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Captain Majid — inspiring Saudi footballers of the future

Captain Majid — inspiring Saudi footballers of the future
"Captain Majid" has united fans, creating a shared cultural experience. Recently, the Instagram account “Dar_Kalemat” held a contest on the series' seasons, attracting over 1,690 participants. This response showcases the deep connection Saudi fans have with the show and its lasting legacy. (supplied)
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Updated 22 September 2024
Rahaf Jambi 
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Captain Majid — inspiring Saudi footballers of the future

Captain Majid — inspiring Saudi footballers of the future
Updated 22 September 2024
Rahaf Jambi 
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RIYADH: Saudi Arabians have a lot of love for Captain Majid, rooted in the animated character’s cultural significance, inspirational narratives and devotion to the game of football.

Developed from the Japanese manga series, “Captain Tsubasa,” he has become a cultural phenomenon that resonates with fans across the Kingdom, inspiring young Saudis to dream big and pursue their footballing dreams.




For sports lawyer Waleed Melhan, "Captain Majid" shaped his career. Watching the series from age three sparked his love for football, especially through his favorite character, Yasīn (Taro Misaki). Melhan credits the show for inspiring his journey into sports law, where he now represents various players and agencies. (supplied)

The original series followed the journey of Tsubasa Ozora (Majid Kamel in the Arabic broadcast), a young boy with an unwavering passion for football. His determination, skill and friendships illustrate the struggles and triumphs faced by aspiring athletes.

For many Saudis, watching Majid’s adventures was not merely a childhood pastime — it was an introduction to the world of football that lay the foundations of their own dreams.

Waleed Melhan, for example, a sports lawyer, is among those who says Captain Majid was pivotal in shaping his career. He started watching the series at the tender age of three, and its influence on his life has been profound.




In 2020, KLab Inc., a leader in online mobile games, announced that its head-to-head football simulation game Captain Tsubasa: Dream Team debuted new players wearing the Saudi Arabia national team official kit. (supplied)

“The series had a huge impact on my love for football,” he told Arab News. “My favorite character was Yasin (Taro Misaki), whose struggles for a chance to play resonated with me. Watching him fueled my passion and set me on a path toward a career in sports law.”

Today, Melhan represents numerous players and agencies, and he credits his success to the inspiration he found in Captain Majid.

His story is not unique. Local referee Faleh Al-Nasser recalls: “I was addicted to the show as a child. I would rush home from school to catch every episode and I memorized all the songs. It sparked my love for football and ultimately led me to become a referee for local matches.”

Al-Nasser believes the influence of Captain Majid should be carried forward to new generations.

The significance of Captain Majid in Saudi culture was highlighted by a public opinion study conducted by Arab News YouGov, which revealed 75% of respondents identified Captain Majid as their favorite anime. This places it way ahead of other popular series such as Pokémon and Gundam.




In 2020, KLab Inc., a leader in online mobile games, announced that its head-to-head football simulation game Captain Tsubasa: Dream Team debuted new players wearing the Saudi Arabia national team official kit. (supplied)

In 2023, the cultural significance of Captain Majid received further recognition when Saudi Arabia’s Manga Productions announced a partnership with Tsubasa Co. This collaboration aims to produce new content related to the titular character, including animation and merchandise.

The signing ceremony featured world-renowned mangaka and creator of Captain Tsubasa, Yoichi Takahashi, along with Manga Productions CEO Essam Bukhary.

Bukhary spoke about how the character had “inspired many generations for more than 30 years from the Arab and international audience.”

Captain Majid is more than entertainment — it embodies sportsmanship and the importance of hard work. The characters model values that resonate, such as dedication, resilience and the pursuit of excellence.

The series’ thrilling matches and the relentless pursuit of victory make it relatable to viewers who share the same passion for the sport.

As the series continues to evolve, it remains a beloved part of the Kingdom’s entertainment culture and encourages young Saudis to dream big and pursue their passion for football.

The stories of Melhan and Al-Nasser are just two examples of Captain Majid’s influence.

