The German Embassy in Riyadh recently hosted the 34th Unity Day celebration at the ambassador’s residence in Riyadh
Updated 33 sec ago
Arab News
MADINAH: Madinah’s Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan received German Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Kindsgrab in Madinah on Monday.
The parties discussed topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The German Embassy in Riyadh recently hosted the 34th Unity Day celebration at the ambassador’s residence in Riyadh. The day marks the reunification of East and West Germany on Oct. 3, 1990.
Kindsgrab told Arab News that Hajj and Umrah were two of the many areas in which Germany and Saudi Arabia were cooperating. “That is just one example of how we can establish more people-to-people contact,” he said.
Award-winning journalist encourages Saudi women to shape their narrative through media
Baria Alamuddin: Saudi Arabia is the heart of the Arab world in every sense of the word
Updated 07 October 2024
Lama Alhamawi
RIYADH: The Creative Women Forum, held in Riyadh on Monday, gathered female leaders from around the world to discuss entrepreneurship, sustainability, innovation, technology, wellness, art, and sports.
Baria Alamuddin, an award-winning journalist and broadcaster in the Middle East and UK, and the editor of the Media Services Syndicate, delivered a keynote speech, urging Saudi women to engage with the media to share their stories.
“Saudi Arabia is the heart of the Arab world in every sense of the word,” Alamuddin said.
She shared stories of meeting, working, and interacting with Saudi women, adding she had “never seen women love their country like the women in Saudi Arabia,” and that she had “met some of the strongest women” in the Kingdom.
In an interview with Arab News, Alamuddin expressed her passion for highlighting Saudi women, explaining that she had been frustrated by not knowing enough about them.
After visiting the Saudi Arabia and meeting women in leadership positions, she was amazed by their drive and dedication to the country's development.
“I knew these women were strong, passionate, and driven, with a genuine desire to impact the development of their country,” Alamuddin said.
“Every time I visit the Kingdom, I am amazed by the progress of Saudi women.”
Alamuddin is one of the many distinguished female leaders speaking at the forum.
The two-day event focuses on business, startups, investment, health, female leadership, sports, sustainability, technology, and other key areas. It includes workshops, panel discussions, and question-and-answer sessions with industry experts.
Other topics at the forum include cultural and social transformation, finance, equality in careers, and women’s health and well-being.
Speakers included Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi ambassador to the US; Princess Noura Al-Saud, patron of the Creative Women Forum; Dr. Selwa Al-Hazzaa, CEO and founder of the digital health company SDM; and Dr. Basma Al-Buhairan, managing director at C4IR.
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.
