Saudi man ‘embracing inner child’ with private toy museum

Special Saudi man ‘embracing inner child’ with private toy museum
Undated photo of Talal Tayeb, an action figure collector, posing in front of his toy collection in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo courtesy: Talal Tayeb)
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Updated 04 February 2024
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Saudi man ‘embracing inner child’ with private toy museum

Saudi man ‘embracing inner child’ with private toy museum
  • Tayeb owns one of the biggest action figure and toy collections in Saudi Arabia
  • His efforts to build his legacy collection started as a young boy in the late 80s

JEDDAH: Some say that there is an inner child within all of us. Talal Tayeb, 43, chooses to embrace his — so much so that he established his own private toy museum.

Tayeb owns one of the biggest action figure and toy collections in Saudi Arabia with more than 3,000 pieces ranging from figurines, comics, movies and TV series, Legos, model kits, gaming consoles, limited-edition board games, posters and trading cards.

“I tried to stop collecting so many times, but Superman has kryptonite, and my kryptonite is ‘Grendizer’,” he told Arab News.

While his love for the UFO robot is unfaltering, Tayeb’s collection also features countless characters from the worlds of Marvel, DC, Disney, Treasure Island, Harry Potter, Pokemon, Scooby Doo, James Bond, The Jetsons, Flintstones, Pink Panther, WWE and more.




An undated file photo of a collection of toys owned by Talal Tayeb in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo courtesy: Talal Tayeb)

He keeps this prideful collection within the “Grendizer Base,” which is open to visitors. It holds pieces that date back to the 70s, such as the rare and vintage piece Grendizer Izenborg, accumulated through his travels across the globe or through auctions.

After work, you can usually find Tayeb lounging around the apartment-turned-museum, building new items via three of his 3D printers, or even cosplaying at events across the region.

I tried to stop collecting so many times, but Superman has kryptonite, and my kryptonite is ‘Grendizer.’

Talal Tayeb, Collector

He began professionally cosplaying in 2015, taking part in events in Saudi and the UAE. Tayeb regularly designs and executes his own costumes from scratch. He is known as the first Saudi to dress as the beloved Grendizer character, also known as Goldrake or Goldorak, and the second Saudi to cosplay Duke Fleed and Jumaro.

“I revived an icon that was missing for a long time — since it was removed from TV and videotapes. When I wore Grendizer before in Comic Con in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Jeddah, everybody was surprised. Everybody has heroes, but this is an icon. So, I’m happy that I brought this icon back again.”




An undated file photo of action figure owned by Talal Tayeb in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo courtesy: Talal Tayeb)

Tayeb’s efforts to build his legacy collection started as a young boy in the late 80s.

Like any normal child, Tayeb said, he collected action figures from Batman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Transformers, Superman and Mickey Mouse. But throughout the years, moving from one house and city to another, he lost most of his childhood pieces. Yet, he managed to keep a few, his oldest surviving item being a small squishy football acquired in 1990.

Years later, his hobby has slowly rubbed off on his family. Tayeb’s eldest daughter also used to cosplay at events but is now his assistant at comic expos. His second daughter still dresses up alongside him, while his youngest son is more interested in video games.

He made a point of introducing his children to older anime shows and cartoons, including Grendizer, Heidi and some Disney films, growing their interest in the world of animation.

Through his collection, he aims to share the magic of older popular shows and characters with younger generations.

“The first thing we started to see in Saudi Arabia for my generation, the 80s generation, was ‘Grendizer’,” he said. “‘Grendizer’ for us was the biggest and most famous cartoon that we ever watched.”

But the Grendizer Base seems to only be the beginning for Tayeb’s inner child.

He hopes to one day organize an expo where fans can come to personally check out the action figures, read the magazines and start learning how to create their own pieces on 3D printers.

Tayeb also dreams of building a theme park with an extensive museum containing the childhood memories of many, including his collection within the Grendizer Base.

He wants the theme park to offer both indoor and outdoor activities including clubs for manga, cosplay, crafting and weekly competitions.

“Maybe one day I can do all of that … I hope that somebody can be a godfather for this idea and support me, and everybody can come up with a convention or a place that’s alive for everybody forever, not only for a short time.”


Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia
Updated 04 November 2024
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Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a campaign to promote health by enhancing access to and the quality and efficiency of health services and raising awareness of health risks, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

The campaign “A Vibrant, Healthy Nation” introduces a modern healthcare model, offering integrated, individual-centered services aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a healthy society.

The ministry is committed to “enhancing public health, improving quality of life, and raising the Kingdom’s global healthcare standing.”

The campaign highlights the health transformation initiative’s positive impacts and informs citizens about its main features, aiming to engage all segments of society, SPA reported.

It emphasizes a shift from treating illness to prevention, involving primary care doctors and early detection programs.


Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech
Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech
  • Scheme seeks new ways to repurpose wastewater, looks at impact of microplastics

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has opened applications for a new program to find ways to develop sustainable technologies in Saudi Arabia.

The Sustainable Innovation Fellowship Program aims to find ways to repurpose by-products from water treatment for the benefit of the environment; develop sustainable technologies for recycling membranes used in water treatment; and explore methods to reuse treated wastewater in desert and arid regions.

Supported by the Environment Fund and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, the fellowship program will also assess the environmental impact of microplastics in water treatment plants, sewage, and wastewater.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is also introducing new e-services in accordance with international standards.


Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh
Updated 04 November 2024
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Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh
  • With workshops, discussions, and awards, the festival aims to drive growth in Saudi Arabia’s creative sectors

The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 5 to 6.

Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will gather over 1,500 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry, featuring 100 regional and international speakers.

Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor in chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, alongside Vice Chairman Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS.

Pre-festival activities began on Nov. 3 with the Young Talent Academies, including the Student Creative Academy (in partnership with the Middle East Communications Network), the Student Marketers Academy, the NextGen Creative Academy, and the NextGen Marketers Academy.

These academies, featuring keynote sessions from industry experts, workshops, and a 24-hour hackathon, are open to full-time university students aged 18 to 25 and professionals under 30 in creative communications, marketing, or advertising.

The festival will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations, and fireside chats focused on redefining and growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.

The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.

Notable speakers include Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital PLC; Matt McKie, director of marketing for Manchester United; Waseem Kashan, executive director of marketing at ROSHN Group; Yahya Hamidaddin, vice president of corporate communications at ACWA Power; and Houda Tohme, CEO of Havas Media Middle East.

Sessions and keynotes will explore themes such as purpose-driven marketing, brand growth strategies, artificial intelligence, technology, cross-sector innovation, and unlocking creative potential.


Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation
Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation
  • Two defense ministers reviewed longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties

RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at strengthening cooperation in the military field.

The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, represents a significant step forward in defense collaboration between the Kingdom and Iraq, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their discussions, the two ministers reviewed the longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties.

They emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to foster regional security and stability, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions.

Both ministers discussed recent developments and shared efforts aimed at de-escalating conflicts, prioritizing actions that support peace and security in the region.

The MoU establishes a framework for increased collaboration on military matters, allowing Saudi Arabia and Iraq to address shared security challenges more effectively and pursue mutual goals in defense, SPA added. 


Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy
Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom Chang Hua in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest, particularly those related to Islamic work and promoting moderation and peaceful coexistence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Iran to the Kingdom Alireza Enayati in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.