KSrelief, UNICEF sign agreement

KSrelief, UNICEF sign agreement
KSrelief general supervisor, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, and executive director of UNICEF, Catherine Russell (SPA)
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Updated 25 September 2023
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KSrelief, UNICEF sign agreement

KSrelief, UNICEF sign agreement
  • Under the agreement, KSrelief and UNICEF will work to strengthen strategic partnerships between the two sides

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Monday signed a joint agreement with UNICEF to protect children’s rights around the world.

KSrelief general supervisor, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, and executive director of UNICEF, Catherine Russell, signed the agreement on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York, SPA reported.

Under the agreement, KSrelief and UNICEF will work to strengthen strategic partnerships between the two sides, provide humanitarian aid and exchange experiences, in addition to supporting volunteer programs.

Following the signing, Al-Rabeeah stressed the Kingdom’s keenness to reach vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families through UNICEF projects. Russell expressed UNICEF’s gratitude for the partnership with Saudi Arabia, saying that it would help the organization reach millions of children in need in the world.

This agreement comes within the framework of KSrelief’s aim to enhance cooperation with international and regional humanitarian organizations to develop humanitarian work in various sectors.


Dialogue group honors 70 graduates in Lisbon

Dialogue group honors 70 graduates in Lisbon
Updated 13 sec ago
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Dialogue group honors 70 graduates in Lisbon

Dialogue group honors 70 graduates in Lisbon

RIYADH: The International Dialogue Center, or KAICIID, recently honored new graduates from its Fellows Programme, including Arab and African cohorts.

The ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal, was attended by KAICIID Secretary-General Zuhair Al-Harithi along with ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from various countries.

KAICIID honored 70 fellows from 37 countries. Training workshops, dialogue sessions, and journeys to various religious sites in Lisbon preceded the graduation ceremony.

The fellows’ dialogue initiatives were showcased, reflecting their commitment to creating bridges for mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.

KAICIID fellows also shared lessons learned during the implementation phase of initiatives.

Al-Harithi praised the fellows' dedication during a year of work and collaboration.

He said that KAICIID is proud of its graduates’ creativity and achievements, and views their initiatives as proof of their ability to foster peace and prosperity in their local communities.

The Fellows Programme is a year-long training scheme designed to build a network of leaders committed to fostering interreligious and intercultural dialogue.

Since its launch in 2015, it has equipped hundreds of fellows from 86 countries with the dialogue skills needed to tackle challenges such as hate speech and violent extremism.

Fellows can be part of international or regional cohorts, including the Arab region, Africa, Europe, South and Southeast Asia and Latin America.


NEOM CARE’s to support innovators in food industry

NEOM CARE’s to support innovators in food industry
Updated 3 min 30 sec ago
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NEOM CARE’s to support innovators in food industry

NEOM CARE’s to support innovators in food industry

RIYADH: NEOM CARE’s, a collaboration between NEOM, the innovation hub in northwest Saudi Arabia, and CARE’s, a global project founded by chefs Norbert Niederkofler and Paolo Ferretti, recently unveiled its sustainable gastronomy and food security manifesto. The launch occurred at Niederkofler’s new three-Michelin star establishment, Atelier Moessmer, in Bruneck, Italy.

The manifesto aims to create an enduring impact on the future of food in Saudi Arabia. It serves as a framework for sustainable practices in NEOM, the Kingdom, and globally. Focused on fostering food innovation and talent development, the manifesto outlines six key principles: people and leadership, facilities, water and energy, food supply, circular economy, and communications.

The NEOM CARE’s Award complements the manifesto, recognizing and celebrating the next wave of food industry professionals driving innovation and sustainability globally. This international award honors those making a significant positive impact across agriculture, food, and gastronomy.

The Award Council, co-chaired by Niederkofler and Juan Carlos Motamayor, executive director of the NEOM food sector, will define award categories, criteria, and selection methods.

Renowned members include three-star chef Dominque Crenn, ETH Zurich’s Prof. Sacha Menz, marine conservationist Mariasole Bianco, Prof. Rod Wing from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology’s Center for Desert Agriculture, award-winning culinary historian Maricel Presilla, and NEOM Hotel Development’s executive director, Chris Newman.

Motamayor said: “The NEOM CARE’s partnership is ushering in a new era for the global food and gastronomy scene, aligned with NEOM’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability. The manifesto will serve as a global guideline for food professionals worldwide, establishing a standard that contributes to the realization of sustainable food security.

“Through the NEOM CARE’s Award, and with the guidance and support of the council members, we aim to instil knowledge and inspire a new generation of culinary talent to implement sustainable practices, driving a lasting positive change in the Kingdom and beyond.”

Niederkofler said: “We are proud to launch the NEOM CARE’s manifesto, inspiring a new generation of talent to adopt sustainability and innovation in their professional careers. The manifesto, alongside the NEOM CARE’s Award, celebrates food professionals from around the world who share our passion and commitment to achieving food security through innovative and sustainable practices.

“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with NEOM as we strive to build a unique culinary identity based on creating healthy dishes from fresh, local, and sustainable produce.”

The NEOM CARE’s partnership strengthens NEOM’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices, fostering innovation, and developing a new generation of culinary talent that prioritizes sustainability to contribute to food security solutions.


Manga Productions reveals first trailer of Grendizer U

Manga Productions reveals first trailer of Grendizer U
Updated 10 December 2023
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Manga Productions reveals first trailer of Grendizer U

Manga Productions reveals first trailer of Grendizer U
  • ‘Grendizer’ is a robot anime that follows Duke Fleed, who decides to fight King Vega and his army using the Grendizer to save the earth
  • The anime is considered a fan favorite by 56% of people aged 40 and older, according to a YouGov survey conducted by Arab News Japan

DUBAI: Saudi production company Manga Productions has released the highly-anticipated first official trailer of the upcoming ‘Grendizer’ series titled ‘Grendizer U,’ which is set to be released in 2024.

