Saudi has Hollywood’s attention, says Fame’s founder Sheeraz Hasan
‘The buzz is Saudi,’ says media consultant
Crown prince's contribution to 'buzz' is praised by CEO
Updated 30 May 2024
HUSSAM AL-MAYMAN
RIYADH: The development of the entertainment sector in Saudi Arabia has the full attention of Hollywood's executives, says Sheeraz Hasan, the founder and CEO of Fame by Sheeraz, a Hollywood-based advisory firm.
The latest guest on “The Mayman Show” by Arab News is no stranger to this region, and said: “The trend right now is Saudi Arabia. I keep hearing about Saudi Arabia, agents, managers, publicists, celebrities.
“The buzz is Saudi. So I’m out here right now. I’ve been invited by a lot of good people out here in the region.”
Hasan said that from his past experiences the Kingdom was not part of the conversation in Hollywood as a destination.
However, he added: “Now, because of the leadership and the vision of what they’re doing in Saudi Arabia, it’s hitting the boardrooms of Netflix, Apple, Disney, Hulu, all the biggest top agencies, companies, and brands.”
He added that while Hollywood was on pause because of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, Saudi’s industries were thriving and had nothing but greener pastures ahead.
Hasan recalled that when he used to speak of the benefits of Dubai, he was met with resistance from agents, managers and decision-makers.
Now, he said: “I tell the management that stars are telling the agencies ‘I need to get out in Saudi Arabia because of the massive projects.’
“You’ve had some of the biggest events that have happened in entertainment and sports. It’s shocked the world.”
He added that these projects and the talent in the Kingdom have shown a great time can be had, and money is there to be made.
He said: “When you see all of this right now, you aren’t getting that in the US.
“The word of mouth is out there and when you’re having some of the top female talent influencers and so forth talking about it, then of course brands want to come here; companies want to come here. You’re talking about a 40-plus million market that is such a fantastic market.”
He added that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had created “FOMO” (fear of missing out) moments that had benefited the Kingdom.
Hasan said: “Man, I love him. He’s Mr. FOMO. He creates so much excitement on the vision of building this.
“I’ve been in boardrooms and Hollywood and, like, flicking that thing thinking, ‘OMG, what is going on here? We are totally missing the boat here. We have got to get on’.”
Hasan and his team have been recognized multiple times for their media strategies, such as at the Agility Awards for Media Personality of the Year, and at the Virtuzone Awards where they took the honor for Media and Communications Company of the Year.
Hasan has worked with the likes of Kim Kardashian, Logan Paul, Zendaya, Paris Hilton and Ricky Martin.
Aishwarya Rai and Priyanka Chopra have said that the most successful content coming out of the region is made in Saudi, and added that it was time for Fame to educate Hollywood about the beauty of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Meet the scientists, researchers and innovators granted the Saudi citizenship
The royal order aims to grant Saudi citizenship to people whose distinguished legal, medical, scientific, cultural, sports and technical expertise serve the nation in various fields
Updated 11 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: A number of scientists, doctors, researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs have recently been granted the Saudi citizenship.
The royal order aims to grant Saudi citizenship to people whose distinguished legal, medical, scientific, cultural, sports and technical expertise serve the nation in various fields.
Here is a list of the Saudi citizenship recipients as published by the financial news portal, Argaam.
Islam Zween, CEO of Argaam
Mohammed Zween is deemed a pioneer in the Arab world of a media model that emphasizes qualitative and educational content aimed at profitability. (File/Argaam)
Zween holds a Master’s degree from Alexandria University in Egypt, with over 25 years of experience in technology, media, and business management.
Over the past 18 years, Zween has dedicated his efforts to building pioneering digital projects in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, including “Argaam Financial Portal” and Akhbaar 24.com.
Since 2013, he has implemented a new strategy at Argaam, transforming it into the leading provider of financial media and data journalism in Saudi Arabia and the GCC. He also revamped the company’s business model, contributing to diversifying its revenue streams and achieving profitability.
