Reconnect with ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘The Batman’ and more at Jeddah’s new entertainment destination

The Warner Bros. Discovery entertainment zone is open until Aug. 16, featuring interactive, family-friendly attractions  and live entertainment. (Instagram/jed.calendar)
The Warner Bros. Discovery entertainment zone is open until Aug. 16, featuring interactive, family-friendly attractions and live entertainment. (Instagram/jed.calendar)
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Updated 01 July 2024
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Reconnect with ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘The Batman’ and more at Jeddah’s new entertainment destination

Reconnect with ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘The Batman’ and more at Jeddah’s new entertainment destination
  • Comic book displays, virtual and augmented reality games
  • Several visitors hail venue as ideal for both adults, children

JEDDAH: Warner Bros. Discovery’s new indoor entertainment destination in Jeddah is showcasing six concept zones inspired by some of cinema’s most iconic stories.

The venue includes “Batman,” “Tom and Jerry” and “Harry Potter” zones, alongside areas for shoppers.

Enthusiasts will be able to delve into Batman’s storied history and evolution with comic book displays, as well as interactive virtual and augmented reality games.




The Warner Bros. Discovery entertainment zone is open until Aug. 16, featuring interactive, family-friendly attractions and live entertainment. (Instagram/jed.calendar)

The zone featuring Harry Potter’s Magical World zone resembles Hogwarts from the movies. It includes interactive games inspired by the films, including a broomstick ball-throwing contest, and a store replicating the experience of Harry Potter buying his first wand.

Walid Jabbour, managing director of EventBox, said: “The ‘Warner Brothers Discovery Celebration’ is a unique event that brings together the best of Warner Bros. — from 100 years of history encompassing animation studios, ‘Harry Potter,’ movies, and superheroes — all in one place here in Jeddah.”

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The Warner Bros. Discovery entertainment destination includes ‘Batman,’ ‘Tom and Jerry’ and ‘Harry Potter’ zones, alongside areas for shoppers.

He added: “What makes it truly special is that it’s the first time such a comprehensive gathering of Warner’s iconic properties is taking place in Jeddah.

“Bringing this grand spectacle to our audience underscores our commitment, and the enthusiastic response from visitors affirms that having ‘Batman,’ ‘Harry Potter,’ and more all in one location is truly extraordinary.”




Harry Potter’s Magical World includes interactive games inspired by the fictional wizarding world. (AN photos)

Young visitors will also have the opportunity to meet their favorite heroes and characters from Warner Bros. Discovery, including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash from the “Justice League,” as well as Tom, Jerry, and the Scooby-Doo gang.

Julene Muller, event art director, told Arab News: “The energy and excitement from the crowd have been phenomenal, making this event a vibrant celebration for all ages.”

She added: “There’s always something new to discover, with various experiences, walkthroughs, and plenty of photo opportunities available. And of course, the Batmobile remains a favorite among visitors.”

Aleksandar Radulovic, a crew member of the Tom and Jerry Mini Orchestra, explained: “We are aiming to bring the music of the classic cartoons to life. These are the cartoons we grew up with, and now we want to share them with the younger generation.”

Their ensemble consists of a drummer, trombonist, pianist, bassist, and percussionist who plays the xylophone and produces other effects.

“Everything is meticulously organized, and we’re thrilled to be here. We originally collaborated on these ‘Tom and Jerry’ projects with Warner Bros., starting two years ago in Riyadh,” he added.

Fahad Nazer, a father of three, said: “The fully air-conditioned indoor entertainment area is a lifesaver this summer. My kids explored all the concept zones and had a fantastic time.

“The staff was extremely helpful and supportive, especially with the games, so I didn’t have to worry about my children getting lost.”

He said the crowd control was “impressive with five different time slots for booking tickets, which manages the flow very well and ensures kids can enjoy interactive games with shorter lines.”

Another visitor, Mohammed Harbi, said: “My son was thrilled to train with Superman and Batman. It’s amazing that Jeddah now has such a unique entertainment venue; having Warner Bros. here was a pleasant surprise.

“Experiencing it not only brought joy to our children but also allowed us to reminisce about our own childhood days with the ‘Tom and Jerry’ show. I never imagined we’d have such attractions in the city, and the tickets are affordable.

