Manga production unveils Saudi anime ‘Asateer2 Future’s Folktales’ at special screening in Riyadh

Manga production unveils Saudi anime ‘Asateer2 Future’s Folktales’ at special screening in Riyadh
The event was attended by prominent media, art and culture figures, marking a new step in promoting Saudi heritage through world-class anime production. (Supplied)
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Updated 18 October 2024
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Manga production unveils Saudi anime ‘Asateer2 Future’s Folktales’ at special screening in Riyadh

Manga production unveils Saudi anime ‘Asateer2 Future’s Folktales’ at special screening in Riyadh

RIYADH: Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, “Misk,” celebrated the premiere of the second season of the Saudi anime series, “Asateer2 Future’s Folktales,” at Vox Cinemas-Roshan Front in Riyadh.

The event was attended by prominent media, art and culture figures, marking a new step in promoting Saudi heritage through world-class anime production.

Earlier, a special screening took place on Oct. 14 at Vox Cinemas-VIA Riyadh for diplomats and senior officials, where audiences enjoyed watching the second season for the first time in a festive atmosphere.

The audience engaged enthusiastically with the characters and new story developments, receiving widespread praise for the animation quality and visual effects that blend Saudi heritage with innovation.

The premiere reflected Manga Productions’ commitment to delivering content that showcases Saudi cultural identity.

The series continues to follow its heroes, Maha, Rayan and Sultan, as they face daily challenges, drawing wisdom from Grandma Asmaa through her traditional folktales.

The second season of the anime series “Asateer2” is set to air on MBC1 TV channel and streamed on Shahid in the Middle East and North Africa, starting Friday, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. Saudi time.

The second season is also set to air on TV Tokyo in Japan, starting Sunday, Nov. 3 at 7 a.m. Tokyo time.

Dr. Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, said: “We are delighted to see such a strong response to the premiere of the second season. This success not only reflects the quality of the work but also demonstrates the capabilities of the Saudi talents who worked on this project with passion and professionalism. At Manga Productions, we are committed to continuing this approach in producing content that meets global standards.”

Daliyah Abuabah, manager of public relations, communications and events at Manga Productions, said: “We are proud of the positive feedback received following the premiere of the second season of ‘Future’s Folktales.’ The premiere in Riyadh was a pivotal moment that brought together anime enthusiasts and influential figures from the creative field. At Manga Productions, we are committed to delivering a unique experience that reflects the essence of Saudi culture in innovative and contemporary ways. We look forward to seeing this work continue to inspire future heroes, both locally and globally.”

The premiere was marked by significant engagement on social media, with followers praising the artistic and narrative quality of the series, as well as the development of the characters and the intricate details that enhance the depth of the story. This success comes from the collaboration of 50 Saudi artists in character design, creative direction and production, in partnership with the Japanese studio, Toei Animation.


Canadian expert praises Saudi Arabia’s rapid AI, social progress

Janice Stein, founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto. (AN photos
Janice Stein, founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto. (AN photos
Updated 5 sec ago
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Canadian expert praises Saudi Arabia’s rapid AI, social progress

Janice Stein, founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto. (AN photos
  • ‘I think Canada can learn a lot,’ says Janice Stein in call for partnership, shared learning

RIYADH: Janice Stein, founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, has praised the Kingdom’s ongoing transformation and its growing role in artificial intelligence and education.

During a two-day visit, Stein met officials from government, academia, and the private sector, and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s regional role while noting that much can be learned from Saudi Data and AI Authority’s initiatives.

“We went to universities, think tanks, and government ministries that work in education and artificial intelligence,” said Stein, Belzberg professor of conflict management. She added: “I think Canada can learn a lot.”

Stein noted that officials at the SDAIA had explained that the Kingdom will have a K-12 AI education strategy “in which students from grade three onward will start to learn about artificial intelligence and engage with it.”

She told Arab News: “Well, we are not there in Canada, and depending on how SDAIA measures and tracks its results, I think Canada can learn from the experiment SDAIA is running.”

Stein added that the future project led by SDAIA had not yet been implemented in Saudi Arabia, but much could be learned from its research and rollout.

“There is a sense that things are moving quickly and that will be foundational to the role Saudi Arabia will play in the future,” she said.

