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.

 


KSA to launch Real Estate Media Forum

KSA to launch Real Estate Media Forum
Updated 18 sec ago
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KSA to launch Real Estate Media Forum

KSA to launch Real Estate Media Forum
  • The launch will take place in the presence of prominent media figures and real estate experts

RIYADH: The Saudi Real Estate General Authority will launch the first edition of the Real Estate Media Forum at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center on Sunday.
The launch will take place in the presence of prominent media figures and real estate experts who will discuss the importance of the media in increasing real estate awareness in all segments of society.
The forum will include dialogue sessions on future relations between the real estate sector and the media, as well as the impact of the media on the development and formation of the sector, and its contribution to enhancing transparency and reliability.


Female Saudi Shoura Council members participate in the G20 women’s sessions

Female Saudi Shoura Council members participate in the G20 women’s sessions
Updated 24 min 6 sec ago
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Female Saudi Shoura Council members participate in the G20 women’s sessions

Female Saudi Shoura Council members participate in the G20 women’s sessions
  • Al-Dahlawi highlighted the prominent role of Saudi women
  • She stressed that, through great efforts in the Kingdom, women have become partners in national development across various fields

RIYADH: The Saudi Shoura Council delegation, represented by Mona bint Abdullah Al-Mushait and Alia bint Mohammed Al-Dahlawi, took part in the inaugural sessions of the G20 Women Parliamentarians held in Maceio, Brazil.
In an address, Al-Dahlawi highlighted the prominent role of Saudi women, along with the significant policy and legislative shifts that have reinforced their participation in national development.
She said in her speech: “The transformation journey that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing, with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, has effectively contributed to creating diverse job opportunities for all, ensuring comprehensive economic growth and providing equal opportunities that will contribute to and benefit from the prosperity of our country.”
She pointed out that empowering and enhancing women’s economic roles has facilitated significant progress over the past few years, with the participation of Saudi women in the labor market currently at 35.3 percent.
She stressed that, through great efforts in the Kingdom, women have become partners in national development across various fields, including commerce, engineering, sports, justice, technology, and many others.
The session, held over two days within the framework of Brazil’s presidency of the G20 for 2024, featured the participation of female parliamentarians from the legislative assemblies of G20 member states, along with representatives from international organizations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
They addressed several key topics, including the role of women in climate justice and sustainability, as well as initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s participation and economic empowerment.


16,565 violators of residency, labor laws arrested

16,565 violators of residency, labor laws arrested
Updated 06 July 2024
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16,565 violators of residency, labor laws arrested

16,565 violators of residency, labor laws arrested

RIYADH: In joint field campaigns across the Kingdom from June 27 to July 3, 16,565 people were arrested for violating residency and labor laws.

That number included 9,969 violators of residency laws, 4,676 violators of border-security regulations, and 1,920 violators of labor laws.

A total of 1,244 individuals were caught attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally, of whom 37 percent were Yemeni, 60 percent were Ethiopian, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.

Additionally, 63 individuals were caught attempting to exit the Kingdom illegally.

Three individuals were apprehended for involvement in transporting, harboring, and employing violators, as well as covering up for them.

A total of 20,780 violators — 19,396 men and 1,384 women — are currently being processed by the relevant authorities, while 12,219 violators have been referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents.

A further 2,931 violators have been ordered to finalize their travel arrangements, while 9,663 have so far been deported.


Meet the scientists, researchers and innovators granted the Saudi citizenship

Meet the scientists, researchers and innovators granted the Saudi citizenship
Updated 06 July 2024
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Meet the scientists, researchers and innovators granted the Saudi citizenship

Meet the scientists, researchers and innovators granted the Saudi citizenship
  • The royal order aims to grant Saudi citizenship to people whose distinguished legal, medical, scientific, cultural, sports and technical expertise serve the nation in various fields

RIYADH: A number of scientists, doctors, researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs have recently been granted the Saudi citizenship.

