baby 2: The Family Business,” and Arabic movies such as the previously mentioned “Mesh Ana” and “El Ens W El Nems.”
With more on the way, Al-Hashemi believes that ticket sales will continue to recover.
“With an upcoming slate of major blockbusters such as (Bond movie) ‘No Time to Die,’ ‘Dune,’ ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and ‘The King’s Man’ about to light up our screens, we are confident that our box office will continue on an upward trajectory,” he said.
Instilling confidence in customers is key to maintaining the pace of recovery, he added.
“Our continuous and extensive guest research shows that comfort levels in visiting a leisure and entertainment venues is increasing month on month, which also bodes well for the industry.”


How Google aims to bridge the AI skills gap in Saudi Arabia and the wider region

Updated 13 sec ago
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How Google aims to bridge the AI skills gap in Saudi Arabia and the wider region

  • Backed by local partners, Google will boost AI upskilling for women, youth, migrants, and rural communities
  • The AI Opportunity Initiative aims to equip half a million people across the MENA region with AI skills

DUBAI: As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes industries, job roles and skill requirements, the Middle East and North Africa region is actively embracing advanced technologies and collaborating with tech giants to bridge the skills gap in an evolving labor market.

One such collaboration is with Google’s newly launched AI Opportunity Initiative, which offers training and education opportunities to make AI technologies more accessible and inclusive across the region.

By collaborating with local organizations, the AI Opportunity Initiative seeks to “train half a million people in the next two years,” Anthony Nakache, managing director of Google MENA, told an audience at the recent AI Connect MENA event at Dubai’s Etihad Museum.

To achieve this, Google “will give a grant of $15 million to fund local organizations,” Nakache said.

Najeeb Jarrar, regional director of marketing at Google MENA, told Arab News: “We are very excited about this AI Opportunity Initiative, especially since we are seeing the Saudi community is fully embracing AI both on the consumer side and on the developer and resource side.

“This is an initiative that we have launched globally and we now are bringing to the region. One of the aims of this initiative is how we are leveling the playing field for AI and AI education and skilling across the entire region,” he added, noting that students will learn to use AI more productively, including skills such as prompt engineering.

To bridge the digital divide in the labor market, Google’s AI Opportunity Initiative aims to upskill underserved workers in AI by offering tailored training materials in Arabic, in partnership with the non-profit Manarat, online course provider Coursera, and other organizations.

Google’s largest AI project in the region, the AI Opportunity Initiative will focus on four key areas: AI skills development, research, products, and infrastructure.

“We also worked with local NGOs and local players in the market to ensure that we are also reaching out to different partners,” Jarrar said.

Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, has announced plans to contribute $15 million between this year and the end of 2027, providing funding to organizations across the region to ensure accessibility to AI opportunities.

DID YOUKNOW?

• The new AI Opportunity Initiative is Google’s largest AI project in the region.

• It aims to equip 500,000 people in the MENA region with AI skills within two years.

• Google is granting $15 million to local organizations between 2024 and 2027.

• The Saudi government is reportedly creating a $40 billion fund to invest in AI.

The AI Opportunity Initiative also aims to equip 500,000 people in the MENA region with AI skills in the first two years. This includes students, academics, developers, entrepreneurs and underrepresented groups.

Speaking about the issue of accessibility, Jarrar said: “We wanted to ensure first that this local initiative does not feel like an initiative that is hard to get for the average user.”

He pointed out that both language and local partners, such as Injaz and Raspberry Pi Foundation, play a major role in improving accessibility.

“The content is all in Arabic, we have local examples that we are actually able to showcase,” he said. “We are partnering with local partners that know the market and the community very well and are able to reach more people that are beyond what we can initially reach to.”

The AI Opportunity Initiative enables Google to expand the Maharat min Google program, which targets high school and university students, by introducing a new AI curriculum in Arabic.

As part of its mission to support underserved communities, Google.org is funding Village Capital, a non-profit that supports entrepreneurs tackling environmental, social and economic challenges.

Village Capital will equip business support organizations to offer AI upskilling opportunities to underserved workers. 

The program targets women, youth, migrants and rural communities across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Lebanon, Bahrain and Iraq. 

The Raspberry Pi Foundation will use grant funding from Google.org to train teachers in AI literacy, equipping students aged 11-14 in the region with AI safety skills to better understand and navigate the challenges of AI technologies.

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Speaking at the Google AI Connect Event, Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer for Alphabet and Google, said: “AI is estimated to contribute $320 billion in economic growth for the Middle East by 2030.

“Google is working to ensure that people and communities throughout the region have the skills needed to capture the upside of this emerging technology.” 

She added: “Our local non-profit and university partners will help bring this program to people and communities throughout the region, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the opportunities that AI can deliver.”

Since 2005, Google has invested more than $400 million in academic research globally.

The tech giant also announced during its Dubai event the launch of new Arabic AI products, including Gemini Live in Arabic, Gemini for Teens, Imagen3, and Gems on Gemini in Arabic. 

