Red Sea Film Foundation empowers Saudi scriptwriters

The Red Sea labs’ program plays a pivotal role in shaping the TV writing landscape in the region. (Supplied)
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Updated 10 August 2023
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Red Sea Film Foundation empowers Saudi scriptwriters

  • The seven-month SeriesLab program is training a select group of locals to write the next binge-worthy series

JEDDAH: In a world captivated by the allure of episodic storytelling, the Red Sea Labs’ SeriesLab has emerged as a beacon of opportunity for aspiring Saudi scriptwriters to dive into the world of television scriptwriting.

With a comprehensive curriculum and exceptional industry connections, the SeriesLab stands as a testament to the Red Sea Film Foundation’s commitment to fostering emerging Saudi talents and revitalizing scriptwriting for the TV industry.

The innovative seven-month program kicked off in June and will continue until the end of the year. It is a dynamic blend of hands-on training, mentorship, and immersive experiences designed to shape the future of TV series production in the Kingdom.




The Red Sea labs’ program plays a pivotal role in shaping the TV writing landscape in the region. (Supplied)

The program was opened exclusively to Saudis and Saudi residents, providing a platform for local talents to shine on the global stage. The response was overwhelming, with over 100 applications received for the inaugural edition. After a rigorous selection process that included interviews and evaluations, the final roster of eight talented writers — including three women — emerged, all ready to embark on this transformative journey.

As part of the journey, the third phase offers participants a one-week workshop in Jeddah, including various lectures and joint sessions with industry professionals. Guest tutors include Philip Buiser, a writer from television and film whose credits include “Bates Motel”; voice coach Andrea Odinov; Joe Peracchio, a writer and producer with credits including “The Flash” on the CW network; Josh Berman, a writer and producer who was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards; and Adrienne Thomas, a manager in the Creative Talent Development and Inclusion department at Disney General Entertainment Content.

We are learning from the pros, like people who are doing it in Holly- wood. So, we can share this information with the people around us. We can build a great industry in our country.

Yaser bin Abdulrahman, Scriptwriter

The inaugural program began with a virtual session that laid the foundation for understanding the intricacies of writing for TV. Guided by industry experts, the participants embarked on a path of exploration and growth.

In July, the participants went through in-person sessions in Los Angeles, the heart of the US entertainment industry, where they had the unique opportunity to collaborate with seasoned showrunners and writing experts, and even step foot inside the renowned Disney Studios Lot. This immersive experience provided firsthand insights into the TV production process, igniting their passion and helping to hone their skills.




The Red Sea labs’ program plays a pivotal role in shaping the TV writing landscape in the region. (Supplied)

Ryan Ashore, head of Red Sea Labs, told Arab News: “We took them to the Disney Studios. They showed them all kinds of technical details. And I’m hoping those writers see these details.

“We sat down with the vice president of Talent Development and Inclusion from Disney. A man with extensive experience, Tim McNeal. They were talking about how they select the talents, how they evaluate pilot scripts or TV series cribs.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The SeriesLab program kicked off in June and will continue until the end of the year.

• The eight writers were selected after a rigorous process that included interviews and evaluations.

• The third phase involves a one-week workshop in Jeddah with industry experts. • In July, the participants went through in-person sessions in Los Angeles.

“With certain methods that our writers now know, they have that knowledge now. They sat down with a director who did episodes from ‘The Shield,’ ‘The Walking Dead,’ ‘The Mentalist,’ and so many.

“It’s good to see how a director directs in TV because it's completely different from filmmaking.”

Beyond individual development, the Red Sea Labs’ program plays a pivotal role in shaping the TV writing landscape in the region. By nurturing emerging talents, the program contributes to the evolution of the industry by infusing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. This injection of new blood aims to inspire the creation of groundbreaking series that resonate with global audiences.




The Serieslab program’s winning project will be announced at the next Red Sea international Film Festival in Jeddah. (Supplied)

Ashore said: “It’s our mandate, our promise that we are going to build the industry in the right way.

“When I created the labs, I looked at Sundance Labs. Sundance in the US is one of the leaders. They have so many filmmakers that came out of it. Tarantino and Wes Anderson went to the Sundance Labs. So, these people had to go through that to evolve.

“And that’s how we build the industry slowly. And I really want to start with the younger generation.”

