Muvi Cinema’s new Sensory Adapted Sessions

Muvi Cinema’s new Sensory Adapted Sessions
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Updated 05 September 2024
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Muvi Cinema’s new Sensory Adapted Sessions

Muvi Cinema’s new Sensory Adapted Sessions

Sometimes, a trip to the movie theater can be too loud, too dark and too scary for some children — particularly if they have sensory sensitivity. Now, for the first time in the Kingdom, a brand-new viewing experience is available to those guests who wish to sit back, relax and enjoy the movie with some added support.

Across the Kingdom at Muvi Cinemas, sensory-adapted sessions have been recently introduced to specific family-friendly films on Saturday afternoons.

In association with Tayf Aziz, a Riyadh-based initiative that offers pediatric, dental and rehabilitation support for those on the autism spectrum and those with neurodevelopmental disorders, the viewing experience is meant to help make a trip to the cinema more inclusive and less stressful.

The hope is that movie magic can be experienced by everyone.

Considerations such as keeping the house lights on throughout the film, showcasing fewer trailers before the start of the film and reducing the volume of the film’s audio are huge pluses.

Guests can bring their own snacks, something that is not permitted in other screenings. In addition, the cost of the ticket is SR35 ($9) for a seat that would normally be designated Comfortable Premium, usually a higher fee.

It is a friendlier viewing experience overall.

Children are encouraged to munch on popcorn and are free to rock in their seats and to occasionally talk, albeit in hushed tones. It is not as strict as other viewing experiences, which makes for a more fun environment for the young guests.

“The everyday cinema environment can be stressful for guests with autism, sensory difficulties, or learning impairments so we developed special sensory-friendly screenings to run every Saturday afternoon, at specially selected sites, making cinema in Saudi Arabia more inclusive,” Muvi Cinemas wrote on their website.

“Our hope is that guests with sensory difficulties will be able to enjoy the magic of cinema along with the rest of their family and friends.”


Rare desert reptile found in Northern Borders

Rare desert reptile found in Northern Borders
Updated 5 sec ago
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Rare desert reptile found in Northern Borders

Rare desert reptile found in Northern Borders
  • Rare lizard species known as Savigny’s agama (Trapelus savignii) was spotted

RIYADH: The Northern Borders region is distinguished by its diverse ecosystems due to its vast size and unique geography, resulting in rich biodiversity and natural resources essential for ecological balance, especially among its varied wildlife.

Recently, in Wadi Al-Hanthalia, south of Arar, a rare lizard species known as Savigny’s agama (Trapelus savignii) was spotted, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

This lizard, notable for its striking coloration, has appeared in the Arar desert environment, likely due to the abundance of plants and natural reserves in the area.

Adnan Khalifa, a member of the Aman Environmental Society and a wildlife enthusiast, explained that this lizard is one of the rare and limited species in the Northern Borders region.

It is a medium-sized lizard with a flat body, broad triangular head, and relatively long tail, covered with large spiky scales on its back and head. It is active during the day.

He added that Savigny’s agama feeds on insects and invertebrates, living in rocky areas and gravel plains where it is well adapted. To escape the desert heat, it climbs desert shrubs and rocks.

Its coloration generally blends with the sandy surroundings, but males display a striking blue along the head, neck, and sides during mating season to attract females, while females lack this coloration.


Arab and Muslim leaders reaffirm support for Palestinian cause at end of Riyadh summit

Arab and Muslim leaders reaffirm support for Palestinian cause at end of Riyadh summit
Updated 9 min 50 sec ago
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Arab and Muslim leaders reaffirm support for Palestinian cause at end of Riyadh summit

Arab and Muslim leaders reaffirm support for Palestinian cause at end of Riyadh summit
  • Leaders reiterate their backing for the Palestinian people and the fight for their legitimate rights
  • These include right to freedom and an independent sovereign state with East Jerusalem as capital

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said holding the extraordinary Arab and Islamic summit in Riyadh reflects the sincere desire of its participants to continue efforts aimed at ending Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

Bin Farhan reiterated during the summit's press conference how the leaders of Arab and Muslim countries called for ending Israeli violations, and easing restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid, the Saudi Press Agency reported Tuesday. 

He also reiterated that the summit supports the two-state solution as the only option to achieve a just and lasting peace to resolve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

Bin Farhan said the participating countries will coordinate with the international community to achieve a ceasefire and limit the expansion of the conflict, and reduce the growing threat posed by Israeli military operations to regional and international security.

Leaders of Arab and Muslim countries who attended an extraordinary summit in Riyadh on Monday issued a closing statement in which they affirmed the importance of the Palestinian cause, and their firm support for the Palestinian people and their efforts to achieve their legitimate and inalienable national rights.

These rights include the right to freedom, the leaders said, the right to an independent and sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital, the right of return for refugees, the right to the compensation to which they are due in accordance with international resolutions, and the right to challenge any attempts to deny or undermine these rights.