“However, it was challenging for me with a 9-month-old baby since they don’t allow strollers.”

The entertainment zone is open until Aug. 16.

Highlights and attractions

The “Celebrate Every Story” event features four shows across three stages. On the main stage, there is “Looney Tunes: Get in the Game,” an interactive sports-themed show where Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck compete to become the new team captain of Team Looney Tunes.

The “Tom and Jerry Mini Orchestra Performance” displays classic animations of the iconic cat and mouse duo on a large screen with a live orchestra playing their memorable tunes and sound effects.

The “Justice League Training Show,” allows guests to train alongside Justice League members and assist in saving the day during a live stage event. At the “Scooby-Doo: Mystery at the Mall” show visitors can help Scooby and the gang solve a mysterious case.

At the “Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Experience” zone visitors can explore the iconic Batmobile from the movie “Batman Returns,” the Keaton Mobile and impressive life-sized figures of Batman, The Joker, Harley Quinn, and Catwoman.

The Animation Zone is a must-visit for cartoon lovers. It brings to life the worlds of “Looney Tunes" and “Scooby-Doo,” with interactive games and mystery-solving adventures.

The Celebration Zone allows visitors to take photographs and relive pivotal moments from the history of Warner Bros.

 


Tributes paid to Safeya Binzagr, the ‘mother of Saudi art’

Tributes paid to Safeya Binzagr, the ‘mother of Saudi art’
Updated 4 sec ago
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Tributes paid to Safeya Binzagr, the ‘mother of Saudi art’

Tributes paid to Safeya Binzagr, the ‘mother of Saudi art’
  • Safeya Binzagr helped bridge the cultural link between Japan and Saudi Arabia

TOKYO: Katakura Kunio, the former Japanese ambassador to Egypt, Iraq, and the UAE, has paid tribute to Safeya Binzagr, who passed away last week, emphasizing the profound impact of her contributions to enhancing Japan’s cultural ties with Saudi Arabia.

Binzagr, known as the “mother” of Saudi Arabia’s fine art movement and a symbol of Vision 2030, helped bridge the cultural link between Japan and Saudi Arabia and was the aunt of current Saudi Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr.

Katakura, chairman of Japan’s Foundation for Desert Culture, fondly recalled Safeya’s “warm and encouraging nature” toward him and his late wife, Motoko.

“Her support was instrumental in Motoko’s cultural anthropological fieldwork in Wadi Fatima,” he said. “She always welcomed the foundation’s follow-up missions with open arms, fostering a deep and personal connection with us.”

Katakura said Binzagr was not only a gifted artist whose work inspired many but also a cherished friend and mentor. Her passion for creativity and dedication to her paintings left an indelible mark, and her artistic legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Ambassador Binzagr commented: “Building a cultural bridge is the core for creating a distinguished future between two countries and I strive, as an ambassador, to support this because it creates an opportunity for common interests to rise to a common outlook and mutually supportive values.

“The mission carried out by my late aunt will continue (in) the making of a new era. She was one of the pillars that paved the way for this through her dedication to building and promoting the culture of the arts for future generations. The Kingdom considers her the mother of the cultural heritage of creative fine arts.”

The ambassador said there are ongoing efforts to further collaboration between Japan’s Foundation for Desert Culture and prominent foundations in the Kingdom to build upon the cultural ties between the two countries.


Diriyah exhibition focuses on Saudi countryside

Diriyah exhibition focuses on Saudi countryside
Updated 3 min 46 sec ago
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Diriyah exhibition focuses on Saudi countryside

Diriyah exhibition focuses on Saudi countryside

RIYADH: The Diriyah governorate, under the patronage of Environment Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, is to host the Reef Valley Exhibition at the Diriyah Biennale on Sept. 25-26 to highlight the economic, cultural, and tourism significance of Saudi Arabia’s countryside.

Organized by the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, the exhibition aims to challenge stereotypes about rural life and showcase experiences that  demonstrate a deep passion for agriculture.

It also underscores the vital role of Saudi farmers in achieving Vision 2030’s objectives, while highlighting the program’s pivotal role in the development and improvement of the countryside.