“For the previous year, we have worked hard with partners, with experts globally and from the region, to understand what are the constraints that we need to implement to make this product safer for teens, teens aged 13 to 18,” Jarrar said.

“We worked tirelessly to make sure we have the right guardrails to ensure that we had the right controls and the proper Q and A and testing, and today we are happy to say that Gemini for Teens is available for users and teens here in the region.”

These efforts are expected to support Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become an AI leader, ensuring its population stays aligned with the latest developments in the labor market.

A September report by the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence showed that 75 percent of the Saudi population is familiar with the concept of AI, and 64 percent are aware of its applications.
 

 


Saudi Arabia’s recreational spaces ready for holiday season

Updated 08 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s recreational spaces ready for holiday season

AL-BAHA: Saudi authorities have announced extensive preparations of public recreational facilities ahead of the school holiday season.

The Al-Baha municipality has readied 142 parks and recreational areas, along with municipal squares, public spaces and streets, to welcome visitors and tourists.

According to regional secretary, Ali bin Mohammed Al-Sawat, these facilities span more than 4,188,559.98 million square meters and feature amenities including children’s playgrounds, green spaces, shade structures, lighting, sidewalks, seating areas and parking, and facilities for activities such as walking and cycling.

The Al-Barouqi Tourist Farm in Al-Baha region features agricultural terraces, famous trees and old wells. (SPA)

Meanwhile, the Eastern Region Municipality has completed the preparation of 979 parks and public squares, 18 public recreational parks, 14 waterfront areas and 213 walking tracks.

The facilities are timely as moderate weather conditions and school breaks attract more outdoor activity.

The municipality emphasized its commitment to regular maintenance of these facilities, considering them vital breathing spaces for citizens and residents.
 

Al-Nakheel Park Tabuk region's Haql governorate is more than just a recreational destination. It is a place where residents and visitors can uncover stories of the past, shared by their ancestors. (SPA)

 


Solo dining an emerging trend challenging Saudi traditional culture

Updated 08 November 2024
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Solo dining an emerging trend challenging Saudi traditional culture

  • Saudi Arabia’s younger generation are subtly changing eating trends, moving from a full family table to a single seat 

RIYADH: In Saudi Arabia, dining out has long been a social ritual, an experience shared with family and friends over lavish meals, full of conversation and camaraderie. 

However, a subtle yet noticeable shift is taking place as more Saudis, especially the younger generation, are choosing to dine alone, seeking moments of solitude amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Once considered a rare sight, solo diners are now becoming more common in cafes, restaurants and eateries across the Kingdom. For some, it is a matter of convenience, while for others it is a form of self-care, a way to recharge and reconnect with themselves. 

This emerging trend challenges traditional Saudi dining culture, creating new opportunities for restaurants and altering societal perceptions.

For Zain Al-Mansour, solo dining is more than just an alternative to dining with others, it is an experience that he actively cherishes. “I much prefer it over dining with someone,” he says. “I seek it out and make a day out of it for myself. It’s relaxing, and it charges my energy.” 

Solo dining has become Al-Mansour’s way to unwind, offering him a chance to indulge in his favorite foods without the distraction of company.

He acknowledges that not everyone feels comfortable dining alone, particularly in a culture where social gatherings are so deeply ingrained. 

“Plenty of people would not go out unless it’s with someone else,” Al-Mansour said. “I think everyone should at least try solo dining once and truly treat themselves. Bring a book if you’re worried about boredom, and don’t think twice about what people might think. What matters is that you’re happy.”

Al-Mansour sees solo dining as a form of empowerment, encouraging others to overcome social anxieties and embrace the experience. “It pushes you to talk, at least to the workers, which helps improve social skills.”

In Saudi culture, dining has traditionally been a collective activity, with meals often serving as the focal point of family and social gatherings. 

For Bashayer Al-Bloushi, dining alone offered a refreshing change from this norm. “What inspired me to start dining alone was my desire to explore a new experience that offers me space to reflect and relax away from the hustle of daily life,” she said.

Dining alone allows her to savor the ambiance and immerse herself in the restaurant environment without the usual pressure of conversation. 

This experience of dining independently has become a cherished form of personal time for Al-Bloushi, allowing her to enjoy moments of solitude. She sees it as an act of self-care and independence, a rare opportunity to connect with oneself.

Al-Bloushi also believes that Saudi restaurants could do more to support this trend. “They could designate cozy, quiet spaces for individual diners and offer meals suitable for one person,” she said. By creating a welcoming and informal atmosphere, restaurants could encourage more people to dine solo without feeling out of place.

For Mira Fahad, solo dining started as a necessity due to her flexible remote job schedule. “As a morning person, I always wanted to go out during the day but couldn’t find anyone available in the mornings,” she said. Over time, solo dining became a cherished ritual. “It’s one of those ‘I need to do it at least once a month’ things, whether in the mornings or nights.”

She finds the experience peaceful and liberating. “You can choose the time and place to your liking, people-watch, read a book, plan your week, or just savor your meal in peace.” However, she admits that solo dining can lose its charm if overdone, emphasizing the importance of balance.

