Manga pavilion a big hit at Jeddah Book Fair

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Jeddah Book Fair has dedicated a significant portion of its space to manga, with the LPT setting up 26 stands showcasing a range of manga characters and stories. (Supplied)
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Updated 18 December 2024
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Manga pavilion a big hit at Jeddah Book Fair

  • Japanese art form inspiring a new generation in the Kingdom, experts say
  • Nouf Al-Hussein highlighted the urgent need for Arabic content that resonates with young people

JEDDAH: A colorful array of manga characters and comic books is capturing the attention of passers-by at the Jeddah Book Fair’s Manga Arabia pavilion.

The fair, themed “Jeddah Reads,” has dedicated a significant portion of its space to manga, with the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the event organizer, setting up 26 stands showcasing a range of manga characters and stories.

Mahmoud Attar, an animation expert visiting the fair, told Arab News that manga’s influence in Saudi Arabia is undeniable.

“From ‘Duke Fleed’ and ‘Treasure Island’ captivating ’80s children to the ‘Captain Majid’ and ‘Pokemon’ craze of the ’90s, these animated series, adapted from Japanese manga, have been a staple in Saudi homes for decades,” he said.

Attar added this popularity reached new heights with “Detective Conan” and other shows, drawing children to the screen to unravel intricate mysteries.

Fares Sambawa, a vendor at the manga pavilion who has been selling anime and manga since 2014, said that manga, which originated in Japan, is now inspiring other countries.

“Japanese manga has gained worldwide popularity because it addresses values and seeks to instill them in young people. This makes it appealing not only to children, but also older age groups,” he said.

Speaking about his own approach as a vendor in the Manga space, Sambawa said: “The characters I sell in my store are part of an interconnected chain. It starts with a novel, which is adapted into manga, then animated into a cartoon or series.”

The fair also hosted a seminar entitled “Manga: Between Word and Image,” exploring the world of graphic novels.

Industry leaders Abbas Hamidaddin and Nouf Al-Hussein, guided by moderator Taghreed Al-Tassan, shared insights on essential techniques and the future of the genre. 

Al-Hussein highlighted the urgent need for Arabic content that resonates with young people.

She described manga as an innovative and exciting medium for enriching Arabic storytelling, underscoring its potential to bring Arab culture to a global audience.

“Manga provides a dynamic visual medium that resonates with children and young adults, especially those between the ages of 9 and 15,” she said.

“However, when translating or adapting manga for Arabic-speaking audiences, it’s essential to ensure the content aligns with our cultural values and ethics.”

Al-Hussein underscored the importance of nurturing young people’s creativity.

She believes artificial intelligence can be a powerful ally, enhancing creative output and helping children develop essential skills for innovation and success in today’s competitive world.

Al-Hussein said that manga magazines are cultivating a new generation of Saudi and Arab artists, providing a platform for them to share their voices with the world. This global reach is achieved through meticulous translation, editing, and proofreading processes handled by Saudi professionals.   

Hamidaddin spoke about how manga can inspire a love of reading in children and teens. He emphasized the dedication of key figures in fostering a thriving Saudi animation industry, powered by local talent.

“Exporting Saudi culture through manga requires cultivating a conscious generation capable of effectively communicating with the world. This will bolster manga’s position as a soft power tool for disseminating our culture,” he said.

The seminar showcased manga’s potential as a dynamic tool for cultural expression and creativity. It presented a bold vision for the future, one that aims to strengthen Arab identity and share its rich culture with the world.

“To truly share Saudi culture through manga, we need to foster a generation of young people who are not only creative but also globally aware and able to connect with audiences worldwide,” Hamidaddin said.

“This will establish manga as a powerful platform for showcasing our culture on a global stage.”

Hamidaddin said that creating exciting and engaging stories is crucial for any comic when it comes to capturing the attention of readers.

“If we want to use manga effectively as a way to share our culture, we need a constant flow of fresh ideas and a commitment to sustainable growth. This will pave the way for a vibrant future for this exciting art form.”

The event runs until Dec. 21 and features over 450 pavilions, with more than 1,000 publishing houses and agencies from 22 countries taking part. 

Entry is free with admission from 11 a.m. to midnight daily, except on Fridays when it opens from 2 p.m. until midnight.


‘The Arts Tower’ brings new meaning and color to Riyadh’s Sports Boulevard

Updated 15 June 2025
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‘The Arts Tower’ brings new meaning and color to Riyadh’s Sports Boulevard

  • For Gharem, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, like “The Arts Tower,” constantly lifts eyes upward, motivating people to leap from the familiar into the unexpected, pushing them to embrace the future with imagination

RIYADH: As you venture down the promenade of the capital’s latest attraction, Sports Boulevard, a new landmark is sure to catch your eye.

A tower at the intersection of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road and Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al-Awwal Road bursts with color and character.  

