Saudi Arabia’s anime and manga boom is a cultural revolution

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The General Entertainment Authority has been actively involved in organizing anime events and exhibitions, including the prominent Saudi Anime Expo. (SPA)
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The General Entertainment Authority has been actively involved in organizing anime events and exhibitions, including the prominent Saudi Anime Expo. (SPA)
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Updated 29 August 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s anime and manga boom is a cultural revolution

  • Industry can create jobs, says Manga Arabia editor Nouf Al-Hussein
  • Creation of Arab characters will help build national identity, she adds

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning interest in manga and anime, a trend that can be traced to the 1970s, is helping to usher in a revolution in cultural production.

These Japanese art forms have captivated audiences of all ages, gaining significant popularity in recent years. Their ability to combine entertainment, culture and education has made them of great interest to Saudi Arabia society.

Manga, a form of Japanese graphic novels, differs from Western comics in several ways, including its reading direction which is from right to left.

To foster this growing culture, the General Entertainment Authority has been actively involved in organizing events and exhibitions. This includes the prominent Saudi Anime Expo, the largest of its kind in the Middle East, which has attracted visitors from around the world.

Furthermore, Riyadh’s “Anime Town” has solidified its position as the world’s largest anime city, featuring four distinct areas, and the Sakura Music Festival, held for the first time outside of Japan.

Jeddah also recently hosted the “Anime Village” event, which attracted many visitors and offered a variety of activities, including cosplay competitions, live shows, themed restaurants, and screenings of the latest films.

Manga Arabia magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Nouf Al-Hussein expressed optimism about the future of the local industry.

She said the growing interest in creative initiatives within the education and culture sectors would contribute to a more robust labor market and increased opportunities for growth in the industry.

Al-Hussein said: “Saudi society has become increasingly aware of the importance of nurturing diverse talents and skills, including those related to the Saudi manga and anime industry.”

She emphasized that achieving success in this field requires a strong foundation in drawing, writing and creative thinking.

Al-Hussein added that this trend would foster the development of local characters that embody authentic Arab values, the Saudi Arabia spirit, and a distinctive national identity.

She emphasized that such content could resonate with audiences on a global scale, contributing to the enhancement of Saudi Arabia culture.

Anime and manga critic and analyst Majed Al-Amer said the anime industry in the Kingdom has experienced remarkable growth.

Despite facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Saudi Arabia anime industry has surpassed many other countries that have been developing this culture for a longer period.

Al-Amer said the Kingdom has gained recognition as a producer on global entertainment platforms including Netflix, Shahid, StarzPlay and Crunchyroll. These platforms operate in Saudi Arabia and offer Arabic translations, demonstrating the industry’s significant potential.

He said manga rights are being acquired and distributed locally, with Arabic translations available in various outlets, including libraries and cinemas.

Regarding the most prominent challenges facing anime and manga creators in the Kingdom, Al-Amer said the biggest hurdle is social acceptance.

He emphasized the importance of society embracing the job opportunities available in this industry, including for manga writers and animators.

Al-Amer added that the anime industry would become a key component of the Kingdom’s economy within the next seven years.

He said the industry’s growth would drive the production of local content, leading to the creation of a new form of entertainment tourism in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Amer said content produced by domestic talent would authentically reflect local culture without external influences. This would contribute to spreading Saudi Arabia culture globally.

He expressed appreciation for the government’s support and promotion of the anime and manga industry.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a vibrant manga and anime culture is evident in its recent initiatives.

The “Manga Education” program, launched by the ministries of culture and education, aims to develop students’ capabilities in this field. This program aligns with the broader strategy of incorporating culture and arts into public education.


Saudi foreign minister arrives in Jordan to attend Arab-Islamic ministerial meeting on Gaza

Updated 9 sec ago
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Saudi foreign minister arrives in Jordan to attend Arab-Islamic ministerial meeting on Gaza

DUBAI: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Jordan on Wednesday to participate in an Arab-Islamic ministerial committee focused on efforts to halt the ongoing war in Gaza.

 

The committee, established to coordinate a global response to put an end to the war will focus on Arab-Islamic action during the upcoming high-level meetings of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

 

Chaired by Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, the committee includes representatives from Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Indonesia, Nigeria, Bahrain, as well as the secretary-general of the Arab League and the secretary-general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).


KSrelief continues pediatric hematology, oncology program in Yemen

Updated 18 September 2024
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KSrelief continues pediatric hematology, oncology program in Yemen

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief continues to provide pediatric hematology and oncology services in the Mukalla area of Hadhramaut, Yemen, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The program, which began on Sept. 14 and runs until Sept. 21, is led by five specialists. They have already examined 21 children with cancerous tumors.

The program is a part of KSrelief’s volunteer specialist medical services for needy people across the world.


