‘Grendizer’ returns with new anime series through Manga Productions

Also known as “Goldorak” in France and “Goldrake” in Italy, “Grendizer” is a robot launched in 1975 to save planet Fleed and help Duke Fleed to reach safely to Earth to defend it and its inhabitants. (Supplied)
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Updated 05 August 2023
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‘Grendizer’ returns with new anime series through Manga Productions

  • Anime series making comeback with new logo and features for main characters
  • Teaser shown at Japamura stage screens at Gamers8 in Riyadh Boulevard

RIYADH: Manga Productions, a subsidiary of Misk Foundation, and Dynamic Planning have released the official teaser for the new anime series “Grendizer U.”

The anime series is making a comeback with a new logo and features for the main characters. The release is planned for next year on various screens and platforms.

The teaser was launched during the AkibaDaisuki Festival in Tokyo and has received positive feedback from audiences. Elite members of the anime and manga communities were in attendance, such as the mangaka or manga artist Go Nagai; Ichinao Nagai, the executive producer of Dynamic Planning; director Mitsuo Fukuda; character designer Yoshiyuki Sadamoto; and screenwriter Ichiro Okouchi.

The teaser was also shown on Saturday at Japamura stage screens at Gamers8 in Riyadh Boulevard. It can be viewed on the official social media accounts via @GrendizerAnime.

Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, said: “We are happy to have collaborated with Dynamic Planning to revive the popular series ‘Grendizer’ and present it in an innovative way to its fans and a new generation of anime and manga enthusiasts after more than 40 years after its original broadcast.

“The series has a massive global following and is widely recognized as one of the most beloved anime and manga series worldwide. This achievement is a distinctive and unforgettable contribution of the Saudi youth who played a significant role in the distribution and licensing of the series. At Manga Productions, we take pride in empowering and investing in our youth.”

Abdulaziz Alnaghmoosh, director of the distribution, marketing and business development department, said: “The return of ‘Grendizer’ to its fans through Manga Productions is a qualitative leap in the field of distribution and licensing in the world. Through this return, Manga Productions has proven to the content creators the potential to lead the creative future sector in the world, through the efforts of Saudi competencies that have struggled and sought to make the name of the Kingdom reach the world.”

The credits include Nagai, the creator of ‘Grendizer,’ director Fukuda Mitsuo known for his work on “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED,” and character designer Yoshiyuki Sadamoto who has worked on “Neon Genesis Evangelion” and “Summer Wars.”

The screenwriter is Ichiro Okouchi, best known for his work on “Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion,” and the music is being composed by Kohei Tanaka, famous for his work on “ONE PIECE” and “Sakura Wars.”

A strategic partnership was established with Dynamic Planning last year that granted Manga Productions the licensing rights for products and characters from the “Grendizer” series. These rights were intended for use in entertainment facilities and cities across the Middle East.

The partnership’s first achievement was the unveiling of the Grendizer statue in Riyadh, which was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest metal figure of a fictional character, standing at a height of more than 33 meters.

Also known as “Goldorak” in France and “Goldrake” in Italy, “Grendizer” is a robot launched in 1975 to save planet Fleed and help Duke Fleed to reach safely to Earth to defend it and its inhabitants. The series has received the largest number of views in the Arab world, France and Italy, and has become iconic in the world of animation and manga.


Jeddah conference explores future of media under Vision 2030

King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah launched a Digital Communication Conference on Tuesday.
Updated 20 sec ago
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Jeddah conference explores future of media under Vision 2030

  • The three-day event convenes more than 140 researchers, policymakers and industry leaders from 56 universities, other institutions and professional organizations from 13 countries

RIYADH: King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah launched a Digital Communication Conference on Tuesday with the theme “Communication: Media and Beyond,” under the patronage of Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz.

The three-day event convenes more than 140 researchers, policymakers and industry leaders from 56 universities, other institutions and professional organizations from 13 countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

A highlight was the inaugural session, “Government Communication in Crises,” led by Dr. Mohammed Al-Abdulaali, assistant minister of health and the ministry’s official spokesperson.

Drawing on the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 pandemic response, he emphasized the critical role of transparent, timely communication to guide public opinion, counter misinformation, and build societal trust through verified data and audience-tailored messaging.

He detailed strategies such as pre-emptive rumor management, multi-platform engagement via press conferences, social media and government apps, and the importance of simplifying technical information for diverse demographics.

The conference features 13 sessions, with an exhibition titled “Journey of Impact” that displays digital communication milestones, advisory meetings, a postgraduate research march and interactive workshops.

Topics span cutting-edge trends, including content creation driven by artificial intelligence, user experience design for immersive digital platforms, podcast production techniques, and advanced data analytics for public opinion mapping.

