Saudi FM calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza at Gulf Research Meeting 2024
Urgent need to find a pathway to the establishment of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state is central to the Kingdom’s vision for a just and peaceful world, FM says
Updated 09 July 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called on Tuesday for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and “a renewed commitment to dialogue and negotiation guided by the principles of justice, equality, and mutual respect.”
Addressing the Gulf Research Meeting 2024 virtually, Prince Faisal said: “The ongoing violence and bloodshed in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for a durable solution that upholds the rights and dignity of all parties involved.”
He said the urgent need to find a pathway to the establishment of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state was central to the Kingdom’s vision for a just and peaceful world.
“In a world plagued by uncertainty and upheaval, the rules-based international order must stand as a bulwark against chaos and conflict, providing a framework for cooperation and peaceful coexistence among nations,” the foreign minister said.
“As we witness growing threats to this order, it is imperative that we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of international law, mutual respect, and peaceful resolution of disputes,” Prince Faisal added.
He said the world must heed the warning signs of escalation and instability that threaten to engulf the region in turmoil.
“The spectre of conflict looms large, casting a dark shadow over our aspirations of prosperity and progress. It is incumbent upon us to exercise restraint, wisdom, and foresight in our actions, mindful of the consequences of reckless behaviour and brinkmanship.
“Saudi Arabia, guided by a vision of economic prosperity and collective benefit, has long been a steadfast proponent of regional stability and cooperation.
“We believe in the transformative power of partnership and dialogue, seeking to build bridges of understanding and solidarity that transcend boundaries and divisions,” he told the annual meeting being held at the University of Cambridge.
The silent gamer: How Xzit Thamer captivated a global audience through silent acting
Updated 07 October 2024
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: In the world of content creation, few have managed to carve out a niche as distinctive as Saudi gamer Xzit Thamer. Known for his innovative approach to silent acting, Thamer has attracted a global following by relying solely on physical comedy and expressive gestures rather than verbal communication.
His ability to connect with audiences across various cultures has set him apart in the crowded gaming landscape.
Xzit Thamer’s journey began in 2019 and his videos gained traction shortly afterwards, garnering millions of views during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As an introvert, he found solace in creating content while many were confined to their homes.
“When corona hit, I was happy,” he said. “I used this energy to create my content. The boom in my popularity coincided with lockdown, and I focused on being different from typical gamer content creators.” His approach resonated with viewers who were looking for light-hearted entertainment during challenging times.
Thamer describes his style as akin to that of Mr. Bean, the beloved character known for his slapstick humor and minimal dialogue. “I have many followers from the US, UK, Spain and Brazil because I don’t talk,” he said.
“I always wanted to be known globally, and I didn’t want to be like other gamers who only stream. I wanted to be different.” His commitment to silent acting has allowed him to reach a diverse audience, transcending language barriers and cultural differences.
Xzit Thamer captivating his audience with silent comedy, blending gaming and physical humor for a global fanbase. (Supplied)
One of Thamer’s primary goals is to increase the percentage of people who play video games. He believes that silent acting can attract those who might not typically engage with gaming content.
Thamer described how he aspires to have an impact across the world with his content. This ambition is evident in his work as he combines visual humor with gaming themes, creating a brand that appeals to both gamers and casual viewers alike.
On social media, Thamer operates under two distinct personas. The first is dedicated to his silent acting, where he uses exaggerated expressions and physical comedy to convey emotions and humor. The second persona focuses on gaming and anime pack openings, where he speaks Arabic and engages with fans in a more traditional format. “Some people don’t know I’m the same person on both channels because my energy is different,” he said, laughing. “Most people didn’t know I was Arab.”
Anime pack opening has become a significant part of Thamer’s content since he ventured into this area in 2022. The activity involves unboxing collectible cards items related to anime. The excitement of revealing rare or valuable cards keeps viewers engaged, turning each video into a thrilling experience. Thamer often opens packs from popular franchises such as Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh, beloved by fans of all ages.
The interaction during these pack openings is electric. Thamer’s dynamic presence draws in audiences, whether he is revealing a rare card or sharing his enthusiasm for a new collectible. “Kids get really excited when I open the packs,” he said, emphasizing the joy he brings to his viewers. This live interaction has helped him to build a loyal following, as fans eagerly anticipate his next reveal.
Thamer’s approach caught the attention of the esports community, leading to an exciting opportunity at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh. There, he was granted his own activity focused on anime pack openings at Boulevard Riyadh City. This event allowed him to engage with fans in person, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the content creation space. “It was an exciting event where I interacted with my audience and opened packs in front of them,” he said. The energy and excitement at the event showcased his ability to connect with fans on a personal level.
As a content creator, Xzit Thamer has embraced the challenges and opportunities that come with his dual personas. Balancing silent acting with traditional gaming commentary requires creativity and adaptability. “I had to learn how to engage my audience in different ways,” he said. His versatility enables him to appeal to a broader audience while staying true to his own style.