 

In 2020, KLab Inc., a leader in online mobile games, announced that its head-to-head football simulation game Captain Tsubasa: Dream Team debuted new players wearing the Saudi Arabia national team official kit.

Two new players, Mark Owairan and Vulcan, debuted wearing the official Saudi Arabia national football uniform. They were available in the Warring World Warriors: Saudi Arabia National Team Step-Up Transfer until Monday, January 18. During the 10-Player Step-Up Transfer, players were able to receive the new SSR Players Hidden Ability Evolution ready, and each step included extra benefits, so many players checked it out!

In January, creator Takahashi announced an end to the original manga version of the series, which had been running since 1981. But the character of Captain Majid lives on through its various adaptations and will always hold a special place in the hearts of Saudis and the wider Arab world. 

Topics: FIFA World Cup 2034 Saudi National Day 2024

President Trump welcomes Saudi ambassador to White House iftar

President Trump welcomes Saudi ambassador to White House iftar
Updated 28 March 2025
Arab News
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President Trump welcomes Saudi ambassador to White House iftar

President Trump welcomes Saudi ambassador to White House iftar
  • President Trump tells iftar guests that people around the world want peace
Updated 28 March 2025
Arab News

RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian ambassador to the US, Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, received a personal welcome from President Trump at the White House iftar on Thursday.

During his opening speech, the American president said: “Every day we are keeping our promises to the Muslim community. My administration is engaged in relentless diplomacy to forge a lasting peace in the Middle East, building on the historic Abraham Accords which everyone said would be impossible … We’re all looking for peace for the entire world.”

He added: “As we approach the end of (the) Islamic holy month of Ramadan, we’re also deeply honored to be joined by many of the international friends and partners including the Ambassador from Saudi Arabia to the United States, a very, very special woman, Princess Rema — princess, thank you, thank you, princess.”

The princess was among several ambassadors from Arab countries, including the UAE, Egypt and Jordan.

Later, posting on X, the princess thanked Trump and said: “Honored to attend the iftar dinner hosted by @POTUS. Grateful for his kind invitation and thoughtful gesture toward the Muslim community. It’s a testament to the spirit of friendship and cooperation that brings our nations together.”

Topics: US Donald Trump Saudi Arabia

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Saudi minister awards ICDO medal to acting representative of the National Guard

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Updated 28 March 2025
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Saudi minister awards ICDO medal to acting representative of the National Guard

Saudi minister awards ICDO medal to acting representative of the National Guard
Updated 28 March 2025
Arab News

RIYADH: Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, minister of the Saudi Arabian National Guard, awarded acting representative of the National Guard, Maj. Gen. Saleh bin Abdulrahman Al-Harbi with the Knight Medal of the International Civil Defence Organization. 

The Knight Medal is a prestigious honor awarded by the ICDO in recognition of exceptional service to the organization and outstanding contributions to advancing civil defence efforts on a global scale.


 

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Pilgrims discover Makkah’s cultural treasures during Ramadan

Pilgrims discover Makkah’s cultural treasures during Ramadan
Updated 28 March 2025
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
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Pilgrims discover Makkah’s cultural treasures during Ramadan

Pilgrims discover Makkah’s cultural treasures during Ramadan
  • Every place carries a story and significant Islamic memory, says tour guide 
Updated 28 March 2025
Tareq Al-Thaqafi

MAKKAH: Pilgrims in the holy city of Makkah are making the most of their stay by exploring its wealth of historical and cultural sites. 

The daylight hours of Ramadan are an ideal opportunity for tourists to enjoy sightseeing tours that enrich both their spiritual journey and knowledge.

Makkah has seen steady traffic to archeological sites, with guided tour buses providing organized visits to key historical locations. These excursions enhance cultural awareness about significant places and give visitors an opportunity to engage with the city’s legacy.

Dr. Fawaz Al-Dahas, an expert Makkah historian, highlighted the importance of enriching pilgrims’ experiences by directing them along established routes, helping them discover the pivotal chapters of the city’s history. 

Specialized tourism programs allow visitors to maximize their stay while strengthening their connection to the heritage of the two holy cities.