Created by Go Nagai, ‘Grendizer’ is a robot anime that follows Duke Fleed, who decides to fight King Vega and his army using the Grendizer to save the earth. It is considered a fan favorite by 56% of people aged 40 and older, according to a YouGov survey conducted by Arab News Japan. 

Manga Productions is a Saudi animation production company that focuses on developing animations and video games.

The company released a short teaser for the show in August, which revealed that the anime will be directed by Mitsuo Fukuda, who previously worked on ‘Future GPX Cyber Formula,’ and written by Ichirō Ōkouchi, who previously worked on ‘Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion.’

The official trailer, which was released on Sunday, introduces the voice actors for the first time. Miyu Irino, who is known for voicing Haku in Studio Ghibli’s ‘Spirited Away,’ will play the main protagonist, Duke Fleed, while Hiro Shimono, who voiced Dabi in ‘My Hero Academia,’ will play Kouji Kabuto. 

The original soundtrack will be composed by Kohei Tanaka, the co-composer of ‘One Piece.’ Japanese rock bands GLAY and BAND-MAID will be performing the opening and ending songs of the show, which has fans on social media more excited.

Dr. Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, expressed his excitement on X for the upcoming anime, saying, “This series marks a significant milestone as Manga Productions takes on the global distribution and licensing responsibilities for events…presenting a unique opportunity among Arab and Middle Eastern companies.”

“With our skilled team and exceptional talents, we eagerly anticipate achieving international success and introducing Grendizer U to our global audience,” he added.

Fans of the show are posting positive reviews on social media regarding the trailer and are anticipating the appearance of the character Mazinger.

Manga Productions has also collaborated with Microids, a French video game company, on a Grendizer video game titled UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves,’ which was released on November 15 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.

The two companies released an Arabic version of the game. Alain MILLY, Microids’ Vice President of Publishing and former videogame journalist, told Arab News Japan that this is the first time they release a video game in Arabic. “Manga Productions helped us a lot, and they managed all the Arabic translations and voiceovers in the game. We are managing the integration, and it is a little tricky sometimes as it is the first time we are producing a game in Arabic,” he told Arab News Japan.

Originially published in Arab News Japan

 


Makkah Route serves 618,000 pilgrims in 5 years

Makkah Route serves 618,000 pilgrims in 5 years
Updated 10 December 2023
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Makkah Route serves 618,000 pilgrims in 5 years

Makkah Route serves 618,000 pilgrims in 5 years
  • Launched in 2019, the scheme allows pilgrims to fulfill all visa, customs and health requirements at their airports of origin
  • Process begins with issuance of electronic visas, information collection, followed by streamlined procedures before departure

RIYADH: Growing numbers of Hajj pilgrims are benefiting from Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Route initiative, which streamlines travel and entry processes for visitors from partner countries.

A total of 617,756 Hajj pilgrims from Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, and the Ivory Coast have so far benefited from the initiative, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Launched in 2019 in Muslim-majority countries, the scheme allows pilgrims to fulfill all visa, customs and health requirements at their airport of origin, saving hours of waiting before and on arrival in the Kingdom.

The process begins with the issue of electronic visas and individual information collection, followed by streamlined passport procedures before departure.

Stickers are placed on luggage and passports containing information on the flight data and place of residence of each pilgrim. The tagging service is carried out by a specialized team working under the supervision of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Teams at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah receive the luggage, which is then delivered to pilgrim accommodation.

The Ministry of Interior implements the Makkah Route initiative in cooperation with several agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Saudi Data and AI Authority, the Pilgrim Experience Program and the General Directorate of Passports.


Beijing to host China-Saudi Investment Conference on Tuesday

Beijing to host China-Saudi Investment Conference on Tuesday
Updated 10 December 2023
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Beijing to host China-Saudi Investment Conference on Tuesday

Beijing to host China-Saudi Investment Conference on Tuesday
  • The conference aims to enhance the strategic partnership between the two countries in investment, trade and the economy
  • Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih will also visit several Chinese cities to meet with business leaders

RIYADH: Beijing will host the China-Saudi Investment Conference on Tuesday on the sidelines of a visit by Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The conference aims to enhance the strategic partnership between the two countries in investment, trade and the economy, and to support China’s Belt and Road Initiative to connect Asia with Africa and Europe.
More than 700 attendees are expected, including senior officials, CEOs, investors and entrepreneurs. 
They will review and discuss investment opportunities and initiatives aimed at fostering increased cooperation between the two countries.

The conference agenda includes dialogue sessions covering topics such as clean energy, finance, investment, mining, metals, tourism, entertainment, food security, agriculture, logistics services, shipping, supply chains, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, modern manufacturing industries, and advanced technology through workshops.

Al-Falih will also visit several Chinese cities to meet with business leaders. Technical teams from his ministry will conduct workshops and field visits to explore cooperation opportunities, with participation expected from representatives in both the government and private sectors.

During the recent Asia Future Investment Initiative Priority Summit in Hong Kong, Al-Falih took part in a symposium where he emphasized the Middle East’s pivotal role in fostering prosperity among Southern countries.
He stressed the significance of energy and digital transformation as tools for achieving development.

Diplomatic ties between the two countries span over 30 years, with China currently Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner. Bilateral trade and investment have grown significantly in recent years.