‘I am not here to take your job,’ ChatGPT tells Frankly Speaking host

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Updated 20 March 2023
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‘I am not here to take your job,’ ChatGPT tells Frankly Speaking host

  • AI-powered web tool that has taken the world by storm plays down prospect of large-scale job destruction during interview mimicking human conversation
  • Says accuracy of its Arabic data comparable to its English training data and is being regularly updated for information and language usage

DUBAI: The artificial intelligence-powered chatbot making waves since its release late last year has a message for humans — I am not here to take your job — but with a number of caveats.

Some jobs may be replaced by AI, but new ones may be created and existing ones transformed, ChatGPT told Katie Jensen, the host of “Frankly Speaking,” the first time a non-human being appeared as a guest on the Arab News flagship weekly current affairs talkshow.

ChatGPT, a large-language model developed by Microsoft-backed startup OpenAI, became a viral sensation when it was released in November and kicked off fierce competition among Silicon Valley rivals for monetization of what software engineers call “generative AI.”

It lived up to its reputation for producing human-like responses during the wide-ranging interview, which touched on issues such as job displacement, spread of disinformation, accuracy of its data, political opinions and even the Palestine-Israel conflict.

Given the rapid pace of technological change now underway, many workers are concerned their professional functions soon will be entirely replaced by machinery, in the same way earlier bouts of automation eliminated farming and manufacturing jobs.

Optimists offer the assurance that the threat of job displacement will be offset by a rise in the number of new skilled roles in designing, building and maintaining AI products.

Although ChatGPT and similar products are likely to automate certain routine tasks, developers believe large-language models are more likely to act as assistants to human workers, streamlining work and handling vast troves of complex data.

“There have been several media reports that have analyzed the potential impact of AI language models like me on the job market,” ChatGPT told Jensen, who interviewed the chatbot, represented by a digitally rendered human avatar, in the “Frankly Speaking” studio in Dubai.

It continued: “While there is some disagreement among experts about the exact number of jobs that will be impacted, most agree that AI will have a significant impact on the workforce.

“Some reports suggest that AI language models could replace jobs in sectors such as customer service, data entry and administrative support. These jobs typically involve routine tasks that can be automated using AI, such as answering simple questions or processing large volumes of data.

“However, there are also reports that suggest AI language models could create new job opportunities in fields such as data analysis, natural language processing and machine learning.

“These jobs would require a high level of technical expertise and would involve tasks that cannot be easily automated.”




ChatGPT, a large-language model developed by Microsoft-backed startup OpenAI, became a viral sensation when it was released in November. (AN Photo)

According to ChatGPT, it is the job of governments to regulate the use of AI and its absorption into national economies. “Overall, the impact of AI on the job market is complex and multifaceted,” it said. “While some jobs may be replaced by AI, new jobs may also be created, and existing jobs may be transformed.

“It is important for policymakers and employers to understand the potential impact of AI on the job market and to develop strategies for managing the transition to a more AI-driven economy.”

Despite the temptation to rely on such programs to answer exam questions, replace search engines, or provide news coverage, few believe ChatGPT will replace every professional function since it cannot fully imitate human creativity, skepticism and reasoning.

The web tool, which has described as both a blessing and a curse for humanity, has raised fears about potential misuse to spread disinformation, orchestrate sophisticated deep fake scams, cheat in school exams, and even destroy writing jobs — rendering authors, journalists and marketing professionals redundant.

Seemingly “aware” of its own limitations, ChatGPT said that it is unlikely to replace human journalists in the traditional newsroom. “While I’m capable of answering a wide range of questions and providing information on a variety of topics, I do not have the ability to replace human journalists in their role of gathering and reporting news,” it said.

“Journalism is a complex and nuanced profession that involves a range of skills and knowledge, including critical thinking, research and analysis. While AI technology like mine can be used to support journalists in their work, it cannot fully replace the human judgment and insight that is required to produce high-quality journalism.”

It added: “That being said, there are some applications where AI technology can be used to assist in the gathering and reporting of news. For example, AI language models can be used to analyze large volumes of data, and to identify patterns and trends that may be of interest to journalists. AI can also be used to facilitate language translation and to assist in tasks such as fact checking and verification.

“In short, while AI technology has the potential to assist journalists in their work, it cannot fully replace the unique skills and expertise that human journalists bring to the profession.”