Al-Dahas emphasized the importance of preserving Makkah’s historical value through visits to archeological sites and first-hand exploration of treasures and museums that highlight its cultural significance. 

This helped people truly understand the city, which he described as a “global heritage mine” with outstanding landmarks that make it one of the most important destinations for Muslims around the world.

Makkah also features natural sites of religious and historical importance, such as Jabal Al-Noor (Mountain of Light), the Cave of Hira and the developing Hira Cultural Club, and Mount Thawr,

He added that its unique geography radiated spirituality throughout its mountains and valleys, while traditional markets that served as trade hubs between Syria and Yemen and ancient Islamic fortresses told the story of a glorious past.

Tour guide Mahdi Nafaa Al-Qurashi explained how Makkah has witnessed defining moments in Islamic history, from Prophet Ibrahim’s call through to the life of Prophet Mohammed and his companions.

He said every location in Makkah carried a story and significant Islamic memory, as the routes leading to the holy city and surrounding the Holy Kaaba were rich with landmarks tied to pivotal events.

Mohamed Salama, an Egyptian pilgrim, said visits to the holy sites had been simplified by the available facilities and electronic visas. He appreciated how everyone worked to ensure pilgrims’ comfort and ensure their experience was as good as it could be.

Despite dealing with millions of visitors, he described the organization as “exceptional, creating a wonderful blend between spiritual worship and exploration of Makkah’s historical richness.”

Rabab Hussein, an Iraqi making her first visit from Manchester, in the UK, described the harmony between historical and spiritual depth as unique to Makkah and Madinah. 

“The place has its own majesty and ancient historical extension, with its mountains and stones guiding you to historical stories of prophets and messengers,” she said. 

The place made a special impression on first-time pilgrims, she added, and visiting Makkah went beyond performing rituals — it was a chance to gain insights into its history.

Topics: Ramadan 2025 Makkah

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How researchers in Saudi Arabia leveraged AI in the fight against plastic pollution 

How researchers in Saudi Arabia leveraged AI in the fight against plastic pollution 
Updated 28 March 2025
Waad Hussain
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How researchers in Saudi Arabia leveraged AI in the fight against plastic pollution 

How researchers in Saudi Arabia leveraged AI in the fight against plastic pollution 
  • Researchers at King Saud University used artificial intelligence to design peptides that bind to plastic particles
  • Microplastics can persist in the environment for centuries, posing risks to ecosystems and human health
Updated 28 March 2025
Waad Hussain

RIYADH: In a groundbreaking scientific effort, researchers have leveraged artificial intelligence to unlock a powerful new tool in the fight against microplastic pollution — microscopic protein fragments known as peptides.

These AI-engineered peptides can bind to plastic particles, making it possible to remove microplastics from water more efficiently.

A large accumulation of plastic waste floating in the ocean. Researchers are now turning to AI-designed biodegradable peptides to tackle microplastic buildup in marine environments. (Getty Images)

Microplastics — tiny plastic fragments smaller than five millimeters — are now alarmingly widespread in oceans, rivers, soil, and even human bodies. These particles persist in the environment for centuries, threatening ecosystems and public health.

Traditional cleanup methods have struggled to address this growing crisis. Now, a team of scientists from Saudi Arabia, the US and beyond has unveiled a revolutionary solution: biodegradable peptides that latch onto microplastic particles with impressive precision.

Discovered using advanced deep learning models, these peptides could mark a turning point in the global fight against plastic pollution.

“We combined advanced biophysical simulations, which show how short proteins behave on plastic surfaces, with deep learning or AI to spot hidden patterns in those simulations,” Abdulelah Al-Shehri, assistant professor of chemical engineering at King Saud University and the study’s co-author, told Arab News.

“This allowed us to pinpoint specific peptides that latch onto microplastics up to 34 percent more effectively than older methods.”

Unlike conventional filtration methods, these AI-guided peptides offer a scalable, biodegradable alternative that could transform microplastic remediation.

