Qiddiya City to host Final Fantasy VII Rebirth exhibition

Qiddiya City, a destination for entertainment, sports and culture, has collaborated with international video game publisher Square Enix to bring “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” to The Boulevard in the heart of Riyadh. (Supplied)
Qiddiya City, a destination for entertainment, sports and culture, has collaborated with international video game publisher Square Enix to bring “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” to The Boulevard in the heart of Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Updated 01 August 2024
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Qiddiya City to host Final Fantasy VII Rebirth exhibition

Qiddiya City to host Final Fantasy VII Rebirth exhibition
  • Role-playing game’s producer Yoshinori Kitase and director Naoki Hamaguchi will feature at event

RIYADH: Qiddiya City, a destination for entertainment, sports and culture, has collaborated with international video game publisher Square Enix to bring “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” to The Boulevard in the heart of Riyadh, during the 2024 Esports World Cup.

The event will run from Aug. 11 with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth producer Yoshinori Kitase and director Naoki Hamaguchi making a special appearance at the event on Aug. 16.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the story of the role-playing game as the more than 15,000 sq ft retrospective experience takes the form of the legendary city of Midgar, complete with scaled replicas of the in-game vehicles Tiny Bronco and the Buggy.

Fans will have the opportunity to play the game at the event. Additionally, VIP ticket holders will have the chance to win prizes, including limited-edition signed posters and merchandise.

Fans can attend a one-night event featuring a special presentation and Q&A session with Kitase and Hamaguchi as they share their experiences of creating the game.

The event will take place at Riyadh’s Falcons Team HQ at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased from Aug. 1 on WeBook.com. For international fans, the event will be live-streamed on Twitch and supported by a live watch party featuring popular gaming influencers.

Arnab Bhattacharya, director of strategy for the Gaming & Esports District at Qiddiya, said: “The legend of Final Fantasy VII, with beloved relatable characters, an incredible story, stunning art and epic soundtrack, is exactly the type of interactive experience we aspire to deliver to gaming fans across the globe as we continue to develop the wonder and lore of Qiddiya City’s Gaming & Esports District. 

“This is one of my favorite games of all time and I believe anyone who plays it will have a truly memorable experience. We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Square Enix and bring this remarkable game to life during the most anticipated gaming event of the year.”

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second part in the Final Fantasy VII remake series, retells the story of the game that redefined the RPG genre in three distinct standalone titles and lets players take on the role of heroes Cloud, Barret, Tifa, Aerith, Yuffie and Red XIII.

Earlier this year, Qiddiya City was announced as the Nexus partner of the EWC.

The three-year partnership will see the Qiddiya Gaming & Esports District become the official home of the EWC. Starting in 2024, Qiddiya City is the presenting partner of two venues: The Elite Player Lounge and The Qiddiya Esports Arena. The Elite Player Lounge is designed as a place for participating EWC professional players to train, relax, socialize and prepare for matches.

Also this year, Qiddiya City’s Gaming & Esports District unveiled the world-first Elite Esports Bootcamps. The cyberpunk-themed facilities are designed for esports teams to train and prepare for competition using the latest hardware and software.

The Esports World Cup has transformed Riyadh into the epicenter of esports fandom and gaming culture.

Located in Boulevard City, fans can watch their favorite athletes and clubs compete across 22 game championships for a share of more than $60 million in prize money — the largest prize pool in esports history.

Over eight weeks, the Esports World Cup features festival activities that include gaming activations, community tournaments, pop culture celebrations and international experiences.


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.