Through Argaam, Zween has launched numerous initiatives and projects that enriched content related to financial data and investment awareness in the Kingdom. He has led many successful partnerships in the media and financial data fields with local and Gulf entities and made significant contributions to the development of financial media in the Kingdom and the Gulf. Under his leadership, Argaam won the Dubai Media Award for the best economic platform in 2023.
Mehmood Khan, CEO of the Hevolution Foundation
Dr. Mehmood Khan’s distinguished career has included several senior corporate roles, including Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer of Global Research and Development at PepsiCo, and President of Global R&D at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. (File/Hospitals Magazine)
A US national who serves as CEO of the Hevolution Foundation, the first nonprofit organization to fund research through grants and provide investments in biotechnology to stimulate health sciences. Khan specializes in a precise field, holds an MD from a prestigious university, and has over 10 years of practical experience, including managing academic programs like the Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Nutrition Trials Unit at the Mayo Clinic, and serving as the Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Global Research and Development at PepsiCo.
Jackie Y. Ying, Chair, Bioengineering & Nanomedicine Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre
Professor Ying was elected a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and a member of the German National Academy of Sciences, Leopoldina. (Supplied)
An American scientist of Singaporean origin, who served as the founding executive director of the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Singapore (2003-2018). She currently leads the NanoBio Lab and is a senior research fellow at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). She has published extensively on biomedical engineering and nanotechnology topics. Professor Ying was elected a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, a member of the German National Academy of Sciences, and named one of the “100 Engineers of the Modern Era.” Professor Ying was elected a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and a member of the German National Academy of Sciences, Leopoldina.
Niveen Khashab, founding member of KAUST
Following the completion of her PhD at the University of Florida, Niveen Khashab joined KAUST and became a professor of chemical science. (Supplied)
A Lebanese scientist with advanced expertise and contributions in bioengineering and nanomaterials. She is a founding member of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and has been an associate professor of chemical science and engineering there since 2009. She is one of the laureates of the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award in 2017 for her contributions to inventing innovative smart hybrid materials aimed at drug delivery and developing new technology to observe antioxidant activity between cells.
Noreddine Ghaffour, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, KAUST
Noreddine Ghaffour received the M.Sc. and PhD degrees in energy and process engineering from Montpellier University, France. (Supplied)
A French scientist who holds a PhD in membrane separation techniques from the University of Montpellier (1995) and is currently a professor of environmental science and engineering at KAUST. He specializes in water desalination techniques and has published articles and research on environmental science, renewable energy, and membrane separation.
Faraz Khalid, CEO of Noon
Khalid, who holds an MBA from The Wharton School, played an instrumental role in the success of Namshi, which was launched in 2012. (Supplied)
An Indian entrepreneur with an MBA in entrepreneurial project management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is the CEO of the e-commerce platform Noon and co-founded Namshi, where he served as managing director and was responsible for creating, launching, and expanding the website.
Dr. Moatasem Al-Zoubi, Orthopedics and Sport Medicine Surgeon
Dr. Moatasem Al-Zoubi specializes in the treatment of all treatments and surgeries of bones and joints, fractures and sports injuries. (Instagram: @orthopedist_moutasem_alzubi)
A Jordanian neurosurgeon who has performed numerous Siamese twin separation surgeries in the Kingdom and abroad. He is a consultant of orthopedics, fractures, joints, arthroscopy and sports medicine. Al-Zoubi has extensive experience from the Royal Medical Services for more than 12 years, where he completed the specialization of advanced fractures and subspecialty in sports medicine and endoscopy.
Rami Al-Qawasmi, CEO of Mawdoo3.com
Rami Al-Qawasni holds a bachelor`s degree in Economics from Sussex University in the United Kingdom and started his business journey in Jordan. (Supplied)
Al-Qawasmi is known for his passion for artificial intelligence and startup development. He has created and developed over 10 companies before the age of 30. Under his leadership, Mawdoo3.com raised $23.5 million in a funding round.
