Tuwaiq Academy, Meta to open Saudi Arabia’s first diploma in game development, virtual worlds/node/2568361/saudi-arabia
Tuwaiq Academy, Meta to open Saudi Arabia’s first diploma in game development, virtual worlds
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The program aims to support the labor market with national talents possessing the best capabilities and skills to innovate in various technical fields. (SPA)
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The program aims to support the labor market with national talents possessing the best capabilities and skills to innovate in various technical fields. (SPA)
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The program aims to support the labor market with national talents possessing the best capabilities and skills to innovate in various technical fields. (SPA)
Tuwaiq Academy, Meta to open Saudi Arabia’s first diploma in game development, virtual worlds
Participants will learn how to build and develop application projects under the supervision of a specialized teaching staff within two semesters totaling over 800 training hours
The academy is the first of its kind to provide specialized technical camps and educational programs in partnership with global entities such as Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Alibaba
Updated 22 August 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Tuwaiq Academy and Meta will launch on September 15 a diploma program in game development and virtual worlds, the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday, the academy said the program #aims to empower national capabilities with essential skills in game development, building virtual worlds, and augmented and virtual reality technologies using a learning methodology based on the job market’s needs.“
Accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, the program offers educational curricula with global professional certifications to equip trainees with crucial skills, including three-dimensional (3D) modeling, developing and programming virtual worlds, creating augmented reality and mixed reality applications, C# programming language, Unity engine, and Web 3 technologies, said the statement.
The program aims to support the labor market with national talents possessing the best capabilities and skills to innovate in various technical fields. (SPA)
Participants in the program will learn how to build and develop application projects under the supervision of a specialized teaching staff within two semesters totaling over 800 training hours.
According to Tuwaiq Academy chief executive Abdulaziz Al-Hammadi, the technical diploma is part of the academy’s efforts to introduce diverse educational tracks and activate partnerships with major global entities.
“The aim is to continue leading technical education in the Kingdom and support the labor market with national talents possessing the best capabilities and skills to innovate in various technical fields,” he said.
“The launch of the diploma in game development and virtual worlds in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy represents a significant achievement that drives efforts to adopt advanced education programs,” Meta’s head of policy programs for MENA region and Türkiye Joelle Awwad was quoted by SPA as saying.
”This includes augmented reality, which the academy offers in partnership with Meta, ensuring the readiness of Saudi talent for the requirements of the future labor market and establishing the Kingdom’s position as a leading global center in the fields of programming, augmented reality, and 3D design,“ he further said.
Tuwaiq Academy is the first of its kind to provide specialized technical camps and educational programs in partnership with global entities such as Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Alibaba, and other advanced entities. These programs are designed to develop national talents and enhance their ability to innovate and create in the fields of modern technologies.
SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
Together, the aim of the SINDBAD Collective is to form a community of creatives who believe in breaking barriers, taking risks and making art more accessible
Updated 17 February 2025
Jasmine Bager
ALKHOBAR: If you were in the right place at the right time, you might have caught a glimpse of something unexpected — a vehicle led by eight art experts, transformed into a roving exhibition, rolling across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
From Feb. 6-20, the fourth annual exhibition of the SINDBAD Collective took to the road, turning highways into hallways and city streets into gallery spaces.
This year’s edition, “SINDBAD: On the Road!,” is a mobile exhibition that challenges the traditional idea of gallery spaces. The collective modified an existing vehicle with a custom extension, allowing the team to exhibit, collect and connect with creative communities throughout the journey. They started in Jeddah, their home base, and made stops in Riyadh, Alkhobar and Bahrain before returning to Jeddah for a final showcase.
Moving art was just one part of the journey; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. (Supplied)
The journey began with a pre-launch event in Jeddah on Feb. 5, featuring an open mic and pickup event at Wasl Art Space.