Xzit Thamer captivating his audience with silent comedy, blending gaming and physical humor for a global fanbase. (Supplied)
The impact of his work extends beyond mere entertainment; Thamer has become a role model for aspiring content creators in Saudi Arabia and beyond. His experience demonstrates that innovation and authenticity can lead to success in the digital world. By combining silent acting with gaming, he has crafted a distinctive identity that resonates with viewers across the world.
https://www.instagram.com/xzit_thamer/
Looking ahead, Thamer is focused on expanding his reach and continuing to innovate within his content creation. His ambition to increase the gaming community’s visibility and engagement remains a driving force in his work.
In an increasingly crowded digital landscape, Xzit Thamer has proven that sometimes, less is more. His silent yet expressive approach to content creation captures the essence of universal humor, allowing him to connect with fans around the world. As he continues to grow his brand and explore new avenues within the gaming community, there is no doubt that Xzit Thamer will leave an indelible mark on the world of content creation.
RIYADH: A dates exhibition in Riyadh has attracted more than 113,000 visitors since launching in August.
The third seasonal dates exhibition is organized by the National Company for Agricultural Services at Al-Rabwah markets in the Saudi capital. It runs until Oct. 31.
The event showcases a wide variety of high-quality local dates from across Saudi Arabia, receiving dozens of tonnes of the fruit daily.
More than 60 producers and marketers are taking part in the exhibition, displaying top date products and benefiting from commercial opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The exhibition offers technical solutions for date marketing, including online ordering via specialized stores. Visitors can also enjoy artistic and entertainment events hosted in pavilions at the market.
Riyadh leads the Kingdom in date production, with the region producing 436,000 of the country’s annual 1.6 million-tonne yield of the fruit.
Saudi Arabia has a positive trade balance in the date industry, with a self-sufficiency rate of 124 percent.
As the Kingdom strengthens its global leadership in date production, the Riyadh exhibition supports sustainable growth and fosters economic opportunities in agriculture.
Ministry honors graduates of artificial intelligence course
Updated 07 October 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has honored graduates of a specialized training program designed to cultivate talent in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which was held in collaboration with Google Cloud at its headquarters in the US.
Deputy Minister for Future Jobs and Capabilities Ibrahem Al-Nasser acknowledged the graduates’ dedication and achievements throughout the program.
The training covered the latest AI technologies and their practical applications in key sectors including healthcare, industry and education.
This initiative further solidifies the Kingdom’s position as a frontrunner in global digital innovation, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
In collaboration with Google Cloud, the program aligns with the ministry’s strategy to foster digital innovation by equipping participants with the skills needed to lead future technological endeavors.
It aims to provide local talent with opportunities to contribute actively to machine learning- and AI-driven fields, empowering them to play pivotal roles in the nation’s technological progress.
Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief continues volunteer surgery program
Medical services were provided for scores of patients at the Kidney Dialysis Center in Al-Ghaydah, Al-Mahrah Governorate, Yemen
The medical team, affiliated with KSrelief, performed 45 specialized operations during the campaign
Updated 07 October 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has continued its voluntary medical work around the globe, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Medical services were provided for scores of patients at the Kidney Dialysis Center in Al-Ghaydah, Al-Mahrah Governorate, Yemen.
During September, 126 patients were served.
Among them, 54 underwent 446 scheduled dialysis sessions and six emergency sessions, while 75 patients received medical examinations and consultations at the clinic.
Of the 126 patients, 46 percent were male and 54 percent were female, with 16 percent being displaced individuals, 83 percent residents, and 1 percent refugees.
Meanwhile, mobile medical clinics operated in Yemen’s Harad district, in the governorate of Hajjah, providing medical services to 226 beneficiaries from Sept. 11 to 17, 2024.
During this period, the epidemic disease control clinic treated 113 patients, the emergency clinic 63, the internal medicine clinic 33, and the reproductive health clinic 15.
In terms of ancillary services, 61 people accessed the nursing services clinic, and waste disposal activities were conducted twice. Furthermore, seven beneficiaries were treated at the surgery and dressing clinic. The clinics also dispensed medications to 217 patients.
In San Salvador, El Salvador, a voluntary medical project for vascular surgery and interventional catheterization was concluded on Friday.
The project ran from Sept. 26 to Oct. 3, 2024.
The medical team, affiliated with KSrelief, performed 45 specialized operations during the campaign.
Eight volunteers from various medical specialties participated.
In Medan, Indonesia, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, KSrelief supervisor-general, said the center implemented a voluntary open-heart surgery project for adults.
Running from Oct. 1 to 8, 2024, the project involved 15 volunteers from various medical specialties.
Since the campaign began, KSrelief’s medical team has completed three open-heart operations.
