Review: The Escape Hotel in Riyadh

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Review: The Escape Hotel in Riyadh

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  • The Escape Hotel has a variety of themed rooms, each designed to challenge and excite

RIYADH: Are you in search of an exciting break from your routine with friends or family? Look no further than the Escape Hotel, with locations in Riyadh and Jeddah, which is an experience that will leave you buzzing long after the visit is over.

The experience is an escape game where teams work together to solve riddles and puzzles, using clues to escape a themed room. Each room has a specific storyline and challenges, and the goal is to complete the objectives and escape before the timer runs out.

The venue feels like something straight out of a horror movie, immersing you in a chilling atmosphere that will keep your heart racing.

Upon arrival, participants must sign waivers and leave their phones in a locker to enter one of the spine-tingling rooms.

The adrenaline rush is unparalleled, especially when faced with jump-scares like a zombie suddenly charging at you while you try to solve the room’s mysteries. It’s an intense blend of thrill and fun.

The Escape Hotel has a variety of themed rooms, each designed to challenge and excite. Options include the Zombie Suite, the Maintenance Room, the Elevator, the Jumanji Room, the Harry Potter Room, and the Pirate’s Dungeon. Each room presents puzzles and scenarios that require teamwork and quick thinking.

My friends and I tried the Jumanji Room, which was an absolute blast even as it leans more toward adventure than horror.

I also tackled the Zombie Room, which was a heart-pounding experience filled with challenging puzzles. We found ourselves screaming and laughing as we navigated the intricacies of the room. The design included hidden spaces that required us to bend, kneel, and crawl through tunnels, adding to the immersive experience.

The emphasis on teamwork is vital and you quickly realize how collaboration is key to winning.

They have locations in Jeddah and Riyadh. Overall, the Escape Hotel is a fantastic way to break the monotony of a typical night out.

 


Red Sea Souk opens industry program applications

Red Sea Film Festival fosters cross-cultural collaboration and creative opportunities in the global film community. (SPA)
Red Sea Film Festival fosters cross-cultural collaboration and creative opportunities in the global film community. (SPA)
Updated 27 May 2025
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Red Sea Souk opens industry program applications

Red Sea Film Festival fosters cross-cultural collaboration and creative opportunities in the global film community. (SPA)
  • The festival continues to serve as a key platform for cross-cultural collaboration and creative opportunities in the global film community and Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning creative sector

RIYADH: The Red Sea Souk has opened submissions for its Project Market and Work-in-Progress screenings, both set to run during the fifth Red Sea International Film Festival, taking place in Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district from Dec. 4-13 this year.

Held annually, the Red Sea International Film Festival amplifies the Kingdom’s creative and cultural diversity through programs designed to engage both public audiences and industry professionals.

The festival’s industry market, running from Dec. 6-10, brings together filmmakers, producers, investors, and cinema professionals from around the globe to support emerging talent and international co-productions.

FASTFACTS

• The Project Market is accepting submissions until June 20 for narrative, animated, and documentary projects currently in development or production.

• The Work-in-Progress program is open until July 29 to feature films in post-production.

The Project Market is accepting submissions until June 20 for narrative, animated, and documentary projects currently in development or production. Projects must be helmed by directors from Arab, African, or Asian countries, or by filmmakers of Arab origin.

Selected entries will receive tailored industry guidance and opportunities to pitch to distributors, festival programmers, and production partners.

The Work-in-Progress program is open until July 29 to feature films in post-production. It offers private industry screenings, mentorship, and networking with potential distributors, financiers, and festival representatives.

Both programs will strengthen film talent from Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab, African, and Asian regions, encouraging co-productions and international exposure.

The festival continues to serve as a key platform for cross-cultural collaboration and creative opportunities in the global film community and Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning creative sector.

 


Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes
Updated 26 May 2025
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Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

DUBAI: Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi made a triumphant return to the global stage, winning the prestigious Palme d’Or for his latest film “It Was Just an Accident” at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival.

Panahi, long a symbol of artistic defiance in Iran, had previously faced imprisonment and a 20-year ban on filmmaking and international travel. His emotional appearance at the festival, where he received the award from jury president Juliette Binoche — a vocal supporter of his work — marked a significant moment for both the director and Cannes.

 

 

The political thriller centers on a former prisoner who kidnaps the man he believes tortured him and grapples with fellow dissidents over whether to exact revenge or offer forgiveness.

The ceremony also recognized other global talents. Chinese director Bi Gan received a special jury prize for “Resurrection,” while Iraqi filmmaker Hasan Hadi made history as the first from his country to win the Camera d’Or for debut feature “The President’s Cake.”

 

 

Brazil’s Wagner Moura took home best actor honors for “The Secret Agent,” a 1970s-set political drama by Kleber Mendonça Filho, who also won best director.

German director Mascha Schilinski and Spain’s Oliver Laxe shared the Jury Prize for their respective films “Sound of Falling” and “Sirat.” The former is a sweeping multigenerational family saga, while the latter explores an apocalyptic vision of the Moroccan desert through techno-infused storytelling.

Actor John C. Reilly surprised audiences with a rendition of “La Vie en Rose” before presenting best screenplay to Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne for “Young Mothers,” the Belgian brothers' latest social drama.