The mind behind this work, named “The Arts Tower,” is renowned Saudi artist Abdulnasser Gharem, who has centered the mundane within the architectural landscape early on in his career with works like “Siraat” (The Path) and “Road to Makkah.”

The Arts Tower at the intersection of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road and Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road bursts with color and character. (Supplied)

Gharem told Arab News: “This piece is a witness to the transformation that’s happening here. It’s a symbol of investment into the cultural infrastructure as proof of how important that is to any society or community. I think the tower represents this transformation, especially that it, in itself, transforms one of the symbols of energy into a beacon for creative expression.”

Previously one of numerous 83.5-meter electricity pylons, the tower was meant to be removed for the sake of the Sports Boulevard project.

“I asked if I could have one,” Gharem said, explaining that, as one of the nominated artists to propose a work to beautify the boulevard, he was keen to use the existing structure.  

HIGHLIGHTS

• The selected proposal features a total of 691 colored panels that were installed to bring the tower’s vibrant facade to life. 

• The pieces used are all related to the grand narrative of the Kingdom, including economic diversity, cultural transformations, and social changes. 

Author and curator Nato Thompson said about the work in a statement: “By repurposing a symbol of energy infrastructure and turning it into a beacon of artistic expression, Gharem highlights the evolving role of culture and art in Saudi Arabia’s development journey.

“It stands as living proof of the Kingdom’s commitment to nurturing its cultural landscape, making arts and creativity an inseparable part of its identity just as oil and energy were in the past.”

The selected proposal features a total of 691 colored panels that were installed to bring the tower’s vibrant facade to life.

Abdulnasser Gharem, Saudi artist

It utilizes elements from Saudi architecture and patterns we recognize from our old homes, primarily the triangular shape.  

“I was lucky that the tower was made up of triangles, which is a geometrical shape that brings together the different regions of the Kingdom and the historical features of our beginnings, so it’s a symbol of unity,” Gharem said.  

The pieces used are all related to the grand narrative of the Kingdom, including economic diversity, cultural transformations, and social changes.

This piece is a witness to the transformation that’s happening here. It’s a symbol of investment into the cultural infrastructure as proof of how important that is to any society or community.

Abdulnasser Gharem, Saudi artist

“The colors are alluding to the connection between our history and heritage and the concepts of cheerfulness and mental hospitality. A tower always forces you to look up.”

For Gharem, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, like “The Arts Tower,” constantly lifts eyes upward, motivating people to leap from the familiar into the unexpected, pushing them to embrace the future with imagination.

“The piece is based on sunlight,” he said. “The daylight gives a completely, completely different dimension to the work compared to its urban illumination during the night.

The sketch of “The Arts Tower” by Abdulnasser Gharem. (Supplied)

“The colors do not just appear; they shift, transform, and come alive in different ways throughout the day. Here, nature becomes a crucial element to the structure.”

Even the wind has played a part in determining the number and placement of the colored pieces used. “It taught me that there needs to be some gaps in order to allow the piece to breathe and I was forced to humble myself upon the power of nature.

“The wind became my partner in design,” he said.

“The Arts Tower” is designed to make people feel represented and connected.

While the Sports Boulevard promotes physical activity, the creative landmark serves a deeper purpose: it is a thoughtful space meant to inspire human interaction and community — and more importantly, invite them to slow down, engage, and ponder the future.

“Culture is one of the key factors for our country’s development path. At the end of the day, culture is just as important as energy. It’s worth investing in, and it’s a certificate that the Kingdom is committed to nurturing its cultural scene,” Gharem said.

 


Acacia rebirth: Saudi royal reserve boosts green cover

Updated 14 June 2025
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Acacia rebirth: Saudi royal reserve boosts green cover

  • The reserve’s development authority focuses on increasing community awareness, supporting biodiversity protection and fostering a sustainable environment for wildlife reproduction and conservation

RIYADH: Nestled in the northeast of Riyadh, the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve is an environmental gem, boasting a mix of nature’s finest features and an array of awe-inspiring terrains.

As well as being a haven for distinctive geological formations, it also contains rare plants and animals featured on the Red List of Threatened Species.

The reserve is undertaking extensive restoration efforts, planting hundreds of thousands of trees, particularly Acacia, across its vast 91,500 sq. km area.

The  Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve is undertaking extensive restoration efforts, planting hundreds of thousands of trees, particularly Acacia, across its vast 91,500-square-kilometer area. (SPA)

This initiative aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative, aiming to revitalize the reserve’s vegetation and restore ecological balance, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

Acacia trees are crucial to this effort due to their resilience in harsh desert climates and their significant ecological role. They provide grazing, shade and habitat for wildlife while also helping to stabilize the soil and offering a vital nectar source for high-quality honey.

These comprehensive afforestation projects are crucial in combating desertification and enhancing biodiversity, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

FASTFACTS

• Acacia trees are crucial to this effort due to their resilience in harsh desert climates and their significant ecological role.

• This eco haven is the Kingdom’s second-largest royal reserve.

The reserve’s development authority focuses on increasing community awareness, supporting biodiversity protection and fostering a sustainable environment for wildlife reproduction and conservation.

The  Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve is undertaking extensive restoration efforts, planting hundreds of thousands of trees, particularly Acacia, across its vast 91,500-square-kilometer area. (SPA)

The authority also provides guided tours and excursions led by environmental tour guides, making it a hotspot for eco-enthusiasts interested in hiking, climbing and other ecotourism activities.

This eco haven is the Kingdom’s second-largest royal reserve. It hosts diverse wildlife and plant species, making it ideal for hiking, wilderness adventures, camping and sustainable hunting.

Its vegetation cover provides a refuge for various bird species, crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance by controlling insects, small rodents and carrion.

The reserve stands out with its streams and valleys, where rainwater and floods flow from the Al-Urumah Plateau into the reserve’s valleys, such as Al-Thumama Valley and Ghilana Valley, leading to streams and parks such as Rawdat Khuraim.

 


Swift medical response saves pilgrim in Madinah

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Medical City in Madinah. (SPA)
Updated 14 June 2025
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Swift medical response saves pilgrim in Madinah

  • The case “highlights King Salman Medical City’s capabilities as part of the Madinah Health Cluster and its readiness to provide specialized care for pilgrims”

MADINAH: A swift response from Saudi Arabia’s urgent care system enabled medical teams at King Salman bin Abdulaziz Medical City in Madinah to save the life of an Iraqi female pilgrim suffering from a brain hemorrhage.

According to the Madinah Health Cluster, clinical assessment and interventional radiology revealed a ruptured artery that required immediate intervention, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Once the patient was stabilized, a targeted procedure using coiling technology was performed. The interventional neuroradiology team sealed the rupture, preventing further complications, the SPA added.

The Madinah Health Cluster said the pilgrim regained full consciousness with “no neurological deficits” and has begun rehabilitation before returning home.

The case “highlights King Salman Medical City’s capabilities as part of the Madinah Health Cluster and its readiness to provide specialized care for pilgrims,” the SPA wrote.

 


Saudi authorities intensify efforts against drug traffickers and dealers

Updated 14 June 2025
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Saudi authorities intensify efforts against drug traffickers and dealers

  • The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested four citizens in the Eastern Province for the possession of 108 kg of hashish and for selling regulated tablets

RIYADH: Saudi authorities have made numerous drug-related arrests throughout the Kingdom recently, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Border Guard patrols in Al-Dayer, Jazan region, arrested eight Yemenis trying to smuggle in a total of 240 kg of qat in multiple separate attempts. The same sector also saw authorities thwart the attempted smuggling of 42 kg of hashish.

In another attempt, land patrols in Al-Dayer prevented the smuggling in of 54 kg of hashish, 343,000 tablets regulated for medical use, and 2,000 amphetamine tablets.

In Jazan’s Fifa governorate, security patrols arrested two Ethiopians smuggling 35 kg of qat.

In Al-Raboah, Asir region, Border Guard patrols arrested five Yemenis and Ethiopians smuggling 100 kg of qat and also prevented the smuggling in of a further 280 kg of qat.

Also in Asir, a Sudanese resident was arrested with 125 kg of qat in Dhahran Al-Janoub, and an Ethiopian with 46 kg of qat in Al-Farsha.

Security patrols in the Eastern Province arrested an Indian resident for selling heroin.

Patrols from the General Directorate of Mujahideen in Jazan arrested two Ethiopians selling hashish, amphetamine, and regulated pills.

The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested four citizens in the Eastern Province for the possession of 108 kg of hashish and for selling regulated tablets.

Officials also arrested two Yemenis in Najran for selling amphetamines, locally known as shabu.

Preliminary legal procedures were completed in all cases, and all seized items have been handed to the relevant authorities, the SPA reported.

Authorities have urged the public to report drug smuggling or sales by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions. Reports can also be submitted confidentially to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control via email at 995@gdnc.gov.sa or by calling 995.

 


Yanbu festival showcases Red Sea culture, marine life

Updated 14 June 2025
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Yanbu festival showcases Red Sea culture, marine life

  • The event included experts’ presentations on financing opportunities for fishermen, aimed at supporting the development of sustainable fisheries

RIYADH: Bahhar, a festival in the city of Yanbu in Madinah province, attracted residents and visitors to its artistic performances and cultural, tourism, and heritage activities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The week-long festival also featured prominent Yanbu fishermen sharing stories of their experiences in the Red Sea, the SPA reported.

Bahhar’s event tent included a theater, a children’s art room, performances by a folklore band, a pavilion for marine-related handicrafts and fine arts, and an exhibition of the biodiversity of the Red Sea coast.

Side events included talks and workshops on marine fishing regulations, modern fish-farming systems, and initiatives to protect the sea and the coastal environment.

The event also included experts’ presentations on financing opportunities for fishermen, aimed at supporting the development of sustainable fisheries.