Step into your favorite superhero’s shoes in Jeddah’s City Walk

1 / 5
A behind-the-scenes experience is available for children in the Movie Land arena, which features three separate activities. (Supplied)
2 / 5
A behind-the-scenes experience is available for children in the Movie Land arena, which features three separate activities. (Supplied)
3 / 5
A behind-the-scenes experience is available for children in the Movie Land arena, which features three separate activities. (Supplied)
4 / 5
A behind-the-scenes experience is available for children in the Movie Land arena, which features three separate activities. (Supplied)
5 / 5
A behind-the-scenes experience is available for children in the Movie Land arena, which features three separate activities. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 24 May 2023
Follow

Step into your favorite superhero’s shoes in Jeddah’s City Walk

  • Discover the industry secrets that bring hit movies and comics to life

JEDDAH: The secrets of some of the world’s best-known cinematic scenes are revealed at the Movie Land subzone in Jeddah’s City Walk, an attraction that caters to movie and comic book fans of all ages with immersive and interactive experiences.

The Movie Land arena provides a behind-the-scenes experience with three separate activities for children. First, there is a filming studio where youngsters can step into the shoes of a superhero, and experience fame and the glamorous life of a movie star.

Second, a production studio allows children to embark on an adventurous journey, unraveling the secrets of the world of cartoons and animation.




At City Walk in Jeddah, the black rose stunt show features street battles that transport the audience to a world of excitement and suspense. (SPA)

Finally, an animation studio offers a platform for children to refine their creative skills by creating animated cartoon sketches and learning digital illustration techniques.

For adults, the Black Rose stunt show explores the scenes and secrets of high-octane action movies with thrilling chases and street battles. The show presents an immersive Italian mafia experience set in the streets of Chicago, inviting guests to become part of the action.

FASTFACT

An animation studio at the Movie Land arena offers a platform for children to refine their creative skills by creating animated cartoon sketches and learning digital illustration techniques.

Behind-the-scenes activities take visitors on a filmmaking journey, allowing them to become producers and cameramen, and uncover the secrets of the art of filmmaking.

Another attraction, the horror movie house, promises a spine-chilling experience.




A behind-the-scenes experience is available for children in the Movie Land arena, which features three separate activities. (Supplied)

Lighting, special effects and meticulously crafted props will immerse visitors in a nightmare world.

Created by a team with over 30 years of professional haunt experience, the horror movie house boasts movie-quality costumes, intricately detailed sets, and skilled performers known as the Scream Team. On entering, visitors are invited to “audition” to become the next horror movie superstar, but only if they can survive the terrifying giant maze filled with creepy creatures determined to frighten them.




A behind-the-scenes experience is available for children in the Movie Land arena, which features three separate activities. (Supplied)

Visitors can also brave Darkfield, a thrilling attraction that simulates free-falling from an aircraft. Situated in the heart of Movie Land, Darkfield offers a flight experience that encourages guests to reflect on their own mortality and the value of life.

Movie Land also features street performances by favorite movie characters and flash mobs, leaving visitors with extraordinary and cherished memories.

A visiting parent, Fahad Aseel, said: “My 5-year-old daughter was completely captivated by the Movie Land zone. She had the opportunity to explore film sets and be part of the production team.”

He said that the zone fascinated not only his daughter but also his entire family.

City Walk, which hosts the Movie Land subzone, is part of the Jeddah Calendar for 2023, which is being held throughout the year under the theme “Together All Year.”

 

 


Greek PM visits AlUla during visit to Saudi Arabia

Greek Prime Minster Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the historic Hegra region in AlUla on Monday. (SPA)
Updated 16 sec ago
Follow

Greek PM visits AlUla during visit to Saudi Arabia

  • Hegra features well-preserved monumental tombs with decorated facades dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD

RIYADH: Greek Prime Minster Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the historic Hegra region in AlUla on Monday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Hegra Archaeological Site is the first World Heritage property to be inscribed in Saudi Arabia. It is the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan.

Hegra features well-preserved monumental tombs with decorated facades dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD.

Mitsotakis visited Qasr Al-Farid, a tomb constructed around the 1st century CE, and Qasr Al-Bint, the most famous necropolis in Hegra. He also visited Mount Athlab, one of the main attractions in the AlUla region.


Fourth Hajj and Umrah conference opens in Jeddah

Updated 34 min 45 sec ago
Follow

Fourth Hajj and Umrah conference opens in Jeddah

  • Event highlights innovations in transportation, crowd management and eco-friendly solutions
  • Agreements with Indonesia, Pakistan, India to welcome more than 575,000 pilgrims

JEDDAH: The fourth Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition, hosted by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program, began on Monday in Jeddah.

Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz inaugurated the event, which was attended by Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Islamic ministers, ambassadors and representatives from 87 countries.

Al-Rabiah announced that the total number of pilgrims and Umrah performers visiting Makkah and Madinah in 2024 reached a historic record of 18,535,689 individuals, including 16,924,689 Umrah performers and 1,611,310 Hajj pilgrims.