Speaking about the differences in developing content for TV compared to feature films, he said: “Feature films are different when you’re directing: You’re the master. In TV, the writer is the master. And that’s why a lot of TV series are affected completely by writer strikes.”

Among the participants is Yaser bin Abdulrahman, a 23-year old emerging Saudi director and scriptwriter who is currently developing a crime series.

He told Arab News: “I feel like there’s a lot of responsibility being involved in the SeriesLab. I need to focus on writing and I need every piece of information I can apply to my stories.”

Abdulrahman studied filmmaking in LA in 2018 and co-directed a Saudi thriller called “Junoon,” which was released in 2021 and is now streaming on Netflix.

Another participant is Aziz Madhi, 24, a scriptwriter who has produced two shorts, and is currently developing a drama series.

He said: “Pitching and presenting your project to everyone, communicating with a huge network from the industry, and finding out how you can communicate your story, reflecting on yourself and displaying your idea the best way possible, is really mesmerizing. That’s a big plus in that lab, in addition to writing.

“We are in a new industry now, the cinema and TV industry. We have to learn from the professionals, from the people who have been doing it for the past 100 years. And I think this opportunity is really special, said Yaser Abdulrahman.

“We are learning from the pros ... we can share this information with the people around us. We can build a great industry in our country.”

Writers will receive assignments and personalized guidance to apply the acquired knowledge following each workshop. The program concludes with a comprehensive review of all topics covered, ensuring the writers have attained a high level of proficiency.

Individuals selected by Red Sea Labs are required to fully engage in the training throughout the program’s duration. This entails active participation in all sessions, adhering to the program’s expectations as set by mentors and course moderators, and maintaining their availability to advance their projects between workshops while meeting designated deadlines.

Writers should have developed a series pilot and be ready to pitch to TV networks and streamers by the end of the program.

SeriesLab writers will also have a connection with industry experts, and the winning project will be announced at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, which takes place from Nov. 30 to Dec. 9.

 


How Saudi Arabia’s native wildflowers play a vital role in sustainability

Updated 21 June 2025
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How Saudi Arabia’s native wildflowers play a vital role in sustainability

  • The Kingdom blooms with wildflowers each spring, marking renewal, supporting biodiversity, and enriching cultural traditions
  • Hummayd, a native desert herb, thrives in arid climates and is prized in Saudi culinary and ecological heritage

JEDDAH: In the vast deserts of Saudi Arabia, a humble, yet remarkable, wildflower makes its mark each spring — Rumex vesicarius, known locally as hummayd.

Native to the Arabian Peninsula, this fast-growing plant thrives in sandy soils and plays a significant role in both the natural ecosystem and local culinary traditions.

“Hummayd is an annual herbaceous plant native to Saudi Arabia and widely distributed across its regions,” Arwa Alotaibi, a native plant researcher, told Arab News.

“Scientifically known as Rumex vesicarius, it belongs to the Polygonaceae family, commonly referred to as the dock or sorrel family.”

Hummayd is well adapted to desert conditions and is often found flourishing in arid environments. Its triangular green leaves and red or green flowers distinguish it from other wild plants. It typically grows to around half a meter in height and remains evergreen throughout its life cycle.

Due to its drought tolerance and minimal water requirements, hummayd is suited to Saudi Arabia’s harsh urban and desert climates, said Alotaibi.

“It is particularly abundant in the southern regions of the Kingdom, where rainfall is more consistent, followed by the Hijaz region, Najd, and the northern areas.”

Rumex vesicarius, known locally as hummayd, is an annual herbaceous plant native to Saudi Arabia and widely distributed across its regions. (SPA)

For generations, hummayd has held a special place in Saudi culinary traditions.

The plant can be eaten raw, with bread, or incorporated into tangy stews, Alotaibi said. In the Jazan region, it is especially prized for its unique acidic flavor.

“Rich in vitamin C, the plant aids digestion and helps reduce water retention, making it both flavorful and nutritious.”

Its cultural relevance is captured in a well-known Saudi proverb: “Spring has arrived with the coming of hummayd,” signifying the plant’s role as a seasonal marker of renewal and abundance.

Beyond its culinary and cultural value, hummayd is also ecologically beneficial, serving as vegetative ground cover, helping to stabilize hillsides, rehabilitate degraded land, and enrich green open spaces.

