Today is our 82nd National Day. The complete unity of this huge nation is still an area of appreciation and admiration. Yet, a restless question follows regarding certain achievements.
I believe that the Saudi public opinion was and still busy comparing us to Malaysia and the younger sister, Emirates. To me, this is where the main burden comes from. As I suppose that we need to slow down with the issue of comparison, because we are neither Malaysia nor Emirates. A great effort has to be given to the making of the Saudi individual. This could be done mainly through education. The sought formation, in order to achieve, may be accomplished by making more individual examples ready to lead. This should come altogether with a bigger number of individuals ready and equipped to win the future race.
One last wish for today, this is sent to all Saudi youth planning to celebrate the National Day ‘by cars’, please do not block high ways and main roads. There are others who plan to celebrate this day by visiting an ill relative or by visiting an elder suffering of loneliness. It is okay to dance somewhere, but it is not totally okay to dance everywhere.
Happy Saudi National Day to all!
(The writer is Chairman, Saudi Cartoon & Animation Society)
Being ‘National’
Being ‘National’
Review: ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ is an oddball comedy worthy of Westeros
DUBAI: At a time when the sprawling saga of “Game of Thrones” and its prequel “House of the Dragon” have come to define modern fantasy television, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” emerges as an unexpected offering.
Based on George R.R. Martin’s “Tales of Dunk and Egg” novellas, the six-episode HBO series — created and spearheaded by showrunner Ira Parker alongside Martin — gives viewers a story that is not about dragons or imperial politics, but about two unlikely companions navigating a treacherous and unforgiving world from its humbler margins.
From the opening moments of the premiere, where the familiar “Game of Thrones” theme music is undercut in a moment of shocking levity, the show makes clear that we are far away from the grand halls of Casterly Rock, the Red Keep or even Winterfell. Grounded and whimsical, this is Westeros viewed from muddy inns, dusty roads and makeshift jousting camps.
Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tall is the beating heart of the series. Claffey imbues Dunk with an endearing earnestness — a towering, awkward figure, constantly walking into doors, whose moral compass is as unwavering as his endless appetite.
His chemistry with Dexter Sol Ansell’s young squire, Egg, who has deep secrets of his own, is warm and organic, creating a duo that is as compelling as any knight and squire of fantasy lore. Their dynamic gives the story a cozy, almost heartfelt buddy-adventure quality.
What makes “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” so captivating isn’t its lack of spectacle. It has plenty of Westerosi trappings and there’s a sizeable helping of Targaryens and Baratheons and who have you. But its choice to focus on everyday courage, loyalty and the messy, funny, sometimes mundane reality of being a hedge knight truly makes this a worthy addition to the “Game of Thrones” screen universe. We hope there’s more where that came from.