Authorities warn of thunderstorms, hail across Saudi Arabia until Sunday

Updated 18 September 2024
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Authorities warn of thunderstorms, hail across Saudi Arabia until Sunday

  • The Makkah region is expected to receive heavy rain that may lead to torrential downpours, hail, and strong winds

RIYADH: The Saudi Civil Defense warned of thunderstorms across the Kingdom until Sunday as the country experiences cooler autumn weather.

The authorities urged people to avoid areas susceptible to flooding, not to swim in open water, and to follow instructions issued through social media channels.

The Makkah region is expected to receive heavy rain that may lead to torrential downpours, hail, and strong winds.

moderate-to-heavy rain expected to affect the Baha, Asir, and Jazan regions, while Najran and Madinah regions might see drizzle to moderate rain.

September 1st signaled the official start of autumn in Saudi Arabia.

The season is usually rainy, with rapid fluctuations in weather patterns, providing much-needed respite from the heat, according to the  National Center for Meteorology.

Temperatures are anticipated to remain elevated until the middle of the month, with significant fluctuations expected in temperature.


Saudi crown prince to deliver annual royal address at Shoura Council on Wednesday

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 17 September 2024
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Saudi crown prince to deliver annual royal address at Shoura Council on Wednesday

  • The crown prince will deliver the address on behalf of King Salman
  • Address will cover the Kingdom’s domestic and foreign policies and its positions on international issues

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will deliver an annual royal address to inaugurate the first year of the ninth session of the Shoura Council on Wednesday.

The crown prince will deliver the address on behalf of King Salman and it will cover the Kingdom’s domestic and foreign policies and its positions on regional and international issues, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Shoura Council Speaker Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh said the council is guided by the contents of the royal address every year in its work, discussions, and decisions. 


Purrfect plan to pamper kitties by cat company in Saudi Arabia

Updated 17 September 2024
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Purrfect plan to pamper kitties by cat company in Saudi Arabia

  • Horayra Community’s ‘1 Million Cats’ campaign wants to ensure no cat naps hungry

JEDDAH: A Saudi Arabia cat food company, inspired by Islam’s directives on treating animals with love and kindness, is helping to take care of strays and those abandoned in the Kingdom.

The Horayra firm is named after Abu Huraira, a close companion of Prophet Muhammad. Abu Huraira, which means “Father of the kitten,” was given his nickname due to his affection for a kitten.

Horayra Community’s initiative to feed and take care of stray cats brings together experts, cat lovers and rescuers across the Kingdom. (AN photos/Supplied)

When tending to people’s sheep he would carry the kitten with him, playing with it during the day and placing it in a tree at night for safety. This reflects the values of compassion and love for animals that is at the heart of the company’s Horayra Community.

Saud Al-Sohimi, owner of the brand, told Arab News: “The goal is to feed the largest number of needy cats, promote the culture of compassion for animals, and rescue them from homelessness.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• Horayra Community launched the ‘1 Million Cats’ campaign recently to feed this number of cats across the Kingdom by distributing free food to rescuers and pet stores.

• The brand donates cat food for strays with every purchase of a Horayra product, which is certified by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.

The initiative brings together experts, cat lovers and rescuers across the Kingdom.

They manufacture special bags for stray cats which are distributed to supervisors in the Horayra Community for delivery to rescuers across Saudi Arabia. (AN photos/Supplied)

They launched the “1 Million Cats” campaign recently to feed this number of cats across the Kingdom by distributing free food to rescuers and pet stores.

The company has offered SR5,000 ($1,332) to someone who has the best story about feeding a cat.

The goal is to feed the largest number of needy cats, promote the culture of compassion for animals, and rescue them from homelessness.

Saud Al-Sohimi, Horayra brand owner

By sharing videos with the campaign’s hashtag on social media, the community contributes to a larger story of collective effort and compassion, Al-Sohimi explained.

Speaking about the company’s products, he added that it is made “from natural ingredients, ensuring their health and care.”

Milo, a rescued stray cat finds a new life in the Philippines after being adopted through the Horayra Community's rescue services. (Supplied)

The company also donates cat food for strays with every purchase of a Horayra product, which is certified by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, and is available in Qatar and Kuwait.

They also manufacture special bags for stray cats which are distributed to supervisors in the Horayra Community for delivery to rescuers across the Kingdom.

Reflecting on the public’s love for cats, Al-Sohimi recalled how a woman in Riyadh rescued a cat with a severed tail. “She took the cat in, cared for it, and nursed it back to health. Unable to keep it, she put the cat up for adoption,” he said.

A Filipino man, living in Riyadh adopted the cat, and took it with him to the Philippines.

“There, the once-stray cat’s life transformed completely. It became a cherished pet, eventually had kittens, and lived a happy life filled with love and care, known as Milo to its new family,” said Al-Sohimi.

At the end of the year, the Horayra Community intends to honor the people who contributed to the campaign.

“The Horayra Community’s members are increasing every day. It is a shining example of the compassion and kindness of the Saudi people toward animals.

“Their efforts have significantly improved the lives of stray cats across the Kingdom, fostering a healthier environment for both humans and animals.” Al-Sohimi said.