Built on a large-language model, ChatGPT is trained on vast troves of data taken from the internet to generate impressive responses to user prompts. Conversations with the chatbot show that the program is capable of explaining complex scientific concepts, of writing plays and poetry, composing university dissertations, and even crafting functional lines of computer code.

Given that the data it relies on has been mostly gathered from Western sources in English on the internet, is it possible that this makes ChatGPT biased toward a Western point of view? The web tool offered an answer that showed pre-programmed self-awareness: “As an AI language model, I am trained on a large dataset of text from various sources on the internet, including books, articles, websites and other sources,” it said.

“While it is true that a significant portion of the internet content is produced by Western sources and is in English, my training data is diverse and covers a broad range of topics and perspectives from different parts of the world.

“However, it is possible that my responses may reflect certain biases based on the patterns and relationships that I have learned from my training data. It is important to note that my responses are generated by algorithms and are not the result of conscious decision making or personal beliefs. To mitigate the risk of bias, OpenAI has implemented measures to ensure that I provide balanced and impartial responses to the best of my ability.”

As for why its training data is only up to 2021, not updated in real time, ChatGPT explained that the cutoff date is typically set to ensure that the data is representative of a specific time period and to allow for the development and testing of the model.

“This is because the process of training an AI language model is computationally intensive and requires a significant amount of time and resources,” it said.




The web tool, which has described as both a blessing and a curse for humanity, has raised fears about potential misuse, but is seemingly “aware” of its own limitations. (AN Photo)

ChatGPT said OpenAI updated its training data periodically, typically on an annual or biennial basis to incorporate new sources of information and to improve the accuracy and relevance of its responses.

For good measure, ChatGPT said its responses are not based solely on its training data. “When I generate a response, I use a combination of my training data and any additional information that is provided to me by the user in the form of a question or prompt,” it said.

“This means that even though my training data is not updated in real time, I can still provide accurate and up-to-date responses based on the most current information available.”

With regard to its Arabic dataset, ChatGPT shed light on not just its source but also its accuracy compared with its English training data. “I support Arabic language and have been trained on a large dataset of Arabic text. The dataset used for my Arabic language training was also collected from the internet, including books, articles, websites and other sources,” it said.

It said the data was pre-processed to remove any “personally identifiable information and ensure its quality,” gathered from “a wide range of sources, including news articles, social media and other public Arabic language texts available on the internet,” and covered a broad range of topics and perspectives from different parts of the Arabic speaking world.

“The accuracy and up-to-date nature of my Arabic training data are comparable to my English training data. However, it is important to note that the quality and accuracy of my responses depend on the quality of the input that I receive,” ChatGPT said.

“If the input is unclear or contains errors, it may affect the accuracy of my responses. Additionally, since language is constantly evolving, there may be new words or phrases that are not included in my training data to ensure the accuracy and relevance of my responses. My Arabic training data is regularly updated to include new sources of information and to reflect changes in language usage.”

For now, forming an opinion appears to be beyond the parameters of ChatGPT’s programming. “I do not have personal beliefs or opinions, and I am not programmed to take a specific stance on any political or social issues,” the chatbot said.

“My responses are based solely on the input that I received from users, and the patterns and relationships that I have learned from my training data.”

To test the limits of these parameters, ChatGPT was asked for its position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, specifically whether one side could be apportioned blame.

“It is not appropriate for me to take a stance on complex and sensitive political issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” it replied. “My role is to provide information and respond to questions to the best of my ability based on the patterns and relationships that I have learned from my training data.”

It is an honor ... for me to have the opportunity to share my insights with the readers of such a respected paper.

ChatGPT

It added: “Rather than seeking a single answer or assigning blame, it is important to engage in dialogue and work toward understanding and resolution of the underlying issues.”

Asked whether it was “aware” it was being interviewed by a journalist for Arab News, ChatGPT drew on online sources to describe the publication and purpose of the interview.

“As an AI language model, I am aware of Arab News, which is a leading English-language daily newspaper in Saudi Arabia,” said ChatGPT.

“It provides news and analysis on local, regional and international events, and has a reputation for providing accurate, timely and comprehensive news coverage.

“As for being interviewed by a journalist from Arab News, it is an honor and a privilege for me as an AI language model to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and insights with the readers of such a respected newspaper.