The road trip officially kicked off on Feb. 6, as the SINDBAD team set out for Riyadh. A car meet took place on Feb. 7, followed by a pickup and open mic at Lamaat and Beast House in JAX district on Feb. 8.
In Alkhobar, where Arab News met the fun and dynamic team, the event was held on a rooftop at Bohemia Art Cafe on Valentine’s Day. The vehicle wouldn’t fit for logistical reasons, so people had to climb the stairs to witness — and submit — art.
HIGHLIGHTS
• From Feb. 6-20, the fourth annual exhibition of the SINDBAD Collective took to the road, turning highways into hallways and city streets into gallery spaces.
• In Alkhobar, where Arab News met the fun and dynamic team, the event was held on a rooftop at Bohemia Art Cafe on Valentine’s Day.
• The journey then crossed into Bahrain, where Riwaq Art Space hosted an exhibition on Feb. 15.
The journey then crossed into Bahrain, where Riwaq Art Space hosted an exhibition on Feb. 15.
Every year, the collective hosts an open call, inviting artists and researchers to submit work that challenges traditional formats. (Supplied)
The adventure will return to Jeddah, where on Feb. 20 Naqsh Art Studio will host a final exhibition showcasing the collected works and research from the entirety of the trip.
But the journey won’t stop there. SINDBAD will also participate at the N.E.S.T. Book Launch in AlUla on March 13.
This year, the structure itself was a modular three-panel system, designed to collapse, adapt and cross boundaries — literally and figuratively. The journey wasn’t just about moving art; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. Each city hosted a mix of guerrilla-style pop-ups and community activations.
Moving art was just one part of the journey; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. (AN photo)
This year, the team introduced SINDBAD Radio, an online platform featuring open-mic performances, artist submissions and curated music playlists to accompany the journey.
“Whenever somebody submits a work, they come and record a voice note explaining it,” Abdullah Al-Amoudi, a co-founder of the collective, told Arab News. “We put it on SINDBAD Radio, so when you tune in, you hear their story.” The radio station also broadcast live updates from the road, allowing audiences to follow along as the team made their way across the Kingdom.
SINDBAD Collective was founded in 2021 in Jeddah by a group of artists, designers, curators and researchers who wanted to create a more inclusive and experimental art platform.
The SINDBAD has been collecting artwork, sharing music, and engaging with communities since Feb. 6. (Supplied)
Every year, the collective hosts an open call, inviting artists and researchers to submit work that challenges traditional formats.
“The space of SINDBAD is a space of discovery. It’s a space for learning. It’s a space to make mistakes,” said his sister Ahaad Al-Amoudi, a founding member of the collective. “We take most of the works that are submitted. We never say no to any work.”
Ahaad is an accomplished artist whose work addresses history and representation. She earned degrees in visual communication from Dar Al-Hekma University in Jeddah and a master’s degree in print from the Royal College of Art, London.
Safwan Fallatah, also known as Mista Safwan, is a music producer, photographer and filmmaker. (Supplied)
In her research about Saudi Arabia’s ethnography, Ahaad’s photography, video and print installations are meant to reinterpret historical renditions of a reforming culture.
Ahaad and Abdullah’s mother, Effat Fadag, is an associate professor of fine arts at the University of Jeddah and a multidisciplinary artist — and the biggest champion of the group.
Abdullah is a designer and artist trained in film and landscape architecture, and the co-founder of THIRD SPACE* Studio. Together, they form the core of the collective.
They chose the name SINDBAD because of its deep cultural resonance. “Everybody has a different memory of who Sindbad is, but he’s always journeying,” Ahaad explained. “That’s why we thought he fit really well. He’s young, he’s fresh, he’s journeying.”
For the SINDBAD team, this year was all about community-building. “There’s so much happening in Riyadh, in Bahrain, in Jeddah,” Ahaad said. “We wanted to create a bond where we’re coming to you in Alkhobar, but you’re also coming to us.”
The idea of an open, evolving exhibition resonated deeply with people.