Pavilions representing the sectors and supported by the program will display aromatic plants, rainfed crops, coffee, fruit, and honey.

The exhibition targets entities involved in agriculture and rural development, including government agencies, specialists and decision-makers, as well as program beneficiaries and the general public.

The program seeks to improve the quality of life in Saudi Arabia’s countryside by developing various sectors; providing training for young people; supporting projects to improve income; assisting small farmers and producers; and empowering rural women.


Saudi-led project clears 460,951 mines, explosive devices in Yemen

Saudi-led project clears 460,951 mines, explosive devices in Yemen
Updated 16 min 10 sec ago
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Saudi-led project clears 460,951 mines, explosive devices in Yemen

Saudi-led project clears 460,951 mines, explosive devices in Yemen
  • The explosives, which were planted indiscriminately by the Houthis across Yemen, posed a threat to civilians

RIYADH: A Saudi-led humanitarian initiative in Yemen has seen a milestone 460,951 land mines and unexploded ordnance cleared since the start of the project in 2018, according to a recent report.

These include 301,068 items of unexploded ordnance, 145,139 anti-tank mines, 8,148 improvised explosive devices and 6,596 anti-personnel mines, according to Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the project’s managing director.

Overseen by the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief, Project Masam continues to remove deadly devices laid in the war-torn country by the Houthis.

Last week, the project’s special teams destroyed 2,439 items of unexploded ordnance, 28 anti-tank mines, six anti-personnel mines and one improvised explosive device.

The explosives, which were planted indiscriminately by the Houthis across Yemen, posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

Project Masam is one of several initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia on the orders of King Salman to help the Yemeni people, clearing routes for humanitarian aid to reach the country’s citizens.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the start of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines.

Masam teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.


Campaign launched to enhance hospitality standards

Campaign launched to enhance hospitality standards
Updated 56 min 4 sec ago
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Campaign launched to enhance hospitality standards

Campaign launched to enhance hospitality standards
  • The initiative seeks to enhance the quality of services offered to both domestic and international tourists across the Kingdom

Riyadh: The Ministry of Tourism has launched the “Our Guests Are Our Priority” campaign, which aims to reinforce hospitality facilities’ adherence to licensing and classification standards, ensuring compliance with all requirements and regulations.

The first phase of the campaign, which began in early September, focuses on media and awareness activities that engage all stakeholders in the tourism sector, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The initiative seeks to enhance the quality of services offered to both domestic and international tourists across the Kingdom.

Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb emphasized that the campaign encourages all tourism stakeholders to cooperate with the ministry in achieving Saudi Vision 2030 and elevating the Kingdom’s status as a global tourism destination.

Vice Minister of Tourism Princess Haifa Al-Saud recently launched an initiative to improve education and training standards in the tourism sector.

The initiative aims to align educational programs with labor market needs, according to the ministry. The goal is to help tourism institutions earn international and local accreditations and professional certificates.


KSrelief provides aid in Sudan, Yemen and Lebanon

KSrelief provides aid in Sudan, Yemen and Lebanon
Updated 15 September 2024
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KSrelief provides aid in Sudan, Yemen and Lebanon

KSrelief provides aid in Sudan, Yemen and Lebanon

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to provide humanitarian assistance in several regions.

In Sudan, the agency distributed 500 food baskets in the Dongola region, Northern State, on Thursday, benefiting 5,105 individuals affected by flash floods and heavy rains. The action formed part of the second phase of the 2024 food security support project.

In Yemen, KSrelief provided 158 shelter bags and 92 tents to 948 individuals in Al Sabran camp, Al-Madina District of Marib Governorate, as part of the emergency shelter aid project.

Al-Ja’dah Health Center in Yemen’s Hajjah Governorate, supported by KSrelief, provided medical services to 2,164 people from Aug. 21-27. Clinics treated patients in departments including emergency, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics, while 1,992 individuals received medications.

In northern Lebanon, KSrelief funded 59 ambulance missions in the Miniyeh district through the Subul Al Salam Social Association. These missions involved patient transport and emergency services in refugee areas and host communities.

These efforts are part of KSrelief's ongoing assistance to needy communities in Sudan, Yemen and Lebanon.