This photo taken on October 14, 2021 shows researchers taking samples collected by a funnel-shaped net nicknamed "the sock" during a joint project of the French Tara Ocean Japan. (AFP)

“Essentially, AI guided us to protein sequences that traditional approaches might miss, leading to stronger and more efficient cleanup capabilities,” Al-Shehri added.

While this discovery was initially made in a computational setting, laboratory tests have confirmed the peptides’ real-world potential.

“We recently ran experiments to evaluate how strongly the AI-designed peptides bind to plastic,” Michael Bergman, a PhD candidate at the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at North Carolina State University, told Arab News

“No one has designed plastic-binding peptides before, and we relied solely on computational predictions for peptide design, so we were curious to see how our computational predictions bear out in experiment.

“Excitingly, the AI-designed peptides did very well. The peptides had much higher affinity for plastic compared to random sequences of amino acids and performed as well as our best biophysical designs.

“This work will hopefully be published in the coming months. Having checked this box, the next step is to apply the peptides to remediate microplastic pollution.”

Infographic courtesy of King Saud University website
​​​​

Bringing these peptides from the lab to real-world applications presents a major challenge: scalability.

“A major obstacle is producing these specialized peptides on a large scale while ensuring they remain stable and effective in different aquatic environments, whether in fresh, salt or even grey water,” Al-Shehri said.

“Beyond manufacturing, there needs to be close collaboration among researchers, policymakers and industry to streamline regulations, secure funding and ensure safe, cost-effective deployment where pollution is most critical.”

Abdulelah Al-Shehri, assistant professor of chemical engineering at KSU. (Supplied)

Bergman agrees, highlighting the vast potential applications of these peptides.

“We see many possible applications, such as detecting (and perhaps quantifying) microplastic pollution in water using a biosensor, removing microplastics either through filtration or by inducing aggregation, and aiding the adhesion of plastic-degrading organisms to microplastics,” he said.

This breakthrough is particularly relevant for Saudi Arabia, which is balancing its ambitious sustainability goals with its role as a global petrochemical leader.

Key milestones in AI-driven environmental cleanup

2022 Initial AI experiments in peptide-based plastic binding begin.

2023 AI-enhanced biophysical modeling predicts plastic-binding peptides with greater precision.

2024 AI-designed peptides successfully tested using extensive molecular dynamics simulations, outperforming previous solutions.

2025 Researchers at King Saud University, North Carolina State, and Cornell publish findings on biodegradable peptides with record-breaking plastic adhesion.

FUTURE AI-driven peptide research expands to augment capture and detection technologies and broader environmental remediation efforts.

Maher Al-Rashed, associate professor in plastics science at King Saud University, sees this dual role as an opportunity rather than a conflict.

“Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transition toward sustainability, particularly through Vision 2030, offers a fertile ground for the integration of AI-driven biodegradable peptides as part of a multifaceted strategy to combat plastic pollution,” he told Arab News.

“A practical application could involve incorporating these peptides into wastewater treatment plants in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, where microplastic contamination in water sources has been documented.”

He also referenced international benchmarks such as France’s Carbios and Japan’s Ideonella sakaiensis as models for Saudi Arabia to adapt and lead in this space.

“Saudi Arabia could adopt similar AI-engineered enzymatic solutions, particularly in industrial zones like Jubail and Yanbu, where high plastic waste output necessitates sustainable disposal methods,” he said.

While peptides offer a powerful new tool for microplastic cleanup, experts stress that they are not a replacement for reducing plastic waste at its source. “Reducing plastic use is crucial to stem the flow of new pollutants,” said Al-Shehri.

Small fragments of plastic and debris floating in contaminated seawater. Experts warn that microplastics can persist in ecosystems for centuries and pose risks to human health. (Getty Images)

“However, we already have a staggering amount of microplastics in circulation, some of which may persist for centuries. AI-powered strategies like our peptide designs serve as a necessary complement to source reduction, actively targeting and removing existing contaminants while broader efforts to improve recycling continue.”

Al-Rashed agrees but adds that for these peptides to be effective long term, they must be optimized for various types of plastics and environmental conditions.