“Its presence supports biodiversity in desert ecosystems, providing a food source for animals such as camels, sheep, and rabbits,” Alotaibi said.

It is a tough plant that grows well in sandy, dry areas with very little water. It can survive harsh desert conditions and still remain green. (SPA)

As such, with its resilience, versatility, and deep cultural roots, hummayd is more than just a wildflower — it is a symbol of spring, sustainability, and Saudi heritage.

During spring, the Kingdom bursts with a bouquet of delicately fragranced wildflowers, blanketing the normally sandy landscape with a beautiful color palette.

The typical blooming period starts from February to April, with slight variations depending on plant type and geographic elevation. Some flowers may bloom as early as January, especially in the warmer southern regions, while others in elevated areas flower later.

“Wildflowers bloom across Saudi Arabia each year, with blooming seasons varying by region depending on plant type and climate,” Alstine Van Joshua, co-founder of the Saudi Botanical Society, told Arab News.

“In general, wildflowers bloom during spring, especially after winter rains when temperatures become moderate and there is sufficient soil moisture.”

Humaid (Rumex vesicarius) is an edible wildflower that blooms in the Saudi desert during the spring. It is seen as a sign the season of growth and renewal has arrived. (SPA)

In the northern regions, areas such as Jouf experience a burst of wildflowers following winter rainfall, while in the southern highlands, areas such as Asir and Al-Baha, known for their cooler climate and high elevations, support a wide range of wildflower species.

Najran and Jazan also boast rich plant diversity, especially among the region’s deep valleys and high mountain areas.

Even in the Kingdom’s eastern and central deserts, wild desert flowers grow in sandy and wadi environments, typically after prolonged rainfall.

These plants are highly adapted to the harsh climate and require minimal water, making them an effective tool in combating desertification and restoring ecological balance.

It is a tough plant that grows well in sandy, dry areas with very little water. It can survive harsh desert conditions and still remain green. (SPA)

“Native plants contribute to biodiversity by providing natural habitats for various creatures, such as birds and bees,” said Van Joshua.

“Their value extends beyond the environment to include cultural and heritage dimensions, as they are traditionally used in folk medicine and decoration during social occasions, especially in regions such as Najran, Asir, and Jazan.

“Reviving this vegetation reflects a deep commitment to protecting nature, improving quality of life, reducing carbon emissions, and achieving net-zero goals.

“It also supports the creation of a more resilient and sustainable environment that secures natural resources and green spaces for future generations.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• Hummayd has triangular evergreen leaves and blooms in red or green flowers. 

• It grows mostly in southern Saudi Arabia, but is found throughout the Kingdom. 

• The plant is rich in vitamin C and aids digestion. 

• It can be eaten raw, with bread, or cooked as a sour stew. 

The preservation of local vegetation is closely linked to environmental sustainability, and is considered one of the main pillars of reforestation projects and the rehabilitation of degraded lands.

Indeed, these plants play a vital role in stabilizing soil, preventing erosion, enhancing rainwater absorption, and restoring soil fertility. In doing so, they support biodiversity by providing natural habitats for wildlife and contribute to ecosystem recovery and stability.

“In the face of relentless drought, blazing sun, and cold desert nights, they stand with quiet grace, unyielding, patient, and strong beyond measure,” Munira Alhazani, CEO of the Saudi Botanical Society, told Arab News.

“These resilient plants reflect our own journey, the emotions we carry, the challenges we face, and the courage that blossoms in our darkest moments.

“It is our passion, a steadfast love for life, that fuels our onward journey. Yet beneath this strength lies a fragile hope, a whisper of fear that in a fleeting moment of weakness, they might tire, fade, and quietly disappear.”

People in Saudi Arabia eat Humaid raw or cooked for its sour taste and health benefits. It can aid digestion and is rich in vitamin C. (SPA)

Efforts to protect the Kingdom’s wildflowers align closely with the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative.

The Saudi Green Initiative aims to plant 10 billion trees within the Kingdom and rehabilitate 40 million hectares of degraded land, while also improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions.

On a regional scale, the Middle East Green Initiative seeks to plant 50 billion trees, including 40 billion outside the Kingdom, in what is considered the largest reforestation project of its kind.

The initiative aims to combat desertification, reduce emissions, and enhance the quality of life throughout the region.