The royal order aims to grant Saudi citizenship to people whose distinguished legal, medical, scientific, cultural, sports and technical expertise serve the nation in various fields.

Here is a list of the Saudi citizenship recipients as published by the financial news portal, Argaam.

Islam Zween, CEO of Argaam

Mohammed Zween is deemed a pioneer in the Arab world of a media model that emphasizes qualitative and educational content aimed at profitability. (File/Argaam)

Zween holds a Master’s degree from Alexandria University in Egypt, with over 25 years of experience in technology, media, and business management.
Over the past 18 years, Zween has dedicated his efforts to building pioneering digital projects in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, including “Argaam Financial Portal” and Akhbaar 24.com.

Since 2013, he has implemented a new strategy at Argaam, transforming it into the leading provider of financial media and data journalism in Saudi Arabia and the GCC. He also revamped the company’s business model, contributing to diversifying its revenue streams and achieving profitability.

Through Argaam, Zween has launched numerous initiatives and projects that enriched content related to financial data and investment awareness in the Kingdom. He has led many successful partnerships in the media and financial data fields with local and Gulf entities and made significant contributions to the development of financial media in the Kingdom and the Gulf. Under his leadership, Argaam won the Dubai Media Award for the best economic platform in 2023.

Mehmood Khan, CEO of the Hevolution Foundation

Dr. Mehmood Khan’s distinguished career has included several senior corporate roles, including Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer of Global Research and Development at PepsiCo, and President of Global R&D at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. (File/Hospitals Magazine)

Khan, an American national, serves as CEO of the Hevolution Foundation, the first nonprofit organization to fund research through grants and provide investments in biotechnology to stimulate health sciences. Khan specializes in a precise field, holds an MD from a prestigious university, and has over 10 years of practical experience, including managing academic programs like the Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Nutrition Trials Unit at the Mayo Clinic, and serving as the Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Global Research and Development at PepsiCo.

Jackie Y. Ying, Chair, Bioengineering & Nanomedicine Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre

Professor Ying was elected a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and a member of the German National Academy of Sciences, Leopoldina. (Supplied)

Ying is an American scientist of Singaporean origin, who served as the founding executive director of the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Singapore (2003-2018). She currently leads the NanoBio Lab and is a senior research fellow at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). She has published extensively on biomedical engineering and nanotechnology topics. Professor Ying was elected a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, a member of the German National Academy of Sciences, and named one of the “100 Engineers of the Modern Era.” Professor Ying was elected a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and a member of the German National Academy of Sciences, Leopoldina.

Niveen Khashab, founding member of KAUST

Following the completion of her ​​​​​PhD at the University of Florida, Niveen Khashab joined KAUST and became a professor of chemical science. (Supplied)

Khashab is a Lebanese scientist with advanced expertise and contributions in bioengineering and nanomaterials. She is a founding member of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and has been an associate professor of chemical science and engineering there since 2009. She is one of the laureates of the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award in 2017 for her contributions to inventing innovative smart hybrid materials aimed at drug delivery and developing new technology to observe antioxidant activity between cells.

Noreddine Ghaffour, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, KAUST

Noreddine Ghaffour received the M.Sc. and PhD degrees in energy and process engineering from Montpellier University, France. (Supplied)

Ghaffour is a French scientist who holds a PhD in membrane separation techniques from the University of Montpellier (1995) and is currently a professor of environmental science and engineering at KAUST. He specializes in water desalination techniques and has published articles and research on environmental science, renewable energy, and membrane separation.

Faraz Khalid, CEO of Noon

Khalid, who holds an MBA from The Wharton School, played an instrumental role in the success of Namshi, which was launched in 2012. (Supplied)

Khalid is an Indian entrepreneur with an MBA in entrepreneurial project management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is the CEO of the e-commerce platform Noon and co-founded Namshi, where he served as managing director and was responsible for creating, launching, and expanding the website.

