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.


Alqan Heritage Village: A window into Saudi Arabia’s past

Updated 8 sec ago
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Alqan Heritage Village: A window into Saudi Arabia’s past

JEDDAH: Near Haql city, located northwest of Tabuk, sits Alqan Heritage Village — one of Saudi Arabia’s most scenic and historic heritage sites. Also known as “The Snow City,” it is a popular destination during winter when the whole area can become covered in snow.

During warmer months, Alqan offers visitors a chance to explore the village’s traditional homes, which are built on raised areas using local sandstone. These structures reflect the region’s unique architectural style and building techniques, according to the Saudi Press Agency report.

The village is located about 170 km from Tabuk city in northern Saudi Arabia, and is surrounded by a stunning landscape of tall mountains and red dunes.

Alqan was built in 1934 by order of King Abdulaziz. It includes 20 houses made from red stone and mud, with palm trunks and fronds used for the roofs. These buildings were once used by the region’s first government employees and public offices.

Today, the village is officially listed in the National Register of Architectural Heritage. The Heritage Commission continues its efforts to document, protect and digitize such historic sites across the Kingdom.

Near the village is the Alqan customs checkpoint, built in 1965. The area is also home to several historical wells that were used to provide water to local communities. Among them is the well of “Abu Al-Alq,” believed to have inspired the village’s name. Others say the name comes from small particles that sometimes appear in the well water.

Perched on a rocky hill, the village was carefully planned by early settlers, who chose the location based on natural features like wind direction, rainfall and privacy. Their thoughtful urban planning shows how well they understood the desert environment.

Alqan is best known for its snowfall, a rare feature in most of Saudi Arabia. Heavy snowstorms were recorded in 1945 and again in 1965, with snow lasting for several days. These events helped shape Alqan’s reputation as a winter retreat.


Saudi art returns to Concentrico festival in Spain

Ithra returns with more Saudi-inspired art for second year at Concentrico International Festival of Architecture and Design.
Updated 22 June 2025
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Saudi art returns to Concentrico festival in Spain

  • The installation will be open to the public at Plaza de la Diversidad in Logrono until June 24

DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, known as Ithra, returns with more Saudi-inspired art for the second year at the Concentrico International Festival of Architecture and Design in Spain.

The installation will be open to the public at Plaza de la Diversidad in Logrono until June 24.

This year, Ithra presents “Rooted in Warmth” by Saudi multimedia artist Raghad Al-Ahmed, alongside a sensory experience, “Summer Blessings,” by Saudi visual narrative studio Nclass.

Raghad Al-Ahmed. (Supplied)

Visitors are encouraged to interact with and even climb the structure to experience the connection between agriculture and community ties to nature.

The installation was created with more than 50 women artisans from Jouf, northern Saudi Arabia, inspired by Al-Ahmed’s roots in the Hejazi community, particularly Taif, where gatherings under tree shade are part of rural life.

The sensory experience “Summer Blessings” complements “Rooted in Warmth” by showcasing the diversity of local fruits and herbs.

Noura Al-Zamil, head of programs at Ithra, said: “We are proud to present Raghad Al-Ahmed’s work at Concentrico. Showcasing it at a leading European design festival reflects Ithra’s ongoing efforts to support creative expression.

“This initiative provides a platform for Saudi artists and artisans to share their work globally, enriching the cultural landscape. ‘Rooted in Warmth,’ combining personal and national identity with contemporary art, will encourage cross-cultural dialogue at the festival,” she added.

After its debut in Spain, “Rooted in Warmth” will be exhibited in Saudi Arabia as part of Tanween 2025 later this year.

Tanween, Ithra’s annual design event, highlights global design excellence and promotes creative innovation.


Raghadan Forest Park attracts summer visitors to Sarawat peaks

Raghadan Forest Park is one of the region’s most prominent ecotourism destinations. (SPA)
Updated 22 June 2025
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Raghadan Forest Park attracts summer visitors to Sarawat peaks

  • Covering about 483,000 sq. meters and rising more than 1,700 meters above sea level, the park offers a mild climate and scenic views

RIYADH: Raghadan Forest Park, which is set on the slopes of the Sarawat Mountains just west of Baha city, is one of the region’s most prominent ecotourism destinations, the Saudi Press Agency recently reported.