“Local vegetation plays a direct and foundational role in achieving the objectives of these national and regional initiatives, as well as in supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Van Joshua.

“Through these efforts, the Kingdom affirms its pioneering role in environmental protection — locally and regionally — while striving to build a more sustainable future and ensure a better quality of life for future generations.”
 

 


Saudi Shoura Council speaker participates in Rome conference

Saudi Arabia's delegation was headed by the speaker of the Shoura Council, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh. (Supplied)
Updated 20 June 2025
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Saudi Shoura Council speaker participates in Rome conference

  • Event aims to build bridges, promote mutual understanding

ROME: The Second Parliamentary Conference on Interreligious Dialogue — titled “Strengthening Trust and Embracing Hope for our Common Future” — has started in Rome, with the participation of the Saudi delegation headed by Shoura Council Speaker Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh. The event is being attended by heads of parliaments from around the world.

Lorenzo Fontana, the president of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy, praised the body’s significant and vital role, stressing the importance of the conference in building bridges and promoting mutual understanding.

 


Pesticides workshop held in AlUla

The workshop targeted farm owners, agricultural workers, and those interested in the sector. (SPA)
Updated 20 June 2025
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Pesticides workshop held in AlUla

  • The workshop was part of a series of different guidance programs and workshops implemented by the National Center for Palms and Dates throughout the year in many regions of the Kingdom

ALULA: A workshop, titled Safe Handling of Palm and Date Pest Pesticides, was held on Friday in the AlUla Governorate. The event, which was organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates, in collaboration with the Royal Commission for AlUla, took place in the agricultural sector of the commission’s headquarters.

The workshop targeted farm owners, agricultural workers, and those interested in the sector. It aimed to raise awareness about safe pesticide use while enhancing efficiency in agricultural pest control in a way that improves production quality while ensuring environmental safety.

The workshop was part of a series of different guidance programs and workshops implemented by the National Center for Palms and Dates throughout the year in many regions of the Kingdom. They bid to support the agricultural sector’s development and enhance sustainability practices.

 

 


KSrelief distributes shelter aid in Somalia’s Togdheer region

The assistance comes as part of a 2025 initiative to distribute shelter aid to displaced persons in the African country. (SPA)
Updated 20 June 2025
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KSrelief distributes shelter aid in Somalia’s Togdheer region

  • The assistance will be distributed in cooperation with the UN World Health Organization to 45 healthcare facilities in northwestern Syria, based on field-identified needs

TOGDHEER: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center recently distributed 1,030 pieces of clothing, 475 shelter bags, and 20 tents to several camps in the Togdheer region of Somalia, benefiting 1,525 families and 9,150 individuals. The assistance comes as part of a 2025 initiative to distribute shelter aid to displaced persons in the African country.

Earlier, three relief trucks provided by the Saudi aid agency arrived on Wednesday in the town of Sarmada in Syria’s Idlib governorate, carrying 20 tonnes of medical aid.

The assistance will be distributed in cooperation with the UN World Health Organization to 45 healthcare facilities in northwestern Syria, based on field-identified needs. The aid supports frontline medical teams in underserved areas, benefiting about 150,000 people.

Elsewhere, the agency distributed 3,000 cartons of dates to families in need in the Shabwa governorate of Yemen, benefiting 18,000 individuals.

 


Masam Project achieves massive success in Yemen

Updated 20 June 2025
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Masam Project achieves massive success in Yemen

  • KSrelief has implemented 3,438 diverse humanitarian projects across 107 countries, valued at over $7 billion, since its launch in May 2015

RIYADH: Masam, a project launched by the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, has achieved a significant milestone by clearing 67,585,167 sq. meters and removing 500,000 explosives from Yemeni lands since its launch in June 2018.

Items removed include anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, unexploded ordnance, and explosive devices indiscriminately planted to harm civilians.

Demining efforts have dramatically reduced casualties — and allowed displaced people and farmers to return and resume cultivation — earning widespread praise from the UN and international organizations.

The agency has also initiated the Artificial Limbs Centers Project in several Yemeni cities, providing prosthetics and aiding physical rehabilitation to those injured by explosives.

The Masam Project stands as a vital contribution in enabling a safe and dignified life for Yemenis.

KSrelief has implemented 3,438 diverse humanitarian projects across 107 countries, valued at over $7 billion, since its launch in May 2015.