Dr. Moutassem Azzubi, Chief Pediatric Neurosurgery at King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital

Neurosurgeon Dr. Moutassem Azzubi has been recognised for his expertise and success in numerous conjoined twins separation surgeries. (X: @Moutasem7)

Azzubi is a Syrian neurosurgeon who has performed numerous conjoined twin separation surgeries in the Kingdom and abroad. He was recognised for his extension contributions to the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme and the team of surgeons under Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah, adviser to the Royal Court, supervisor general of KSrelief.

Rami Al-Qawasmi, CEO of Mawdoo3.com

Rami Al-Qawasni holds a bachelor`s degree in Economics from Sussex University in the United Kingdom and started his business journey in Jordan. (Supplied)

Al-Qawasmi is known for his passion for artificial intelligence and startup development. He has created and developed over 10 companies before the age of 30. Under his leadership, Mawdoo3.com raised $23.5 million in a funding round.

Ahmed Mirghani, partner at BIM Ventures

Ahmed Mirghani has contributed to bringing many traditional investors into the world of venture capital. (Supplied)

Mirghani is a Sudanese entrepreneur with an MBA in entrepreneurship from Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship. He is a co-founder and a leading figure at BIM Ventures and founded the “Angel Investor Mine” network, which has significantly contributed to bringing many traditional investors into the world of venture capital and the entrepreneurship ecosystem.


Saudi, world leaders congratulate Iran’s new president

Saudi, world leaders congratulate Iran’s new president
Updated 06 July 2024
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Saudi, world leaders congratulate Iran’s new president

Saudi, world leaders congratulate Iran’s new president
  • King Salman conveyed his wishes of further progress and prosperity for the Iranian people
  • The crown prince affirmed keenness to deepen relations with the Islamic Republic

RIYADH: Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Masoud Pezeshkian on his election as Iran’s president, state news agency SPA reported.

Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won Iran’s runoff presidential election Saturday, besting hard-liner Saeed Jalili by promising to reach out to the West and ease enforcement on the country’s mandatory headscarf law after years of sanctions and protests squeezing the Islamic Republic.

Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and longtime lawmaker, received 16.3 million votes compared to Jalili’s 13.5 million in Friday’s election.

King Salman, in a message to Pezeshkian, expressed hope for the “continued development of relations which link our two countries and our two brotherly peoples,” according to SPA.
He also expressed his wish for further “coordination and dialogue to strengthen regional and international peace and security,” SPA said.

The king conveyed his wishes of further progress and prosperity for the Iranian people.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman said, “I affirm my keenness on developing and deepening the relations that unite our countries and peoples and serve our mutual interests.”
Iran and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark China-brokered deal to re-establish relations in March 2023.

Since then, officials from both sides continued talks to bolster ties.

Qatar, UAE and Kuwait also sent a cable of congratulations to the new president.

Syrian President Bashar Assad, for whom Tehran is a top ally, on Saturday congratulated Iran’s reformist president-elect, stressing his desire to strengthen ties with Tehran.
In a message published on the Syrian presidency’s social media accounts, Assad said: “We are keen to ensure that our relationship remains at its peak.”
He added that he wants to work with Pezeshkian “to strengthen the Syrian-Iranian strategic relationship” and that “resistance will remain the common approach we follow.”

In his message of congratulations, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was counting on stronger ties with the Islamic Republic.

“I hope that your tenure as president will contribute to a reinforcement of constructive bilateral cooperation between our friendly peoples,” Putin said in a message to Pezeshkian.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also congratulated Pezeshkian for his win in the presidential runoff election.
“I am willing to work with the President to lead the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership towards deeper advancement,” state news agency Xinhua reported Xi as saying.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Pezeshkian for his win.

“Looking forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our warm and long-standing bilateral relationship for the benefit of our peoples and the region,” Modi wrote on social media platform X.