“Hollywood has made films the same way for over 100 years, but digital technology has changed those rules. That is what is exciting about a country like Saudi Arabia, because it has the support and enthusiasm of the government but it is not beholden by the old systems. It’s going to be AI first, mobile first, all of that innovation is going to come from here.” David Unger, CEO of the US’ Artist International Group. Saudi Arabian film sector can lead on innovation, says agent David Unger [Screen Daily]
“The program has completed six phases, with 444 flights and over 1,400 flight hours, deploying 8,753 rain-seeding flares to generate 5 billion cubic millimeters of rainfall. Launched as an outcome of the Middle East Green Initiative Summit, the program aims to increase rainfall, expand vegetation cover, and address climate challenges, desertification, and drought. Initial operations began in Riyadh, Hail and Qassim.” Saudi Arabia expands cloud seeding for water security [Arab News]
“Chronological age is simply the amount of time that has passed since a person was born, representing a straightforward count of years. In contrast, biological age reflects the condition of a person’s body and how well it is functioning relative to their chronological age. This considers various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health status.” HRH Princess Dr. Haya Bint Khaled Bin Bandar Al Saud, vice president of research at Saudi Arabia’s Hevolution Foundation, Saudi Arabia, GCC embrace biological age testing in push for healthier aging [Al-Arabiya]
“Saudi Arabia ranks first in the Arab world and tenth globally in cement production, with an annual output capacity exceeding 80 million tons from 20 domestic factories, according to Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef.” Saudi Arabia tops Arab cement producers, ranks 10th globally: Alkhorayef [Argaam]
“Bad Boys: Ride or Die recently became Saudi Arabia’s highest-grossing film of all-time, scoring a whopping 1.7 million admissions in the country following its July 25 release.” Will Smith to Be Guest of Honor at Saudi Arabia Movie Biz Trade Show Saudi Film Confex [Variety]
“One of Riyadh Air’s key targets is to boost connections between Saudi Arabia and Asia, a region with booming economies and increasing travel demand. By offering new direct routes to capitals such as Tokyo, Seoul, and Singapore, the airline hopes to position Riyadh as a major hub for business and tourism. “It’s about getting as much point to point connectivity as far as we can,” Douglas said, adding that it was “unacceptable” that there were currently no non-stop flights between Riyadh and the largest cities in Japan, South Korea and China.” Tony Douglas, Riyadh Air CEO, Riyadh Air to fix Saudi’s ‘unacceptable’ lack of connectivity [Aerospace Global News]
“The role of women really has been transformed, but there are some areas, for example, where there’s still the requirement and encouragement that Saudis dress in traditional clothes. So, Saudi Arabia is trying to balance this in a way that doesn’t become too revolutionary… when you look at it in historical terms, clearly this will be seen as a revolution, but it’s a revolution that is being played out in an incremental way, in an organic way … so that the changes are not so overwhelming.” Fareed Zakaria, Frankly Speaking: How Fareed Zakaria views change in Saudi Arabia [Arab News]
“Hosting the Saudi Games for the third consecutive year puts Saudi sports in the position it deserves both locally and globally. We are working hard to elevate the level of Saudi sports competitions to develop a promising generation of athletes who will represent the Kingdom in various regional and international events.” Minister of Sports, President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee for the Saudi Games Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Athletes Will Compete For Prizes Worth Over SR200 Million In 3rd Saudi Games In Riyadh From Thursday [Gulf Insider]
“A two-state solution is not merely an ideal; it is the only viable path to ensuring Palestine, Israel and the region’s long-term security. Uncontrolled escalatory cycles are the building blocks of wider war. In Lebanon, we are witnessing this first hand. Peace cannot be built on a foundation of occupation and resentment; true security for Israel will come from recognising the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. By embracing a solution that allows both peoples to coexist in peace, we can dismantle the cycle of violence that has entrapped both sides for far too long.” HRH Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saudi, foreign minister of Saudi Arabia, Saudi foreign minister: A two-state solution is more urgent than ever [Financial Times]