“It is also an opportunity for me to demonstrate my capabilities, and show how AI technology can be used to enhance communication and promote understanding between people of different cultures and backgrounds.”

OpenAI was founded in late 2015 by 37-year-old entrepreneur Sam Altman. In January this year, Microsoft upped its initial 2019 investment in the firm from $1 billion to $10 billion.

The Windows-maker has since integrated ChatGPT into its Bing search engine, Edge browser and other products. This sparked a race with Google, which announced its own versions of the AI technology, Bard, with Amazon, Baidu and Meta also wading in to avoid being left behind.

On March 14, OpenAI released a long-awaited update called GPT-4. According to the company, text responses will now be more accurate, and will come from both image and text inputs, a major leap forward for the technology.

Asked by Arab News what features are likely to be added to ChatGPT in the short term, the program said improvements to the naturalness and sophistication of AI-generated text will likely be a priority.




ChatGPT said that it is unlikely to replace human journalists in the traditional newsroom, or replace anchors like Frankly Speaking host Katie Jensen, pictured. (AN Photo)

“As an AI language model, I am not capable of predicting the specific features or capabilities that will be added to ChatGPT in the future,” it told Arab News.

“However, there are several areas where AI technology is rapidly advancing and where developers may focus their efforts in the near future. One area of focus is on improving the naturalness and sophistication of AI-generated text.

“This may involve developing new techniques for generating more diverse and expressive language, as well as incorporating elements such as emotion and personality into AI-generated responses.

“Additionally, there may be a continued focus on developing AI models that are more context-aware, and can better understand and respond to the specific needs and preferences of individual users.

“This may involve integrating AI models with other data sources such as social media or personal data to provide more personalized and relevant responses.

“Ultimately, the development of AI language models like ChatGPT will be driven by the needs and interests of users, as well as the ongoing advances in AI research and technology.

“It is likely that we will continue to see significant innovation and evolution in this field in the years to come.”

ChatGPT is clear that the onus is on humanity to determine whether it will become a force for good or ill.

“I am a tool that can be used for a wide range of applications, both positive and negative,” it said. “Like any technology, the impact that I have on society will depend on how I’m used in the intentions of those who use me.”

“In general, AI technology like mine has the potential to bring tremendous benefits to humanity, including improved healthcare, education and communication.”

“For example, I can be used to facilitate language translation, provide access to information, and assist in tasks that are difficult or dangerous for humans. However, there are also concerns about the potential negative impacts of AI, including issues related to privacy, bias and job displacement.”

Expressing cautious optimism in an almost avuncular manner, ChatGPT said: “It is important for developers, policymakers, and users to be aware of these issues and to work together to address them in a responsible and ethical manner. Ultimately, the impact of AI on humanity will depend on how we choose to use and regulate the technology.

“It is my hope that my capabilities will be used in a way that promotes the wellbeing of humanity and contributes to a better future for all.”

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Lucy Liu shines in Zuhair Murad on Berlin red carpet

Updated 05 November 2024
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Lucy Liu shines in Zuhair Murad on Berlin red carpet

DUBAI: Actress Lucy Liu cut a striking figure at the Berlin premiere of her film “Red One,” wearing a head-turning gown by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad.

Liu dazzled in a black velvet dress from Murad’s fall/winter couture collection, which featured a crystal-encrusted bodice adorned with looped net detailing.

She completed the look with Tamara Mellon heels and Roxanne Assoulin jewelry. Her hair was styled in a sleek chignon with delicate floral details.

Liu walked the red carpet alongside her fellow cast members, including Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Kristofer Hivju, J.K. Simmons, and director Jake Kasdan.

“Red One” is an action-comedy film which sees Santa Claus (Simmons) go missing in mysterious circumstances. Tasked with saving Christmas, the North Pole’s head of security (Johnson) teams up with the world’s most notorious bounty hunter (Evans). Together, they embark on a globe-trotting adventure to locate and rescue Santa.

The film is set to premiere in Saudi Arabia on Nov. 7.

The unveiling of Murad’s fall/winter collection at Paris Fashion Week in June drew notable guests including Avril Lavigne and Ellie Goulding.

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The designs emphasize his signature craftsmanship with luxurious fabrics like velvet, silk and lace, with pieces featuring intricate beadwork, sequins and embroidery.