Dr. Tareef Al-Aama, the president of KAU, highlighted the university’s strategic investments in digital infrastructure and global partnerships to advance sustainable development.

He said that KAU initiatives, including smart campus projects and collaborations between industry and academia, empower students to lead in fields critical to Vision 2030, such as AI, cybersecurity and media technology.

He noted KAU’s role in community-driven projects, including digital literacy campaigns and tech incubators supporting Saudi youth.

Ayman Bajnaid, dean of the College of Communication and Media, framed the conference as a transformative platform for redefining media education globally.

He added that there is a demand for professionals adept at merging technological agility with ethical responsibility, and that this event bridges theoretical knowledge and practical innovation to support graduates.

Strategic partnerships with global tech companies, media outlets, and government bodies underpin KAU’s impact initiative, which seeks to cultivate a generation of innovators capable of addressing challenges such as digital disinformation and cybersecurity threats. 


Saudi, Italian officials highlight growing economic ties at ongoing talks

Updated 8 min 19 sec ago
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Saudi, Italian officials highlight growing economic ties at ongoing talks

  • Talks will solidify strategic pacts, says ambassador Prince Faisal
  • Officials from both nations optimistic about cementing relations

MILAN: Government and business officials from Saudi Arabia and Italy are continuing talks, which began on Monday and ends on April 30, to cement economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

On Monday, Milan hosted the Saudi-Italian Business Forum in Lombardy.

Kamel Al-Munajjed, chairman of the Saudi-Italian Business Council, said that over 300 companies wanted to participate, signaling considerable enthusiasm for collaboration.

However, the organizers were only able to accommodate 150 companies, according to Al-Munajjed.

High-profile attendees included Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Italy Prince Faisal bin Sattam bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who underscored the significance of the visit to Italy.

Prince Faisal told Arab News the talks “reinforce” the commitment to advance the strategic partnerships signed previously by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

“The Saudi-Italian Business Council events in Milan and Turin lay the groundwork for future cooperation in energy, infrastructure, technology, renewable resources, and other strategic sectors.

“This initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Italy’s industrial agenda, fostering long-lasting partnerships and new synergies,” said Prince Faisal.

Valerio de Molli, CEO and managing partner of The European House - Ambrosetti & TEHA Group, a leading management consulting firm in Italy, said there was significant potential for joint business ventures.

De Molli said that considerable expertise can be provided by his firm which organizes over 850 events annually, involving thousands of experts and entrepreneurs.

Members of Saudi Arabia’s delegation also expressed optimism about the talks.

Sultan Al-Mousa, a Saudi Arabia author and angel investor, said: “What I liked the most was the networking after we finished the forum itself. Everything was amazing.”

He added that he was looking for partnerships with Italian companies.

An Italian government official, Giorgio Silli, undersecretary of state for foreign affairs and international cooperation, thanked the Saudi-Italian Business Council for organizing the forum.

Silli said it was a “valuable platform for generating dialogue between our business communities.”

He said these meetings were “very important” on all levels and that commerce was the “glue” which connects the two countries.

“I am really in love with the Saudi culture. And I really think that together we can look to the future in a complementary way without forgetting who we are, which is our story.”


Saudi Arabia welcomes first Hajj pilgrims in Jeddah, Madinah

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser receives first group of Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims.
Updated 29 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia welcomes first Hajj pilgrims in Jeddah, Madinah

  • Flights from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia and India start the annual pilgrimage season

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser received the first group of Hajj pilgrims on Tuesday at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

The flight, carrying 396 pilgrims from Dhaka, Bangladesh, was one of several scheduled to arrive at Jeddah airport and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

Al-Jasser said: “Six main airports have been allocated to serve the pilgrims: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah, Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu, Taif International Airport, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.”

He said flights will continue until the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, supported by an integrated system of services to ease pilgrims’ journeys from arrival to departure, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in serving the Two Holy Mosques and worshippers.

In another flight from Bangladesh, 414 pilgrims arrived at Jeddah airport and were received by Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia M. Delwar Hossain and officials from both countries.

The envoy extended his best wishes to the arriving Hajj pilgrims and assured them that the Bangladesh Embassy, consulate, and Hajj mission are always available to support them if needed.

The pilgrims expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome and efficient arrangements at the airport. A total of 87,100 people from Bangladesh are expected to perform Hajj this year.

The first flight carrying 442 beneficiaries of the Makkah Route Initiative from Islamabad, Pakistan, arrived in Madinah on Tuesday.

More than 89,000 Pakistani pilgrims will travel under the government’s scheme during Pakistan’s 33-day Hajj flight operation.

Pilgrims will travel to Makkah and Madinah on 342 flights, with the last departing Pakistan on May 31.

Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Pakistan’s minister for religious affairs, and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki bid farewell to the pilgrims at the airport.

Yousaf advised Pakistani pilgrims to strictly adhere to Saudi Arabia’s laws and respect the local culture during the annual Islamic pilgrimage.

“As Hajj pilgrims, you are traveling to the sacred land as the guests of Allah and ambassadors of Pakistan, and you are urged to respect the laws and culture of Saudi Arabia,” the minister said in a televised address as he bid farewell to the pilgrims.

Yousaf said he would “soon” travel to Saudi Arabia to review Hajj arrangements.

“I will take every possible measure to resolve the issues faced by Pakistani pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and will personally be among them to provide facilities,” he added. 

Yousaf said the government was pushing to extend the Makkah Route Initiative facilities to more Pakistani cities in the future.

Yousaf said each pilgrim was provided a mobile SIM card that contains an application, which can be used to guide pilgrims with directions in case they lose their way in Mina.

Meanwhile, the second Hajj flight of the day left from Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore, carrying 150 pilgrims to Madinah via AirSial airline.

Six flights are scheduled to depart from Pakistan for the Kingdom on Tuesday: two from Lahore and one each from Islamabad, Karachi, Quetta and Multan.

This year’s annual pilgrimage will take place in June, with nearly 89,000 Pakistanis expected to travel to Saudi Arabia under the government scheme and more than 23,620 Pakistanis expected to perform Hajj through private tour operators.

From Malaysia, the first group of Makkah Route Initiative pilgrims arrived in Madinah on Tuesday from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The initiative aims to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from participating countries. It includes completing all travel procedures in the pilgrims’ home countries, such as issuing electronic visas, confirming health status, and finalizing passport control at the departure airport.

Additionally, luggage is coded and sorted according to each pilgrim’s transport and accommodation arrangements in the Kingdom.

Upon arrival, pilgrims are transported to their residences in Makkah and Madinah, and their luggage is delivered directly to their accommodation.

The Makkah Route Initiative is a Ministry of Interior program implemented in cooperation with the ministries of foreign affairs, health, Hajj and Umrah, and other government entities.

The first group of Indian Hajj pilgrims also arrived in Madinah on Tuesday, when 262 pilgrims from Hyderabad were received by officials who greeted them with flowers and souvenirs.

Entry procedures were completed efficiently and smoothly, thanks to the coordinated efforts of various entities operating at the airport.

All relevant authorities have launched their operational plans to ensure the pilgrims’' smooth arrival and transfer to their accommodation in Madinah, reflecting the Kingdom’s strong commitment to facilitating the pilgrims’ journey and enabling them to perform their rituals with ease. 


Saudi Arabia slams Israel’s actions in Gaza at ICJ

Updated 29 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia slams Israel’s actions in Gaza at ICJ

  • Tel Aviv ‘continues to ignore’ International Court of Justice rulings, says Kingdom’s representative

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia condemned Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza at the International Court of Justice on Tuesday, accusing it of defying international rulings and committing severe human rights violations.

Speaking before the court, the Kingdom’s representative, Mohamed Saud Alnasser, said Israel “continues to ignore the court’s orders,” and insisted that “there is no justification for Israel’s violations in Gaza.”

Alnasser added that “Israel has turned Gaza into a pile of rubble,” highlighting the widespread devastation and suffering inflicted on civilians.

His remarks came on the second day of the ICJ’s hearings into Israel’s humanitarian obligations toward Palestinians, held amid a total Israeli blockade on aid to the Gaza Strip that has lasted over 50 days.

The hearings are a part of broader efforts to assess whether Israel has complied with international legal responsibilities in its conduct during the war on Gaza.


New platform, pavilion inaugurated at Prophet’s biography museum

Updated 29 April 2025
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New platform, pavilion inaugurated at Prophet’s biography museum

RIYADH: A new pavilion and an interactive digital platform have been opened at the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization in Madinah.

The new additions to the museum were inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan, governor of Madinah, in the presence of Mohammad Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League and supervisor-general of the museum.

The new pavilion is a documented presentation of Madinah with more than 20 sections, covering the most important historical, cultural and social monuments and landmarks of the holy city during the era of the Prophet Muhammad.

It includes a panorama of the Prophet’s Chamber and offers a simulation of the construction of the Prophet’s Mosque, the Prophetic medicine tent, and the Prophet’s daily routine.

Ithaf, the new digital platform, allows visitors to explore the Prophet’s biography through virtual tours, with access to a library of more than 350 books and encyclopedias in the service of the Holy Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah, translated into several languages.

The governor also visited the pavilion displaying the Kingdom’s efforts in serving the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the Two Holy Mosques, and was briefed on its work and efforts to highlight the message of Islam.