Ahmed Mirghani, partner at BIM Ventures
Ahmed Mirghani has contributed to bringing many traditional investors into the world of venture capital. (Supplied)
A Sudanese entrepreneur with an MBA in entrepreneurship from Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship. He is a co-founder and a leading figure at BIM Ventures and founded the “Angel Investor Mine” network, which has significantly contributed to bringing many traditional investors into the world of venture capital and the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
King Salman conveyed his wishes of further progress and prosperity for the Iranian people
The crown prince affirmed keenness to deepen relations with the Islamic Republic
Updated 06 July 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Masoud Pezeshkian on his election as Iran’s president, state news agency SPA reported.
Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won Iran’s runoff presidential election Saturday, besting hard-liner Saeed Jalili by promising to reach out to the West and ease enforcement on the country’s mandatory headscarf law after years of sanctions and protests squeezing the Islamic Republic.
Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and longtime lawmaker, received 16.3 million votes compared to Jalili’s 13.5 million in Friday’s election.
“We look forward to deepening the relations between our countries and peoples, and to cooperating to enhance regional and international security and peace,” said King Salman in the SPA statement.
The king conveyed his wishes of further progress and prosperity for the Iranian people.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman said, “I affirm my keenness on developing and deepening the relations that unite our countries and peoples and serve our mutual interests.”
Iran and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark China-brokered deal to re-establish relations in March 2023.
Since then, officials from both sides continued talks to bolster ties.
The UAE also sent a cable of congratulations to the new president.
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Pezeshkian on his victory and said he was counting on stronger ties with the Islamic Republic.
“I hope that your tenure as president will contribute to a reinforcement of constructive bilateral cooperation between our friendly peoples,” Putin said in a message to Pezeshkian.
Chinese President Xi Jinping also congratulated Pezeshkian for his win in the presidential runoff election.
“I am willing to work with the President to lead the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership towards deeper advancement,” state news agency Xinhua reported Xi as saying.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Pezeshkian for his win.
“Looking forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our warm and long-standing bilateral relationship for the benefit of our peoples and the region,” Modi wrote on social media platform X.
RIYADH: Saudi Border Guards thwarted the smuggling of 340 kilograms of Qat in the Jazan region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Land patrols in Al-Ardah sector confiscated the items and regulatory procedures were promptly carried out. The seized items were transferred to the relevant authorities.
Saudi authorities urged citizens and residents to report any information pertaining to drug smuggling or related activities. Reports can be made by contacting emergency numbers (911) in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern regions or (999) in other regions of the Kingdom.
KSrelief launches food program in earthquake-hit areas of Syria, Turkiye
Updated 06 July 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief launched a volunteer program to distribute food parcels to earthquake-hit areas in Syria and Turkiye, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The program initially aims to secure food baskets for 2,000 people in the Turkish cities of Reyhanli and Gaziantep.
KSrelief chief Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah inaugurated the program on Friday.
It is part of KSrelief’s efforts to alleviate the suffering of Syrian and Turkish people affected by the 2023 earthquakes, a statement said.
Abu Arish Castle: An attraction for history and architecture enthusiasts
Located 33 km from the city of Jazan, the historic castle dates back hundreds of years
Updated 06 July 2024
SPA
ABU ARISH: Jazan province is home to a number of historic castles spanning ages and representing significant civilizational and tourist landmarks in the region.
The sites showcase identity, values and traditions, which are reflected in architectural details dating back centuries. They contain rocks, columns, pottery, writings, inscriptions and special decorations, serving as regional tourist attractions for heritage enthusiasts.
The historic castle in Abu Arish, located 33 km from the city of Jazan, dates back hundreds of years. It is a prominent example of the region’s rich historical and civilizational heritage.
The castle is square-shaped with a side length of 40 meters. It is supported by circular towers found at each of its corners. The upper part of its outer wall contains openings once used for observation.
The castle, some parts of which are still standing tall to this day, was built using burnt-clay bricks. (SPA)
Local building materials were used by skilled workers from the region to use burnt-clay bricks in building the castle’s walls, openings, towers and arches — the most common style in the region’s ancient cities.
Columns used in the construction of the circular towers — used in guard operations and garrisons — were reinforced with rocks, a common style in castles found along the Red Sea coast.
Additionally, stems of Doum Palm trees were used in the construction of the castle’s roofs. These trees are common in the region, especially in the area surrounding Jazan Valley in the south.
