Saudi film production firm to launch collaborative new manga video game

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To enrich players’ experience, musical compositions popular in previous animated series, have been repurposed. (Supplied)
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Updated 18 July 2023
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Saudi film production firm to launch collaborative new manga video game

  • Riyadh-based Manga Productions announced new video game “UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves"

RIYADH: Riyadh-based Manga Productions has announced that its new video game “UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves” will be launched on Nov. 14.

A subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Misk Foundation, the Saudi film production company has collaborated with French video game firm, Microids, to develop the game.

Its events are derived from the popular anime series, Grendizer, based on the giant robot character created by Japanese manga artist Go Nagai.

To enrich players’ experience, musical compositions popular in previous animated series, have been repurposed.

The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One. The Nintendo Switch version will be available next year.

Manga Productions’ director of marketing, distribution, and business development, Abdulaziz Al-Nagmoosh, said: “We aspire to spread this game to satisfy and enrich fans and players in the Arab world and North Africa.

“We are working at Manga Productions to attract the best international electronic games to spread and Arabize them through our inspiring Saudi youth.”

The game will be available in two editions. The deluxe version will have the complete game, a keychain, a two-picture poster, an exclusive SteelBook, and a 30 cm by 42 cm poster, while a collector’s edition will be comprised of more than 12 items including the above, a collector’s box, art book, Grendizer robe, an additional mission, four art prints, a set of three pins, an exclusive 25 cm Grendizer figure, and golden ticket.

On March 9, Manga Productions signed a publishing and distribution agreement with Microids for the game covering the Middle East and North Africa region.

The partnership involved Arabizing the game and provided opportunities for Saudi talent in areas such as distribution, licensing, and marketing.

The Grendizer anime series was one of the first successful releases of Japanese animation in the late 1970s, consisting of 74 episodes that were a hit with users in the Arab world, France, and Italy.

Dr. Essam Bukhary, the CEO of Manga Productions, told Arab News: “We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of ‘UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves’ in collaboration with the global company Microids.

“At Manga Productions, our main goal is to empower Saudi talents and provide them with the skills needed to elevate the creative and entertainment landscape in Saudi Arabia.

“Our talented Saudi youth have played a crucial role in various aspects such as localization, distribution, publishing, and marketing of this game.

“The audience of players will find a great enjoyment in this game, as we have always been committed in Manga Productions to delivering the top international games to the MENA region,” he added.


Saudi health minister visits pilgrim who received emergency cardiac surgery in Arafat

Updated 10 sec ago
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Saudi health minister visits pilgrim who received emergency cardiac surgery in Arafat

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Health Minister Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel recently visited a Hajj pilgrim who had received emergency cardiac surgery at East Arafat Hospital.

The minister, who is also chairman of the Health Holding Co., made the visit during an inspection tour of healthcare facilities before the pilgrimage begins later this week, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The hospital is one of several medical facilities serving the holy sites during the Hajj.

 


Man jailed for illegal Hajj pilgrimage operation

Updated 40 min 44 sec ago
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Man jailed for illegal Hajj pilgrimage operation

  • A preliminary ruling sentenced him to one year in prison and imposed a 10,000 riyal ($2,666) fine

RIYADH: A Saudi resident has been jailed for a year for setting up an illegal Hajj operation with the intention of obtaining funds through deception via social media.

The public prosecution referred the defendant to the criminal court after he was found in possession of receipts connecting him to the criminal operation.

A preliminary ruling sentenced him to one year in prison and imposed a 10,000 riyal ($2,666) fine, along with the confiscation of all devices and tools used in the crime.

The public prosecution said the creation of fake Hajj operations was a major crime punishable by detention and added that it would continue to pursue those who broke Hajj regulations.

Meanwhile, Hajj security forces arrested 36 residents who tried to enter Makkah without the correct permits. They were referred to the relevant authority.

 


KSrelief completes pediatric heart surgery, catheterization project in Aleppo

Updated 04 June 2025
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KSrelief completes pediatric heart surgery, catheterization project in Aleppo

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief has completed a pediatric cardiac surgery and catheterization program in Syria’s Aleppo, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Volunteer medical workers carried out the project — a part of the Saudi Amal Program for Syrians — which ran from May 16 to 23, the SPA reported.

The teams performed 28 cardiac catheterizations and two open-heart operations.

In addition, 30 diagnostic radiology services were provided, 30 laboratory tests conducted, and medications dispensed to 30 patients.

The project is an extension of the specialized volunteer medical initiatives carried out by KSrelief to help people in Syria.


Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief continues food aid to world’s needy

Updated 04 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief continues food aid to world’s needy

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has provided 2,339 food parcels to vulnerable people in the Syrian Arab Republic and Sudan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Syrians in Aleppo received 1,339 parcels, while in Sudan’s Blue Nile State 1,000 were delivered for 4,686 people, the report added.

Saudi Arabia continues to provide much-needed aid to communities in crisis across the world, the SPA reported.

 


Saudi Arabia congratulates Bahrain on election to UN Security Council

Updated 04 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia congratulates Bahrain on election to UN Security Council

  • Bahrain will begin its 2-year term as a nonpermanent member of the council on Jan. 1, 2026
  • It was elected alongside Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia and Liberia

RIYADH: Saudi authorities congratulated Bahrain on Tuesday after the nation was elected to serve as a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council for the term 2026-2027.

The election of the country “confirms the international community’s confidence in Bahrain’s ability to contribute effectively to strengthening international peace and security,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said.

The Kingdom wished Bahrain success in representing the interests of the Arab group of nations within the UN and in carrying out its duties as a member of the council.

Bahrain was elected alongside Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia and Liberia, all of which will serve two-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

The 15-member Security Council, which is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, consists of five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the UK and the US — plus 10 nonpermanent members elected by the General Assembly to serve staggered, two-year terms. Bahrain and the other newly elected nations will therefore join five existing nonpermanent members whose terms conclude at the end of 2026: Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia.