Manga production unveils Saudi anime ‘Asateer2 Future’s Folktales’ at special screening in Riyadh

Manga production unveils Saudi anime ‘Asateer2 Future’s Folktales’ at special screening in Riyadh
The event was attended by prominent media, art and culture figures, marking a new step in promoting Saudi heritage through world-class anime production. (Supplied)
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Updated 18 October 2024
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Manga production unveils Saudi anime ‘Asateer2 Future’s Folktales’ at special screening in Riyadh

Manga production unveils Saudi anime ‘Asateer2 Future’s Folktales’ at special screening in Riyadh

RIYADH: Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, “Misk,” celebrated the premiere of the second season of the Saudi anime series, “Asateer2 Future’s Folktales,” at Vox Cinemas-Roshan Front in Riyadh.

The event was attended by prominent media, art and culture figures, marking a new step in promoting Saudi heritage through world-class anime production.

Earlier, a special screening took place on Oct. 14 at Vox Cinemas-VIA Riyadh for diplomats and senior officials, where audiences enjoyed watching the second season for the first time in a festive atmosphere.

The audience engaged enthusiastically with the characters and new story developments, receiving widespread praise for the animation quality and visual effects that blend Saudi heritage with innovation.

The premiere reflected Manga Productions’ commitment to delivering content that showcases Saudi cultural identity.

The series continues to follow its heroes, Maha, Rayan and Sultan, as they face daily challenges, drawing wisdom from Grandma Asmaa through her traditional folktales.

The second season of the anime series “Asateer2” is set to air on MBC1 TV channel and streamed on Shahid in the Middle East and North Africa, starting Friday, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. Saudi time.

The second season is also set to air on TV Tokyo in Japan, starting Sunday, Nov. 3 at 7 a.m. Tokyo time.

Dr. Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, said: “We are delighted to see such a strong response to the premiere of the second season. This success not only reflects the quality of the work but also demonstrates the capabilities of the Saudi talents who worked on this project with passion and professionalism. At Manga Productions, we are committed to continuing this approach in producing content that meets global standards.”

Daliyah Abuabah, manager of public relations, communications and events at Manga Productions, said: “We are proud of the positive feedback received following the premiere of the second season of ‘Future’s Folktales.’ The premiere in Riyadh was a pivotal moment that brought together anime enthusiasts and influential figures from the creative field. At Manga Productions, we are committed to delivering a unique experience that reflects the essence of Saudi culture in innovative and contemporary ways. We look forward to seeing this work continue to inspire future heroes, both locally and globally.”

The premiere was marked by significant engagement on social media, with followers praising the artistic and narrative quality of the series, as well as the development of the characters and the intricate details that enhance the depth of the story. This success comes from the collaboration of 50 Saudi artists in character design, creative direction and production, in partnership with the Japanese studio, Toei Animation.


Saudi Crown Prince receives call from new US Secretary of State to discuss regional and international issues

Saudi Crown Prince receives call from new US Secretary of State to discuss regional and international issues
Updated 19 sec ago
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Saudi Crown Prince receives call from new US Secretary of State to discuss regional and international issues

Saudi Crown Prince receives call from new US Secretary of State to discuss regional and international issues

KSrelief sends aid to thousands of Syria’s most in need

KSrelief sends aid to thousands of Syria’s most in need
Updated 23 January 2025
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KSrelief sends aid to thousands of Syria’s most in need

KSrelief sends aid to thousands of Syria’s most in need

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has provided further relief to thousands in Syria, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
KSrelief distributed 98 food packages, 113 bags of flour, 15 winter kits and 15 personal care kits to those most in need in Al-Rastan city in Homs governorate.
The initiative benefited 538 people from 113 families as part of a relief material distribution project in Syria.
Meanwhile, 3,271 people from the most vulnerable families affected by the 2023 earthquake in the town of Jindires in Aleppo governorate received shopping vouchers.
They can be used to purchase winter clothing of their choice from approved stores, as part of a winter clothing distribution project in Syria.


Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research

Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research
Updated 23 January 2025
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Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research

Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research
  • KAUST’s Prof. Carlos Duarte, a biological oceanography and marine ecology academic, among prize recipients
  • Kingdom solidifies its global standing in developing marine solutions to combat the effects of climate change

JEDDAH: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has been awarded the prestigious Japan Prize for its research into advancing the understanding of changing marine ecosystems and blue carbon.

The university’s achievement solidifies Saudi Arabia’s global standing in developing marine solutions to combat climate change, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

KAUST’s Prof. Carlos Duarte, a biological oceanography and marine ecology academic, is among the recipients of the Japan Prize. His groundbreaking work in marine ecology has earned him international recognition.

Professor Carlos M. Duarte in mangrove wetlands at KAUST. (Photo courtesy of KAUST)

KAUST’s board of trustees’ secretary-general, Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Toonsi, expressed pride in the university’s achievement, emphasizing its role in enhancing global understanding of marine ecosystems.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts in sustainable climate-change solutions and marine conservation, a milestone reflecting KAUST’s commitment to excellence as a part of Saudi Vision 2030.

Established in 1985 and often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Japan,” the honor is awarded annually to scientists who make exceptional innovations in science and technology that promote peace and prosperity for humanity.

Duarte will travel to Tokyo in April to receive the award from Japan’s Emperor Naruhito.


Drone Racing World Cup at Boulevard City begins with top prizes at stake

Drone Racing World Cup at Boulevard City begins with top prizes at stake
Updated 23 January 2025
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Drone Racing World Cup at Boulevard City begins with top prizes at stake

Drone Racing World Cup at Boulevard City begins with top prizes at stake
  • 3-day event among myriad activities of ongoing Riyadh Season
  • Contest is being held in Mideast, North Africa for the first time

RIYADH: Prizes exceeding $346,500 await the winners of the Drone Racing World Cup which begins on Thursday at Boulevard City in Riyadh.

Organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, in collaboration with the World Air Sports Federation, the three-day event is a part of the ongoing Riyadh Season.

The competition is being held for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region since its inception in 2016, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

This year’s edition will feature world champions including Kim Minjae and Yuki Hashimoto, winners of the 2024 FAI World Drone Racing Championship.

Also participating are Killian Rousseau, winner of the 2023 FAI Drone Racing World Cup; Luisa Rizzo, winner of the 2024 Women’s FAI Drone Racing Championship; and Min Chan Kim, winner of the 2023 FAI World Drone Racing Championship.

Several Saudi Arabia pilots will also compete including Muhannad Al-Wohaibi, Ibrahim Al-Sultan, Dalia Al-Safar, Al-Anoud Al-Shalaan, Bader Mutlaq Al-Raqas, Nawaf Al-Hamoud, and Salma Attallah Al-Aqbi.

The qualifying rounds will start on Thursday and continue until midday on Friday, followed by the finals on Saturday.

There will be various activities including a Drones Hub for teaching amateurs and professionals; a Drag Racing Zone for speed competitions on a straight path; and a Fly Free Zone designed for testing and operating drones.

In addition, there will be a VR Drone Racing simulation using virtual-reality glasses; workshops for training, designing, assembling and building drones; and a Fans Zone for those wanting to watch the competitions.

 


Guests of King Salman’s Umrah program arrive in Madinah

Guests of King Salman’s Umrah program arrive in Madinah
Updated 23 January 2025
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Guests of King Salman’s Umrah program arrive in Madinah

Guests of King Salman’s Umrah program arrive in Madinah
  • 250 pilgrims from African countries, 22 from Egypt
  • Program includes 1,000 pilgrims from 66 countries

MADINAH: The third group of participants in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visitation began arriving in Madinah on Wednesday.

Their 10-day visit to the Kingdom includes prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque, performing Umrah, touring historical and cultural landmarks, and visiting museums in Madinah and Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Officials from the Kingdom’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance welcomed the pilgrims at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

Twenty-two Egyptian Umrah pilgrims were the first to arrive in the city.

The current group includes 250 pilgrims from 18 African countries: Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Mali, Senegal, Cameroon, Chad, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Guinea, Mozambique and Mauritania.

The program is hosting 1,000 visitors from 66 countries divided into four groups this year, as approved by King Salman.