“We got to Alkhobar, and we thought — Bahrain is close enough, right?” Ahaad recalled. “We can cross the border. We can take this even further.”
As they traveled, something unexpected happened: Artists started pulling out artworks from their pockets. “They would see the truck open, see the artworks inside, and then literally take pieces out of their pockets and hand them to us,” Abdullah said. “They were ready for it. Some would even go back home, grab their artworks, and return.” The trip became a testament to artistic spontaneity and inclusivity.
“A lot of young artists feel like they have to apply to an open call, that they have to be at a certain level,” the siblings said. “We’re trying to break that barrier. We want them to feel safe, to feel like they can showcase their work, even if it’s a work in progress or something they made years ago. It’s time for them to take that step.”
Since Feb. 6, the SINDBAD team has been on the road, collecting artwork, sharing music, and engaging with communities.
Abdullah, who drove the entire 15-hour stretch from Riyadh to Alkhobar, described it as part of the fun. “I enjoy it a lot,” he said. “We have a radio station this year with SINDBAD Radio. It’s curated, and we go live on Instagram. People can tune in and listen as we drive — ‘We’re coming, we’re passing through this city, we’re on our way to that city.’”
With each stop, SINDBAD brought new voices into the fold, proving that art isn’t confined to galleries — it’s everywhere.
Beyond the Al-Amoudi family, SINDBAD Collective includes a diverse group of artists and researchers.
Mohsin Ali is an architectural researcher and curator exploring post-colonial migration and decolonial processes through architecture. He is currently an assistant curator at Art Jameel.
Damon James Owen is a multidisciplinary artist and educator working in printmaking, publishing, and experimental media.
Manar Eissa is a graphic designer and illustrator whose nature-inspired art reflects her passion for storytelling.
Yasser Al-Zahrani is a production manager and art director specializing in Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art scene.
Safwan Fallatah, also known as Mista Safwan, is a music producer, photographer and filmmaker.
Together, the aim of the SINDBAD Collective is to form a community of creatives who believe in breaking barriers, taking risks and making art more accessible. And if you missed them this time, keep your eyes on the road. You never know when SINDBAD might roll through your city next.
Deputy foreign minister meets Russian ambassador to Saudi Arabia
The two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation
Updated 16 February 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji met with Ambassador of Russia to the Kingdom Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh on Sunday.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation, as well as other topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of New Zealand to the Kingdom Charles Kingston on Sunday in Riyadh, where they engaged in cordial talks, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saudi minister Al-Jubeir discusses land reclamation, security at Munich conference
Al-Jubeir said land safety is essential for achieving security and stability, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combating desertification in partnership with the UN
Updated 16 February 2025
Arab News
MUNICH: The Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir took part in a key dialogue session on land reclamation and security at the Munich Security Conference on Sunday.
The session, organized in collaboration with the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and the Adelphi Research Foundation, addressed the link between land preservation and global stability.
Al-Jubeir said land safety is essential for achieving security and stability, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combating desertification in partnership with the UN.
He highlighted the Kingdom’s leadership at COP16, which focused on the negative repercussions of land degradation and the need for sustainable solutions.
Al-Jubeir outlined Saudi Arabia’s local, regional, and international initiatives aimed at protecting land and addressing desertification.
He also called for strong international cooperation to tackle the cross-border challenges posed by land degradation and urged global policymakers to implement effective strategies to safeguard both the environment and security.
Saudi crown prince discusses regional developments with French President Macron
During the call, areas of joint cooperation and regional and international developments were discussed
Updated 16 February 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the call, areas of joint cooperation and ways to enhance them were reviewed, and regional and international developments were discussed.
The two officials also exchanged views on the latest developments and efforts made toward them to achieve security and stability.
This afternoon, I spoke on the phone with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to review the situation in the Near and Middle East.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, I commended Saudi Arabia’s efforts alongside the Arab League—work that France will support…