Covering about 483,000 sq. meters and rising more than 1,700 meters above sea level, the park offers a mild climate and scenic views.

Located about 4 km from central Baha, it features green spaces, walking paths, shaded seating areas, and various recreational facilities.

The 20,000 sq. meter Bahjat Raghadan Park — a recent development by Baha Municipality — boasts an artificial waterfall, an open-air theater, children’s play areas, and the Lavender Garden, which connects to a central plaza and a 500-meter stone walkway.

Ali Al-Sawat, the Baha region’s governor, told the SPA that Raghadan Forest Park was “a leading environmental and tourism landmark in the region.”

He said this year’s developments included sidewalk upgrades covering 1,470 meters over an area of 3,870 sq. meters; an enhancement of an 11,500 sq. meter section of the park; and a new 230-meter walking path.

The park’s infrastructure supports high visitor volumes, with  384,787 sq. meters of green space, 1,230 parking spaces (including 42 for individuals with disabilities), 14 playgrounds, and 122 restrooms.

Raghadan Forest Park also hosts entertainment and cultural events in the Baha Summer Program to help enrich the experience of visitors while promoting domestic tourism.


Saudi Pavilion at Osaka Expo attracts a million visitors

Updated 22 June 2025
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Saudi Pavilion at Osaka Expo attracts a million visitors

  • The full program of events for the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is available on the official website

The Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has welcomed more than a million visitors since opening on April 13.

Designed by Foster + Partners, the pavilion, which the second largest after Japan, is a display of the Kingdom’s culture and heritage. It features more than 700 events, including live performances and dance shows.

The award-winning pavilion shares Saudi Arabia’s transformative journey under Vision 2030, highlighting the kingdom’s innovation and technological modernization. Additionally, the pavilion offers an exciting visitor journey by means of seven immersive rooms and galleries where guests can see up close the Kingdom’s global impact.

“We are honored to mark this significant milestone and the Saudi Arabia pavilion’s success in reaching one million visitors, which underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to showing its transformation under Vision 2030 and inviting the world to experience its heritage and foster cultural exchange,” said Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Japan and commissioner general of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion.

“As we move towards reaching the next million, the pavilion remains committed to inspiring visitors to learn about Saudi Arabia’s achievements, and we look forward to deepening impact and welcoming the world. Our participation in Expo 2025 Osaka embodies our strong relationship with Japan, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations this year.

“As we journey towards Expo 2030 in Riyadh, we will leave a legacy here in Osaka. Expo 2030 Riyadh will be a testament to Saudi Arabia’s transformation as a global destination — and we are eager to welcome the world to Saudi Arabia,” he added.

The full program of events for the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is available on the official website.

This article also appears on Arab News Japan


Saudi Arabia says ‘no radioactive effects’ detected in Gulf after US strikes on Iran

Updated 22 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia says ‘no radioactive effects’ detected in Gulf after US strikes on Iran

  • Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission said Sunday that “no radioactive effects were detected” in the Kingdom and the Gulf region

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission said Sunday that “no radioactive effects were detected” in the Kingdom and the Gulf region as a result of the US military targeting of Iran’s nuclear facilities.

“No radioactive effects were detected on the environment of the Kingdom and the Arab Gulf states as a result of the American military targeting of Iran’s nuclear facilities,” the commission wrote on its official account on X.

Kuwait’s National Guard also said that “radiation levels in Kuwait’s airspace and waters are stable and the situation is normal” according to a statement on KUNA News Agency.

The Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority confirmed on Sunday that the country is far from any direct impact resulting from targeting uranium enrichment and conversion facilities in Iran.

Qatar’s Environment and Climate Change ministry also said it has not detected any abnormal radiation levels in the country’s airspace or territorial waters.  

The United States on Sunday attacked three Iranian nuclear sites, including the underground uranium enrichment facility at Ford, following days of speculation over whether the US military would join its ally Israel’s bombing campaign.