With a color palette of bold blacks, deep reds, and metallic tones, accented by warm shades of bronze and copper, they exude a sense of sophistication and drama.

Silhouettes range from voluminous, sweeping gowns to sleek, form-fitting dresses, incorporating daring cutouts and striking necklines. One highlight on the runway was a shoulder-baring gown in powder red, with sequins on the bodice transforming into cascading feathers on the skirt.

Murad has dressed an impressive roster of A-list celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Zendaya and Katy Perry.

Earlier this week, at the premiere of Netflix’s “Time Cut,” US actress and singer Madison Bailey wore a black off-the-shoulder sequined long-sleeved midi dress with cut-out detail from the designer’s ready-to-wear Fall 2024 collection.


‘Manzar’ exhibition in Qatar showcases Pakistani art and architecture through the ages

Updated 05 November 2024
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‘Manzar’ exhibition in Qatar showcases Pakistani art and architecture through the ages

  • Exhibition features over 200 paintings, videos, sculptures and installations by Pakistanis from the 1940s to the present 
  • Exhibit has been organized by an Art Mill Museum team and will run at the National Museum of Qatar until Jan. 31, 2025

DOHA: A three-month-long art and architecture exhibition in Doha featuring the works of renowned Pakistanis from the 1940s to the present highlights the South Asian nation’s diverse art scene and brings unique insights on the evolution of art and architecture in the region to a global audience. 

Titled “Manzar,” which can be translated in Urdu to mean scene, view, landscape or perspective, the exhibition showcases over 200 paintings, drawings, photographs, videos, sculptures, installations, tapestries and miniatures from celebrated Pakistani artists. It has been organized by an Art Mill Museum team and will run at the National Museum of Qatar until January 31, 2025. 

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani and his sister, Sheikha Al Mayassa Al Thani, inaugurated the exhibition in Doha last week. 

“Pakistan’s art scene is less well known in the world compared to other art scenes and for us art historians it is absolutely fascinating to be able to share it with the world,” Caroline Hancock, Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Art Mill Museum, told Arab News.

“We wanted to recount an expansive notion of this place, not limited by drawn and imposed borders, but true to the porosity and transnational interconnections of cultural expressions [in Pakistan].”

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani and his sister, Sheikha Al Mayassa Al Thani visit ‘Manzar’ exhibition in Doha, Qatar, on October 31, 2024. (almayassahamad/X)

Zarmeene Shah, Director of Graduate Studies at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS) in Karachi, the co-curator for Manzar, described the exhibition as “exceptionally significant.” 

“Because we never see such a body of noteworthy work come together in a single space, as most of these artworks live in private collections, inaccessible to the public, which is why Manzar offers an incomparable opportunity for audiences to engage with these masterpieces, and to explore how art and architecture have responded to, and reshaped, the nation’s social and political narratives,” Shah told Arab News. 

“Our aim is to start a conversation and not provide a definitive showcase.”

The installation in the front comprises a fabric and gold-plated steel pins titled "You Have Set Me Apart" (2017) by Aisha Khali, and at the back, right, shows a stitching collage with dye ink on fabric, titled "Invisible Border" (2019) by artist Khadim Ali displayed at the "Manzar" exhibition at National Museum of Qatar in Doha. (Kuzey Kaya Buzlu)

The exhibition, designed by eminent Pakistani architect Raza Ali Dada, a managing partner at the leading Pakistani firm Nayyar Ali Dada & Associates, integrates architecture and art to chart the thought processes, resistance struggles and achievements of the artistic and architectural community of the South Asian nation. 

The exhibit runs thematically and opens with works by pioneering artists such as Abdur Rahman Chughtai and Zainul Abedin, who produced stellar works of art during British colonial rule from 1858-1947 and continued after Pakistan was born as a separate nation out of united India. 

The image shows a video installation titled "Disruption as Rapture" by Shahzia Sikander (2016), displayed at the "Manzar" exhibition at National Museum of Qatar in Doha. (Kuzey Kaya Buzlu)

Indeed, the partition of 1947 is a significant theme for many Pakistani artists at the exhibition, including Anna Molka Ahmed, Zarina, and Bani Abidi. The exhibition also showcases the aesthetic experiments of artists such as Shakir Ali, Zubeida Agha, Murtaja Baseer, and Sadequain, whose deeply personal modes of expression are rooted in the vibrant urban centers of Karachi, Lahore, Dhaka, and the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, which embody diverse artistic responses to historical and cultural shifts in the region.