For some solo diners, cultural perceptions remain a challenge. Linah Al-Ahmadi has been dining alone since 2016 and considers it a normal part of her lifestyle. “I didn’t start this habit recently; I’ve been solo dining since I was a teenager,” she said. While she embraces the experience, she is aware of the societal views that make solo dining an unusual choice in Saudi Arabia. “We are a collective society, and we tend to do things within a circle. As a society, we have this notion that it’s abnormal to do things alone.”

Al-Ahmadi describes dining alone in a culture that values group activities as being “the stranger in the middle of the diner.” Despite this, she remains committed to her choice, valuing the independence and freedom it provides. For her, solo dining is not about isolation but rather about enjoying personal time without depending on others to accompany her.

The growing interest in solo dining presents an opportunity for Saudi restaurants to adapt and cater to individual diners. Al-Ahmadi points out that making reservations for one can be difficult, as many restaurants and apps only accept bookings for groups. 

Additionally, solo diners are often directed to bar seating or shared tables, which may not suit everyone’s preference for privacy.

“I struggle a lot with reservations,” Al-Ahmadi said. “Sometimes, I go out alone with the intention of not socializing, but being at a bar feels too intimate.” She advocates for solo diners to be given the choice of regular tables, creating a more inclusive environment for those who want to enjoy a meal without the company of others.

Mira Fahad offers additional suggestions, including creating solo dining tables in corners or quieter spots and offering digital menus for easy ordering. “Maybe provide small, single-portion meals and digital entertainment options for solo diners,” she said, adding that these touches could make the solo dining experience even more enjoyable.

As more Saudis explore the joys of solo dining, the trend reflects a broader shift in societal norms and individual lifestyles. Young people are carving out spaces for self-reflection and independence, challenging traditional perceptions about social activities. The popularity of solo dining represents a growing acceptance of self-care and personal freedom in Saudi Arabia, where dining alone is no longer seen as a solitary act but rather as a celebration of individuality.

Solo dining is more than just a meal, it is an experience that allows you to connect with yourself in a way that is both empowering and refreshing.
 


Qassim governor receives British ambassador to Riyadh

Updated 08 November 2024
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Qassim governor receives British ambassador to Riyadh

SPA

BURAIDAH: Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal received the British Ambassador to the Kingdom, Neil Crompton, on Thursday during a visit to the region.
They held cordial talks in their meeting.

At Riyadh confab, international expert highlights importance of following fire safety measures 

Updated 08 November 2024
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At Riyadh confab, international expert highlights importance of following fire safety measures 

  • International experts and other officials from more than 24 countries participated in the conference held in Riyadh from Nov. 3-7

RIYADH: A fire safety and occupational health expert said that neglecting safety precautions and preventive measures is one of the leading causes of fires.

Jiff Dulin, a strategic adviser at the International Association of Fire Chiefs, shared his insights at the 4th International Fire Operations Conference, held in Riyadh from Nov. 3-7.

International experts and other officials from more than 24 countries participated in the conference, which focused on the latest developments in firefighting and crisis management. 

International experts and other officials from more than 24 countries participated in the conference. (X: @IFOC_Riyadh)

The conference was organized by the General Directorate of Civil Defense in collaboration with Saudi Aramco and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. 

Dulin urged city planners to consider safety rules and standards that help reduce the occurrence and impact of fires, as well as to enhance preparedness for crisis management through training and advance planning.

He also called for the continuation of specialized conferences and exhibitions focused on firefighting equipment and studies, emphasizing their role in exchanging experiences and enhancing the capabilities of firefighting and civil protection agencies.

Col. Mohammed Al-Hammadi, spokesperson for the Saudi Civil Defense, has stated that the directorate pays more attention to proactive preparedness and high-level readiness to handle incidents and combat fires; this is achieved through pre-established plans and scenarios based on a risk matrix.

Col. Mohammed Al-Hammadi, spokesperson for the Saudi Civil Defense, affirmed the directorate’s commitment to the highest international standards in firefighting. (General Directorate of Civil Defense photo)

IFOC was an exceptional opportunity for networking and exchanging expertise among specialists and experts in the firefighting field, boosting public safety standards and fostering a secure environment for all, Al-Hammadi said.

Such events address the growing challenges and serve as a key driver for advancement and innovation in the civil protection sector, he added.

Technical sessions during the conference covered safety standards and approved codes in firefighting, as well as displaying technologies in electric vehicles and fuel cell applications.

One panel discussion focused on the readiness of the local workforce to respond to crises and disasters, while another focused on leadership and control in emergency situations.

There were special sessions on the sidelines of the conference, addressing environmental protection issues and urban fires. Participants reviewed innovative solutions for tackling emerging challenges in this field, discussed the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing firefighting capabilities, and explored industrial fires and prevention strategies.

In a dedicated session, participants discussed occupational medicine and health, the importance of promoting fire safety culture, and reviewed issues related to crowd management and conducting investigations and studies concerning major incidents.

The conference was accompanied by an exhibition showing the latest innovations and advanced technologies in firefighting and crisis management. Leading global companies participated in the exhibition to display their products and technical solutions.