Stein also discussed the traditional educational cooperation model between Saudi Arabia and Canada, which has mainly involved Saudi students going abroad to study.

She said: “I think that will remain, but that is the old model.”

Looking to the present, Stein said she was interested in sharing and learning from the “very large experiment that Saudi society is now running.”

She stressed that the goal was in partnership and not encouraging Saudis to leave the Kingdom, adding: “Saudi Arabia is playing a leading role in the Gulf; I think all Saudis know that.”

She said that Saudi Arabia had the weight and urgency to lead, and that what it needed was a clear focus and annual measurement to benchmark the country’s progress against others.

“As a long-time student of the Middle East, my strong sense is that the Gulf is growing in strategic importance, things are moving, and the pace of change is accelerating,” she said.

“I thought, what a wonderful time to find an institutional partner here.”

Stein stressed how impressed she was by the “sense of urgency” in Saudi Arabia’s developmental efforts.

She said that in her conversations she had been struck by the strong focus on results and the awareness that time is limited, describing the urgency as “really, really impressive.”

Stein also noted the clear changes that women are undergoing, saying that it was encouraging to see women working at the airport on her arrival.

She underlined that as women’s roles start to change in society, that society itself begins to change.

Stein said that Saudi people understood the “rapid pace of global change and the need to act quickly — something often missing in more established societies.”

She added: “I think we all need that sense of urgency.”


Saudi, Turkish foreign ministers reaffirm cooperation during meeting in Riyadh

Saudi, Turkish foreign ministers reaffirm cooperation during meeting in Riyadh
Updated 12 min 31 sec ago
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Saudi, Turkish foreign ministers reaffirm cooperation during meeting in Riyadh

Saudi, Turkish foreign ministers reaffirm cooperation during meeting in Riyadh
  • Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies, Turkiye’s Diplomacy Academy to work together, share knowledge
  • Hakan Fidan praises increasing momentum of Turkiye-Saudi relations

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has met his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Riyadh to discuss recent regional developments.

The ministers co-chaired the second meeting of the Saudi-Turkish Coordination Council on Sunday, a key diplomatic forum aimed at strengthening political, economic, and strategic exchanges between Ankara and Riyadh.

Officials discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and coordination on issues of mutual interest, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji and his Turkish counterpart Nuh Yilmaz signed a memorandum of understanding between diplomatic centers affiliated with their respective ministries.

Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies, and Turkiye’s Diplomacy Academy are to work together to improve collaboration and share knowledge, a statement said.

Fidan praised the increasing momentum of Turkish-Saudi relations, attributing it to the “vision put forward by our leaders,” reported the Anadolu Agency.

He added: “Turkish-Saudi relations, shaped by historical and human ties, have proven their strength and resilience in the face of challenges and difficulties.”

The first meeting of the Saudi-Turkish Coordination Council, which was established during the visit of King Salman to Turkiye in 2016, took place in Ankara in February 2017.

Several senior Saudi and Turkish officials attended Sunday’s meeting, including the Saudi Ambassador to Turkiye Fahd bin Asaad Abu Al-Nasr.


Asaan museum breaks ground in Diriyah ceremony

The groundbreaking ceremony took place at Diriyah Sales Center.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place at Diriyah Sales Center.
Updated 16 min 15 sec ago
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Asaan museum breaks ground in Diriyah ceremony

The groundbreaking ceremony took place at Diriyah Sales Center.
  • New 40,000 sq. meter cultural landmark is backed by Misk Foundation

RIYADH: Construction on Asaan, the Misk Heritage Museum, officially began in Diriyah on Sunday, marking a key milestone in Saudi Arabia’s cultural development and coinciding with the celebration of International Museum Day.

The groundbreaking ceremony at Diriyah Sales Center was attended by senior representatives from the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), Diriyah Company, and design partners Zaha Hadid Architects.

Cultural institutions were also present in a show of support for the museum’s mission.

Spanning 40,000 sq. meters, the museum is envisioned as a living institution that reflects Saudi identity through immersive exhibitions and cultural experiences.

It will highlight traditional arts, crafts, oral histories, and social customs in a space designed to bring Saudi heritage to life.