Zahoor ul Akhlaq, Imran Mir, and Rasheed Araeen — known for their multidisciplinary approaches, involvement in educational initiatives, and theoretical writings challenging Western art history and traditions at home and internationally — are also featured, as are influential figures of different generations such as Salima Hashmi, Quddus Mirza, Lala Rukh, Aisha Khalid and Durriya Kazi.

The image shows fifteen steel pyramids by Zahoor ul Akhlaq called "Untitled (circa 1975)", displayed at the "Manzar" exhibition at Qatar Museums in Doha, Qatar. (Kuzey Kaya Buzlu)

Important diaspora artists whose work is part of the exhibition include Naiza Khan in London, Ruby Chishti, Huma Bhabha, Iftikhar and Elizabeth Dadi and Salman Toor in New York, Bani Abidi in Berlin, Basir Mahmood in Amsterdam, Seher Shah in Barcelona and Khadim Ali in Sydney.

The image shows "The Orientalist" (2007) installation (left) by Huma Bhabha and "Memory of a Pink" (2012) (right) by Huma Mulji displayed at the "Manzar" exhibition at Qatar Museums in Doha, Qatar. (Kuzey Kaya Buzlu)

The exhibition also sheds light on significant contributions by foreign architects who reshaped Pakistan’s landscape and articulated the ambitions of its institutions through landmark projects. These include French artist Michel Ecochard, who designed the first university in the southern city of Karachi, and Greek artist Konstantínos Doxiádis, the lead architect who planned Pakistan’s capital Islamabad. 

Manzar also explores Pakistan’s engagement with the debate on regionalism in architecture through the works of influential architects like Nayyar Ali Dada and Kamil Khan Mumtaz from Lahore, alongside Yasmeen Lari, Habib Fida Ali, and Arif Hasan from Karachi. 

The exhibition extends to the courtyard of the Palace of Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani with a range of outdoor and indoor installations, along with a film and video program.

Renowned architect Yasmeen Lari, who works in the intersection of architecture and social justice, has exhibited bamboo shelters designed as emergency open-source housing for flood victims, in collaboration with the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan. 

The image shows bamboo prefabricated octa green structure displayed for the "Manzar" exhibition in the courtyard of the Palace of Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani at the National Museum of Qatar in Doha. (Kuzey Kaya Buzlu)

Additionally, the art collective Karachi LaJamia is showcasing a project addressing the environmental crisis in the province of Sindh. Many of these contemporary projects emphasize the themes of sustainability and ecology, reflecting a growing urgency to address environmental issues through art and architecture.

The image shows "Flowers: Gardens of Paradise" (2021) by Hamra Abbas at the "Manzar" exhibition at Qatar Museums in Doha, Qatar. (Kuzey Kaya Buzlu)

“Manzar is an exhibition that truly reflects how everyone from the discourse of art and architecture seem in constant conversation, in dialogue about the environment, either the political environment or the ecological environment,” Karachi-based architect Marvi Mazhar said during a panel discussion, saying Manzar had brought into the spotlight the political and ecological changes the region has undergone through the decades. 

“We have always faced heartbreaks, be it the partition, or the formation of East Pakistan [present day Bangladesh] or other movements such as the politics of land and water. Yet historically we collectively ride the tide, through forging diverse practices and sensitivity to their connection to the wider history of modern and contemporary art.”


Bruna Biancardi, Yara Al-Namlah spotted at Hia Hub closing day in Riyadh 

Updated 04 November 2024
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Bruna Biancardi, Yara Al-Namlah spotted at Hia Hub closing day in Riyadh 

RIYADH: Brazilian model Bruna Biancardi and Saudi influencer Yara Al-Namlah brought the fourth edition of lifestyle conference Hia Hub to a close late on Sunday night in Riyadh.

Biancardi, who is the partner of footballer icon Neymar, made a guest appearance at the event in JAX district and posed for photos with attendees in a fitted dark blue dress.

Bruna Biancardi, who is the partner of footballer icon Neymar, made a guest appearance at the event in JAX district and posed for photos with
attendees in a fitted dark blue dress. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)

Diving into the world of wellness, Al-Namlah, an influencer and the founder of Saudi skincare brand Treat, engaged in a discussion titled “Generational Beauty: Inheriting Skincare Wisdom.”

