Saudi Broadcasting Corporation partners with director Timothy Baker for reality show ‘Ozoom’

Saudi Broadcasting Corporation partners with director Timothy Baker for reality show ‘Ozoom’
The Saudi Broadcasting Corporation has announced its collaboration with acclaimed director Timothy Baker, best known for his work with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. (Supplied)
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Updated 02 January 2025
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Saudi Broadcasting Corporation partners with director Timothy Baker for reality show ‘Ozoom’

Saudi Broadcasting Corporation partners with director Timothy Baker for reality show ‘Ozoom’
  • Baker, known for work with The Rock, praises Saudi crew
  • ‘I am directing this show like I would in the United States’

RIYADH: The Saudi Broadcasting Corporation has announced its collaboration with acclaimed director Timothy Baker, best known for his work with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Baker will apply his expertise to the Saudi version of “Ozoom,” a reality show that helps people to overcome their fears, which is currently being broadcast by the SBC.

The director has worked on high-level projects including the American adaptation of the reality show “Wake Up Call” featuring Johnson.

In an interview with Arab News, Baker said: “‘Ozoom’ focuses on changing a person’s life for the better, and we are trying to capture genuine emotion and lifestyle changes with our camera coverage.  I am directing this show like I would in the United States.”

He was full of praise for the local team, saying: “The local crew is a talented group of people. Many make movies, scripted TV shows, and commercials. The crew has excellent professional knowledge of cinematography and audio. 

“What is different with ‘Ozoom’ is we are making a reality show. Reality TV is unstructured, and the story can change on the fly. I am helping people be more flexible in camera coverage and adapting to a changing environment when working with cases.

“I see the Saudi production world growing immensely in the future, so working in different genres of showbusiness is essential in a growing market.”

“Ozoom” is a pioneering series hosted by Saudi artist Ahmed Al-Bayed, featuring individuals who, with determination and the program’s support, work to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams. 

The show aims to inspire viewers by highlighting the power of resilience, determination, and community support. The SBC is committed to collaborating with international talent to advance the production sector and develop local expertise.

Mohammed Al-Hamid, supervisor of “Ozoom,” noted that the partnership aligns with the vision of CEO Mohammed Al-Harthi and Ibrahim Al-Farhan, supervisor of programs and content. 

He said that the initiative seeks to merge international expertise with local production, creating relatable content that empowers and develops the skills of Saudi professionals.

“Ozoom” is broadcast weekly every Wednesday on SBC.


Japan ambassador attends manga exhibition in Riyadh

Japan ambassador attends manga exhibition in Riyadh
Updated 15 January 2025
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Japan ambassador attends manga exhibition in Riyadh

Japan ambassador attends manga exhibition in Riyadh
  • ‘Manga Hokusai Manga’ exhibition held to mark 70 years of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan

RIYADH: Japan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino attended the opening ceremony of the “Manga Hokusai Manga” exhibition here on Tuesday.

Held at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art, the show is one of many upcoming events celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The exhibition celebrates the work of renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai.

In his speech, Morino said it was a “delight to see more and more Saudi people enjoying the Japanese culture from (the) traditional to contemporary.”

He added that he was happy to see “Saudi artists being inspired by the Japanese manga to create their artworks.”

“I sincerely hope this exhibition will make another footprint of the Japanese culture in KSA and give a great impact in the Saudi art scene,” he said.

The exhibition has been organized in cooperation with the Saudi Museums Commission and the Japan Foundation and is open to the public until Feb. 8.

A version of this article appeared on Arab News Japan

 


Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 2,000 food parcels in Pakistan

Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 2,000 food parcels in Pakistan
Updated 15 January 2025
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Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 2,000 food parcels in Pakistan

Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 2,000 food parcels in Pakistan

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has distributed 2,028 food parcels in Pakistan’s flood-affected Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions, benefiting 13,159 people, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Sunday’s initiative forms part of this year’s Food Security Support Project in Pakistan.

The aid reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing humanitarian efforts through KSrelief to assist needy individuals in Pakistan.


Energy ministers discuss Saudi-Japan cooperation

Energy ministers discuss Saudi-Japan cooperation
Updated 15 January 2025
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Energy ministers discuss Saudi-Japan cooperation

Energy ministers discuss Saudi-Japan cooperation

RIYADH: Japan’s Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto held discussions on cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz on Tuesday.

The officials reviewed current ties and stressed the importance of joint efforts in energy transitions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministers welcomed the progress made under the Manar Initiative, which is a Saudi-Japan effort to promote clean energy.

The initiative was launched after former Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to Saudi Arabia in 2023.

A version of this story originally appeared on Arab News Japan


Saudi aid agency KSrelief treats hundreds at Aden prosthetics center

Saudi aid agency KSrelief treats hundreds at Aden prosthetics center
Updated 15 January 2025
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Saudi aid agency KSrelief treats hundreds at Aden prosthetics center

Saudi aid agency KSrelief treats hundreds at Aden prosthetics center
  • The services included the manufacturing and fitting of prosthetic limbs, as well as physical therapy

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has helped to treat 452 Yemenis, who lost limbs because of the ongoing conflict, at the Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Center in Aden governorate, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

A total of 1,407 procedures were completed for men, who made up 65 percent of patients, and women at 35 percent.

In addition, 54 percent were displaced individuals and 46 percent residents.

The services included the manufacturing and fitting of prosthetic limbs, as well as physical therapy.

KSrelief continues to provide general and critical care for vulnerable Yemeni people, the SPA reported.


New study documents reptile species in King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve 

New study documents reptile species in King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve 
Updated 14 January 2025
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New study documents reptile species in King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve 

New study documents reptile species in King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve 
  • Researchers identified 31 species — 25 lizards and six snakes — following 1,551 field observations within the reserve

RIYADH: A groundbreaking scientific study has unveiled the first detailed list of reptile species in the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Conducted by the reserve’s development authority, the study was published in the Amphibian & Reptiles Conservation journal.

Researchers identified 31 species — 25 lizards and six snakes — following 1,551 field observations within the reserve. Three species were also newly documented, raising the reserve’s known total to 34.

The research highlighted two endangered species, the Egyptian monitor lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia) and the Wolfgangboehmei gecko (Tropicolotes wolfgangboehmei), which both face threats from climate change and human activity, according to the study.

Spanning from November 2022 to October 2023, the study employed tools such as genetic barcoding and highlighted the reserve’s ecological diversity.

Aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 program and the Saudi Green Initiative, the study is part of efforts to protect endangered species and sustain wildlife in Saudi Arabia. Researchers recommended enhanced monitoring and adaptive conservation strategies to mitigate environmental challenges.