Guns N’ Roses wow Riyadh as part of 2025 global tour

Guns N’ Roses wow Riyadh as part of 2025 global tour
Updated 24 May 2025
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Guns N’ Roses wow Riyadh as part of 2025 global tour

Guns N’ Roses wow Riyadh as part of 2025 global tour
  • Iconic band make major stop on Middle East leg of schedule 

RIYADH: Iconic American rock band Guns N’ Roses performed in Riyadh on Friday as part of their 2025 global tour, marking a major stop on the band’s Middle East schedule.

The group, which was formed in Los Angeles in 1985, took the stage to a packed crowd, kicking off the night with “Welcome to the Jungle.”

The concert was organized by MDLBEAST. (Supplied)

The high-energy set featured classic hits including “November Rain,” “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” with fans singing along throughout. 

The concert was organized by MDLBEAST and, ahead of the event, Rayan Al-Rasheed, its director of operations and artist booking, highlighted the significance of hosting such acts in the Kingdom.

The high-energy set featured classic hits including “November Rain,” “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” with fans singing along throughout. (Supplied)

He said: “Saudi Arabia has become a key destination for global music acts. By hosting legendary artists like Guns N’ Roses we aim to elevate the Kingdom’s presence in the global music scene.”

The introduction of rock music to the Saudi musical landscape acknowledged a genre that had long had a strong presence in the country, he said, adding: “The popularity of bands like Metallica and Linkin Park shows that rock has deep roots here.”


Kneecap say Glastonbury slot at risk after terrorism charge

Kneecap say Glastonbury slot at risk after terrorism charge
Updated 23 May 2025
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Kneecap say Glastonbury slot at risk after terrorism charge

Kneecap say Glastonbury slot at risk after terrorism charge
  • Group member scheduled to appear in court on June 18

DUBAI: The Irish rap group Kneecap said this week that efforts are ongoing to block their appearance at Glastonbury this summer, following a surprise show held just one day after one of their members was charged with a terrorism-related offence.

During their performance at London’s 100 Club on Thursday night, the trio said they were being made a “scapegoat” because they “spoke about the genocide (in Gaza)” at Coachella in April.

Group member Liam Og O Hannaidh was charged on Wednesday with a terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in London in November 2024. The rapper performs under the stage name Mo Chara and he is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on June 18.

The police force’s counter-terrorism command was made aware on April 22 of an online video from the event and then carried out an investigation. After that, the Crown Prosecution Service authorized the charge. 

The group posted on social media and said in a statement: “We deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves. This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction.”

They added: “14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us.

“This is a carnival of distraction. We are not the story, genocide is.”

Hours after the charge was filed, Kneecap announced a last-minute gig that reportedly sold out in 90 seconds, with 2,000 people on the waiting list. 

Chara took to the stage at 9 p.m. with tape over his mouth in a symbolic protest. He suggested the timing of the charge was deliberate, saying it came just ahead of their scheduled Glastonbury appearance.

He said: “There’s a reason why what’s happened to me happened before Glastonbury. There’s a reason they’re trying to … stop me speaking at Glastonbury in front of the UK.”


Review: ‘Lilo and Stitch’ returns with heart, hula and a whole lot of charm

Review: ‘Lilo and Stitch’ returns with heart, hula and a whole lot of charm
Updated 23 May 2025
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Review: ‘Lilo and Stitch’ returns with heart, hula and a whole lot of charm

Review: ‘Lilo and Stitch’ returns with heart, hula and a whole lot of charm
  • Homage to 2002 classic while vibrantly fresh
  • Maia Kealoha, 8, playing Lilo steals the show

DUBAI: The new “Lilo & Stitch” reboot honors the 2002 classic while giving it a vibrant look and feel for a new generation.

With stunning animation, amazing casting, and a deep sense of nostalgia, the film strikes an emotional chord from the opening frame.

With the original film being one of the most beloved Disney classics, there was a lot of pressure riding on this remake, especially considering the inconsistency in the latest Disney productions.

 

 

Visually, the animation is outstandingly expressive.

The Hawaiian landscapes practically glow and the redesigns of Stitch and his alien companions retain their mischievous charm, even with the updated disguises for Jumba Pleakley.

Although many were not happy with these changes, I personally loved the scene of them learning how to walk as humans.

The emotional core of the film, however, remains unchanged: the powerful bond between sisters Lilo and Nani.

Their dynamic is portrayed with warmth and honesty, balancing cheeky sibling rivalry moments with sincere, tender ones.

The comedic timing is spot-on throughout the movie but is not overdone to the point where it becomes cringey.

Casting is another major win.

The new ensemble delivers energy and heart, with the debuting young actress, Maia Kealoha, 8, playing Lilo stealing the show. She captures Lilo’s quirky spirit, fiery independence and emotional depth perfectly.

While longtime fans may note a few subtle updates to the characters and plot, the film stays true to its core message of family, belonging, and unconditional love.

The film really tugs at the heart strings and may even leave one teary-eyed at some points.

Reintroducing the beloved story to a new generation, “Lilo and Stitch” is a must-watch this summer.