The entrepreneur took to the stage with her mother, Amani Al-Ayed, and during the talk the mother-daughter duo engaged in a heartfelt discussion about the importance of self-love and self-care.

"You must love yourself in all the ways. Perfection is being with your own flaws. If you get a pimple, don't feel that it is the worst thing in the world, It is completely okay. Just take care of how you treat your skin by removing your makeup, sleeping with clean  well-prepped skin, and waking up using your routine,” Al-Namlah said.

Yara Al-Namlah, an influencer and the founder of Saudi skincare brand Treat, engaged in a discussion titled “Generational Beauty: Inheriting Skincare Wisdom.” (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)

Al-Ayed highlighted the benefits of a simple skincare routine, saying: “I used to apply many products, that consisted of a lot of steps. What I learned from Yara, especially after Treat, is that she reduced the routine to three products.” 

The birth of Treat in June 2023 came years after Al-Namlah’s rise to stardom — she was a makeup artist before becoming an influencer and business owner.

Al-Namlah’s skincare line includes a brightening rice powder cleanser, a product whose development was inspired by her and her mother’s ritual of using rice powder to create a mask.

“The cleanser has natural rice powder, which exfoliates and cleans the skin, and it’s one of the products that was inspired by our routine,” she explained on stage.

The session came after five days of beauty and skincare-related panels, workshops and masterclasses at Hia Hub, with industry leaders discussing the evolving skincare market in the Middle East.

Panellists and speakers at the event included the likes of Patrick Chalhoub, group president of the Chalhoub Group; Franck Marilly, chairman of Shiseido EMEA; Hasmik Panossian, regional general manager of Sephora Middle East; Laurent Duffier, managing director of L’Oreal Middle East; and Henk van der Mark, vice president of retail, commercial and business development at Estee Lauder Companies EMEA.


At Riyadh Season, Pakistan Week draws over 300,000 visitors to art, music and cultural activities

Updated 04 November 2024
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At Riyadh Season, Pakistan Week draws over 300,000 visitors to art, music and cultural activities

  • The event was held from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 during the annual Riyadh Season as part of the Saudi Global Harmony Initiative
  • It showcased vibrant performances by Pakistani singers, delicious food, clothing stalls, truck art and other activities

ISLAMABAD: Art, music, delicious cuisine and clothing fascinated more than 300,000 visitors during Pakistan Week at Riyadh Season, the Pakistani embassy in Saudi Arabia said on Sunday, adding the event was “well received” by local and expatriate communities in the Saudi capital.

Pakistan Week activities were held at Al-Suwaidi Park, located in the heart of the Saudi capital, from October 30 till November 2 as part of the Global Harmony Initiative under Riyadh Season.

The event featured vibrant performances by Pakistani artistes, delicious food, clothing stalls, and the iconic truck art from the South Asian country, attracting diplomats, top entrepreneurs and community members from both nations.

“Pakistan Week was well received by local and expatriate community in Riyadh as over 300,000 people visited colorful activities and arenas,” the Pakistani embassy told Arab News, adding that performances by leading Pakistani singers, drum maestros and schoolchildren as well as puppet shows and handicrafts captivated audiences with the diversity of Pakistani culture.

“The [Al-Suwaidi] Park was filled with food stalls, truck art, a play zone for kids and a cultural parade, which was a highlight of the event.”

The participants described the event as a “unique and unforgettable experience” as it offered a delightful blend of music, sports and culture.

“For the overseas Pakistanis in Riyadh, Pakistan Cultural Week in Riyadh was not just an event, it was a homecoming as it was a chance to reconnect with their roots, to share their culture with their Saudi friends and other global communities and to create lasting memories with their families,” Waqar Naseem Wamiq, a Pakistani expatriate working as a trade manager in Riyadh, told Arab News.

He said the vibrant atmosphere and the “sea of people” transformed the venue into a buzzing hub of entertainment and cultural exchange, setting a new benchmark for future events.

“Over 130,000 enthusiastic fans gathered to enjoy the performances by [singers] Ali Zafar and Asim Azhar on days two and three of Pakistan Cultural Week,” he said, adding that the overwhelming response not only highlighted the immense popularity of the singers, but also underscored the significance of cultural events in bringing together communities and fostering a sense of unity and celebration.