“One fundamental challenge is ensuring that these peptides exhibit substrate specificity… meaning they must effectively degrade a variety of plastic polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene and PET without harming natural organic matter,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of ensuring environmental safety.

Infographic courtesy of King Saud University website

“AI-driven peptides must degrade into environmentally safe byproducts. Research conducted by Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology is exploring how peptide-mediated polymer degradation can be designed for maximum ecological safety.”

Bringing these peptides from theory to widespread use requires clear regulatory frameworks. Al-Rashed stressed the need for biosafety and industrial scalability.

“From a regulatory perspective, Saudi Arabia would need to establish stringent biosafety and environmental risk assessment protocols before approving the environmental release of AI-engineered peptides,” he said, referencing the role of the Saudi National Center for Environmental Compliance.

On an industrial level, he pointed out that cost efficiency and integration with existing waste management systems would be key factors in success.

“Saudi Arabia’s municipal waste collection and processing facilities are currently optimized for mechanical and chemical recycling, meaning that transitioning to bioenzymatic plastic degradation would require significant infrastructure modifications,” he said.

A photo taken on December 8, 2022, in Vaasa, Finland, shows plastic pieces in frozen water. (AFP)

As Saudi Arabia explores this innovation, researchers like Al-Shehri emphasize the importance of framing the message carefully — especially in a country where the plastics industry is economically significant.

“In essence, microplastic research is as critical as the plastics industry itself,” Al-Shehri said. “We must balance the lifesaving benefits of plastic with urgent research to eliminate and remove these tiny particles from our environment.

“Propelled by innovative academic efforts, short peptides now shine as a new technology in the global effort to combat microplastic pollution. Yet forging true progress — and preserving the plastics industry’s long-term viability — demands concerted efforts and research among governments, industries, academic institutions, and communities alike.”

South Korean environmental activists hold placards reading "I will protect the sea from microplastics" during a campaign to mark World Water Day at a park along the Han River in Seoul on March 22, 2022. (AFP)

As researchers worldwide explore how AI can revolutionize science and sustainability, the development of microplastic-binding peptides stands out as a clear example of how data, biology, and innovation intersect.

“There are almost endless possibilities in combining AI with biophysics,” said Bergman. “Of particular relevance to plastic and microplastic pollution is the development of enzymes that break down plastics.

“In recent years, biophysics-guided AI helped optimize an enzyme that rapidly breaks down the plastic PET. Other researchers are looking to optimize similar enzymes for other common plastics like polystyrene and polyethylene.”

From the lab benches of Riyadh to simulation labs in North Carolina, one message rings clear: AI has the potential to reshape how we approach one of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges — and Saudi Arabia is ready to lead the charge.


 

Topics: Eye On AI Editor’s Choice microplastics King Saud University Saudi Vision 2030

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Environment ministry intensifies inspection campaigns in Hail 

Environment ministry intensifies inspection campaigns in Hail 
Updated 28 March 2025
SPA
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Environment ministry intensifies inspection campaigns in Hail 

Environment ministry intensifies inspection campaigns in Hail 
Updated 28 March 2025
SPA

HAIL: The Saudi Ministry of Environment has intensified its field monitoring campaigns in Hail.

These efforts focus on slaughterhouses, as well as meat, vegetable and fruit markets, to ensure compliance with precautionary measures and health regulations. The initiative aims to guarantee the safety of food products in preparation for Eid Al-Fitr.

Fahd bin Muidh Al-Hasani, director general of the ministry’s Hail branch, said that  monitoring teams operated around the clock. They followed a field plan that included health, awareness and guidance inspections, with increased field visits to public markets and slaughterhouses during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, particularly during peak times when consumer demand was high.

He said that the teams were actively engaged in sanitation and disinfection of slaughter areas to ensure a healthy and safe environment, and emphasized that the regulatory teams would impose the strictest penalties on those who violated health and safety protocols. 

He urged store owners to adhere to the regulations and guidelines to avoid penalties that would be enforced in accordance with legal procedures.
 

Topics: Saudi Arabia Hail Eid Al-Fitr

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