The leaders also reaffirmed their support for the full sovereignty of the State of Palestine over occupied East Jerusalem. They said Jerusalem remains a red line for Arab and Muslim nations, and expressed absolute solidarity in protecting the Arab and Islamic identity of occupied East Jerusalem and defending the sanctity of Islamic and Christian holy sites there.

They also affirmed their absolute support for Lebanon, including its security, stability, sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.


Qassim governor launches drive to plant a million trees for a greener future

Qassim governor launches drive to plant a million trees for a greener future
Updated 37 min 43 sec ago
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Qassim governor launches drive to plant a million trees for a greener future

Qassim governor launches drive to plant a million trees for a greener future
  • The effort is intended to support sustainable environmental development

RIYADH: The governor of Qassim, Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, recently launched an initiative to plant 1 million trees in the region by the end of 2024.

The effort is intended to support sustainable environmental development and increase green spaces in the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative, launched at Qassim National Park in Buraidah, includes collaboration with government agencies and the nonprofit sector.

It seeks to promote environmental sustainability and enhance vegetation cover, aligning with the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030.

Prince Faisal expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture for supporting the initiative.

He also recognized the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification for its role in restoring vegetation in national parks.

The center’s director, Maj. Gen. Ali Al-Asmari, confirmed that the initiative includes cultivating 5 million seedlings by 2030 to improve vegetation cover and achieve environmental balance.

Al-Asmari also reviewed the center’s cultivation efforts in various regional locations, the SPA reported.

In Qassim National Park, 1 million seedlings have been planted, including varieties such as arta (calligonum), ethel (tamarix), qarath (acacia), ghaf (prosopis), and samar (acacia nilotica). An additional 120,000 seedlings were planted in the Unaizah forest.


Pakistan PM visits MWL, praises solidarity efforts

Pakistan PM visits MWL, praises solidarity efforts
Updated 41 min 54 sec ago
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Pakistan PM visits MWL, praises solidarity efforts

Pakistan PM visits MWL, praises solidarity efforts
  • Shehbaz Sharif commended the MWL’s efforts to foster Muslim solidarity

RIYADH: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation visited the Muslim World League headquarters in Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

They were received by Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, the league’s secretary-general and chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars.

Sharif commended the MWL’s efforts to foster Muslim solidarity, unite the voices of Muslim scholars, and convey the true message of Islam.

Sharif and his delegation arrived in the Kingdom to participate in the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, held on Monday.

In his address at the summit, Sharif emphasized that Pakistan stands firmly with Palestine, supporting its right to self-determination as an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital within the 1967 borders.

He stressed that this is the only solution to achieve peace, ensure justice, and preserve the holy lands.

The Pakistani PM condemned all violations committed by Israel against Palestine and Lebanon, affirming Pakistan’s solidarity with their people and calling for an end to the escalation in violence against them.

He also urged for the siege on Gaza to be lifted and for access to food, water, electricity, and medical aid to be ensured.

The prime minister underscored that Israel must be held accountable for its crimes and comply with UN resolutions.


Arab and Muslim leaders reaffirm support for Palestinian cause at end of Riyadh summit

Arab and Muslim leaders reaffirm support for Palestinian cause at end of Riyadh summit
Updated 12 November 2024
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Arab and Muslim leaders reaffirm support for Palestinian cause at end of Riyadh summit

Arab and Muslim leaders reaffirm support for Palestinian cause at end of Riyadh summit
  • In closing statement they reiterate their backing for the Palestinian people and the fight for their legitimate rights
  • These include the right to freedom, the right to an independent sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and the right of return for refugees  

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said holding the extraordinary Arab and Islamic summit in Riyadh reflects the sincere desire of its participants to continue efforts aimed at ending Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

Bin Farhan reiterated during the summit's press conference how the leaders of Arab and Muslim countries called for ending Israeli violations, and easing restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid, the Saudi Press Agency reported Tuesday. 

He also reiterated that the summit supports the two-state solution as the only option to achieve a just and lasting peace to resolve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

Bin Farhan said the participating countries will coordinate with the international community to achieve a ceasefire and limit the expansion of the conflict, and reduce the growing threat posed by Israeli military operations to regional and international security.

Leaders of Arab and Muslim countries who attended an extraordinary summit in Riyadh on Monday issued a closing statement in which they affirmed the importance of the Palestinian cause, and their firm support for the Palestinian people and their efforts to achieve their legitimate and inalienable national rights.

These rights include the right to freedom, the leaders said, the right to an independent and sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital, the right of return for refugees, the right to the compensation to which they are due in accordance with international resolutions, and the right to challenge any attempts to deny or undermine these rights.

The leaders also reaffirmed their support for the full sovereignty of the State of Palestine over occupied East Jerusalem. They said Jerusalem remains a red line for Arab and Muslim nations, and expressed absolute solidarity in protecting the Arab and Islamic identity of occupied East Jerusalem and defending the sanctity of Islamic and Christian holy sites there.

They also affirmed their absolute support for Lebanon, including its security, stability, sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.