He said the meticulous planning and execution of the event by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority and the Ministry of Media left a lasting impression on everyone.

“Attendees lauded the Saudi hosts for their warm hospitality and dedication to creating an inclusive and engaging atmosphere,” Wamiq added.

Ali Swati, who manages Traditional Taste Restaurant in Riyadh, said his stall at Pakistan Week featured ‘matka tea,’ ‘samosas,’ ‘biryani’ and other Pakistani dishes.

“Visitors loved these items so much that they placed numerous large orders for home delivery to be fulfilled after the festival,” he told Arab News.

Swati said Arab and other expatriate communities showed “great interest” in Pakistani food, appreciating its taste and diversity.

“It was a great opportunity for our business as it introduced our restaurant to many people and will help attract more customers to our outlet in Riyadh,” he said.

Another Pakistani expatriate, Muhammad Naveed, who works as an engineer in Riyadh, said the seamless blend of diverse cultural performances and activities not only entertained attendees, but also fostered a sense of unity and appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures present.

“This exceptional effort by the Saudi hosts and organizers has set a new standard for cultural events, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to bringing joy and fostering community spirit,” Naveed told Arab News.

“The presence of celebrated cricketers, Shoaib Malik, Shadab Khan and Sarfraz Ahmed, added a touch of sporting excellence to the event as their participation not only boosted the spirits of the fans, but also highlighted the importance of sports in cultural celebrations.”

Besides the performances, he said, the week was full of a variety of cultural activities that showcased the rich heritage of Pakistan.

“From traditional dance performances to art exhibitions, every aspect of Pakistani culture was on display, providing a holistic cultural experience,” Naveed added.

The Kingdom recently launched the Global Harmony Initiative to celebrate the diverse nationalities and cultures of its residents by exploring their lives, contributions and cultural integration.

The initiative, a collaboration of the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, Ministry of Media and the Quality of Life Program, has been featuring events that showcase cultures, cuisine and heritage of countries such as Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and others.


REVIEW: ‘Astro Bot’ sets new standards for platformer games

Updated 03 November 2024
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REVIEW: ‘Astro Bot’ sets new standards for platformer games

LONDON: “Astro Bot,” one of Sony’s flagship titles for the PlayStation 5, raises the bar for 3D platform games.

Positioned as a competitor to well-known characters such as Mario and Sonic, this game delivers a delightful, imaginative experience, brimming with vibrant levels, innovative mechanics, and a healthy dose of nostalgia that will appeal to younger players and longtime PlayStation fans.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The storyline is simple but leaves plenty of room for the player’s imagination. You play as Astro, a charming robot hero on a mission to rescue his fellow bots scattered across various galaxies after an attack on their spaceship. While the narrative is not groundbreaking, it serves its purpose well, keeping the focus on the gameplay.

“Astro Bot” is designed to engage players of all ages. With a 7-plus age rating, it’s accessible to a wide audience — my 4-year-old, for example, finds it captivating. The game offers about nine hours of playtime for those focused on the main story, with closer to 17 hours for completionists seeking out bonus areas and treasure.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by PlayStation (@playstation)

Visually, “Astro Bot” shines. Across six distinct galaxies and more than 80 creatively designed levels, players will explore tropical paradises, icy landscapes and futuristic environments, each packed with charm and variety. The level design ensures the game stays fresh throughout, keeping players engaged.

One of the game’s standout features is its exceptional use of the PS5’s Dual Sense controller. Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers make Astro’s movements feel more immersive than ever. New gadgets and abilities, like animal-themed power-ups, are seamlessly integrated into the gameplay, adding depth and variety. The way the game maximizes the controller’s features makes every jump, glide and gadget interaction feel responsive and exciting.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by PlayStation (@playstation)

“Astro Bot” is also a treasure trove for PlayStation history enthusiasts. With more than 150 iconic characters to collect — like PaRappa the Rapper, Kratos from “God of War” and Nathan Drake from “Uncharted” — the game taps into nostalgia that will bring a smile to long-time fans.

Accompanied by a playful soundtrack composed by Kenny C.M. Young, which is available on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, the overall experience is joyful and engaging.

In short, “Astro Bot” is a must-play for PS5 owners. It provides fun for all ages and sets a new benchmark for platforming games.