The four-day event, themed “The Road to the Nusuk,” features more than 300 local and international organizations showcasing innovations and technologies to enhance the Hajj and Umrah experience.

Key topics include logistics, transportation, crowd management, housing, hospitality and catering — pillars for improving rituals and pilgrim services, according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The event includes 47 discussion sessions, 50 workshops, and more than 130 local and international speakers addressing sustainability, eco-friendly technologies, AI in crowd management and digital solutions, while highlighting opportunities for startups and innovators in the Hajj sector.

Saed Al-Jahni, chairman of the Coordination Council for Domestic Pilgrims Service Facilities, told Arab News that the event reflected Saudi Vision 2030’s goal to enhance the experience of the Guests of Allah and provide top-tier services.

He added: “All relevant parties gather to showcase Saudi Arabia’s Hajj efforts, attract thought leaders and innovators to exchange knowledge, anticipate future trends, share best practices, and foster partnerships, agreements and initiatives. The event also engages researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs to tackle challenges and improve services for the Guests of Allah.”

Mohammed Muajini, chairman of Ashraqat Hajj company, said that the aim was to showcase the company’s achievements and future initiatives to enhance Hajj and Umrah services through technology and artificial intelligence, in line with Vision 2030.

On the sidelines of the conference, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a agreement allowing 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims to perform Hajj this year, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The agreement was signed by Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Al-Rabiah.

Saudi Arabia also signed a Hajj agreement with India, enabling 175,025 Indian pilgrims to perform the pilgrimage this year.

Indian Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju finalized the deal with Al-Rabiah. “We are committed to providing the best possible services to all our Hajj pilgrims,” Rijiju wrote on X.

Indonesia will send 221,000 pilgrims under a similar agreement signed by Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar and the Saudi Hajj minister in Jeddah.

Meanwhile, in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Umm Al-Qura University is organizing the “Humanizing the Holy Sites” hackathon, inviting university students, entrepreneurs, engineers, designers and specialists to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that improve the pilgrim experience while reducing environmental impact.

A ministerial session will be held where key ministers and officials from government entities will discuss and present new and ongoing services, projects and initiatives designed to improve the pilgrim journey.


Coalition meeting in Riyadh discusses key initiatives to combat extremism

Updated 13 January 2025
Follow

Coalition meeting in Riyadh discusses key initiatives to combat extremism

  • Meeting was attended by the IMCTC’s Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi and representatives from member states
  • Mansour Al-Qarni, director of intellectual administration, presented the Idmaj initiative, aimed at developing a model program for rehabilitating individuals affected by extremism

RIYADH: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition held a meeting in Riyadh on Monday, reviewing initiatives to implement in member states.

The meeting was attended by the coalition’s Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi and representatives from member states, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Mansour Al-Qarni, director of intellectual administration of the coalition, presented the Idmaj (Integration) initiative, aimed at developing a model program for rehabilitating individuals affected by extremism, focusing on psychological, social, and religious support.

The initiative includes training, capacity-building, consultancy, and specialized courses for professionals in this field, SPA reported.

Abdullah Al-Doh, director of analysis and follow-up in the intellectual administration, discussed the Wa’ee (Awareness) initiative, which produces materials to combat terrorist ideologies, promote moderate Islam, and refute extremist claims.

This initiative also supports the coalition’s efforts against terrorist financing and military operations, according to SPA.

Al-Moghedi reiterated the coalition’s commitment to providing expertise and training to member states in the fight against terrorism.


Saudi rescue teams save drowning swimmer

File photo of a beach in Alkhobar’s Half Moon Bay. (Shutterstock)
Updated 13 January 2025
Follow

Saudi rescue teams save drowning swimmer

  • The Yemeni man got into trouble in the water while swimming at Al-Sadaf Beach and was rescued by a search-and-rescue team from the Saudi Border Guard

RIYADH: Rescue teams saved a man from drowning off the coast of Alkhobar in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province on Monday.

The Yemeni man got into trouble in the water while swimming at Al-Sadaf Beach and was rescued by a search-and-rescue team from the Saudi Border Guard.

He was rushed to hospital and is now in good health, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The General Directorate of Border Guard urged members of the public to take precaution in the water and not to swim in undesignated areas, and to call 911 in the Makkah and Eastern regions or 994 in other regions in case of emergency.


Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom

Updated 13 January 2025
Follow

Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom

RIYADH: Saudi authorities recently reported multiple drug-related arrests and seizures across the Kingdom, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested three citizens in Jouf for selling amphetamine and a Yemeni resident in Najran for the same offense.

Border Guard patrols in Asir’s Al-Raboah sector detained five Yemenis and Ethiopians for smuggling 110 kg of qat.

In Jazan, authorities foiled the smuggling of 140 kg of qat in Al-Aridah and arrested a citizen in Al-Dayer for smuggling 59 kg of hashish.

Preliminary legal procedures were completed and all seized items were handed to the relevant authorities.

Security authorities urged the public to report drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.

Reports can also be made to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at [email protected]. All information will remain strictly confidential.