In a statement to Arab News, Khaled Al-Saqer, CEO of Asaan, said the architectural vision for the project was rooted in a deep cultural responsibility.

“The vision was to preserve and pass on Saudi heritage from generation to generation,” Al-Saqer said. “With the rapid advancements in technology, we wanted to make sure there is no gap between current and future generations and their connection to their historical roots.

“At Asaan, we are developing heritage in a new way — one that bridges this gap and ensures our cultural legacy is protected and passed forward.”

He emphasized that Asaan is not just about preserving artifacts, but about inspiring deeper engagement with Saudi heritage.

Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the museum draws inspiration from traditional Najdi design, combining organic forms with modern lines to reflect the authenticity and evolution of Saudi architecture.

The structure itself is intended to be a cultural statement, rooted in local tradition yet open to global dialogue.

The museum will feature a conservation lab to support the restoration and preservation of heritage artifacts.

It will serve as a center for knowledge exchange and training, preparing future generations of Saudi museum professionals.

Asaan is part of the Misk Foundation’s broader mission to promote creativity, heritage appreciation, and knowledge sharing through platforms that empower Saudi youth and cultural institutions.


Saudi Arabia launches new production hub in Riyadh

The Saudi Film Commission has unveiled Jax Film Studios, a new production complex in Riyadh. (SPA)
The Saudi Film Commission has unveiled Jax Film Studios, a new production complex in Riyadh. (SPA)
Updated 18 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia launches new production hub in Riyadh

The Saudi Film Commission has unveiled Jax Film Studios, a new production complex in Riyadh. (SPA)
  • Scheduled for completion later this year, the studio spans more than 7,000 sq. meters
  • The complex also includes a private cinema, meeting rooms, production prep areas, dining spaces, and a VIP lounge

RIYADH: The Saudi Film Commission has unveiled Jax Film Studios, a new production complex in Riyadh, marking a step forward in the Kingdom’s efforts to develop a connected and competitive film and media industry.

Scheduled for completion later this year, the studio spans more than 7,000 sq. meters and features two soundstages of 1,500 sq. meters, along with a virtual production stage using Sony’s latest screen technology.

The complex also includes a private cinema, meeting rooms, production prep areas, dining spaces, and a VIP lounge — designed to accommodate a range of needs, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The facility provides convenient access to hotels, the international airport, restaurants, and a growing network of creative and technical professionals.

Filmmakers can find local crews, equipment, and post-production services to support their projects, all within a 20-minute radius.

Saudi Film Commission’s CEO Abdullah Al-Qahtani said: “Jax Film Studios represents a cornerstone of our strategy to develop a world-class film infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

“As we become one of the region’s premier production hubs, this facility is built to meet the highest international standards — empowering local creatives while attracting global talent.”

Abduljalil Alnasser, the commission’s general manager of sector development and investment attraction, said: “With Jax Film Studios we are introducing one of the world’s most advanced and largest virtual production stages, powered by Sony’s latest innovations, unlocking limitless creative possibilities.”


Saudi Arabia showcases digital progress at Osaka expo 

Saudi Arabia showcases digital progress at Osaka expo 
Updated 18 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia showcases digital progress at Osaka expo 

Saudi Arabia showcases digital progress at Osaka expo 

RIYADH: The Saudi Data and AI Authority revealed the Kingdom’s progress in digital transformation and smart city development during its participation in Saudi events at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

The authority outlined national efforts to adopt data and artificial intelligence technologies to improve service efficiency and support sustainable development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Mishari Almishari, deputy director of the authority’s National Information Center, said that Saudi Arabia was steadily moving toward a more integrated digital society under Vision 2030, which identified digital transformation as a key development goal.

He noted that the authority’s establishment in 2019 marked a significant step, coordinating efforts through three main entities: the National Information Center, the National Center for Artificial Intelligence, and the National Data Management Office.

The authority plays a central role in data and AI regulation and development, according to Almishari, contributing to the Kingdom’s growing position in data and AI-based innovation.

He also highlighted support for smart city systems through projects like the National Smart C Platform, the Smart Riyadh Operations Center, and initiatives promoting innovation, such as training camps, incubators, accelerators, and national hackathons.

The authority’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka reflects Saudi Arabia’s aim to contribute to global AI development and build a more inclusive digital future.