JEDDAH: Popular culture convention, Comic Con Arabia, is coming to Riyadh for the first time from Nov. 23-25.
The event, organized by Panache Middle East and Events Oasis, will be held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.
The three-day multi-genre celebration will provide spectators with the opportunity to meet “Game of Thrones” and “Justice League” star, Jason Momoa, regional rapper Qusai and many more.
“Comic Con Arabia’s audience will be entertained with an eclectic selection of activities including two cosplay competitions, challenging e-sports tournaments and food from a delicious medley of food-trucks, and shop for some exclusive collectibles inspired by the exhilarating world of anime, manga, graphic novels, video games, toys, TV shows and films,” organizers said in a press statement.
The region’s best cosplayers will have the chance to compete against each other in male and female cosplay competitions, for a cash prize of SR7,000 ($1870) each.
The competitions will be judged by international celebrity cosplayers who are experts in costume creation and whose creations have been used in Hollywood movies.
Additional features of the event include stimulating discussion panels and make-up workshops for women from professional make-up artists. Talented regional artists will adorn the Artist Alley with their creations and avid gamers can display their skills at challenging eSports tournaments.
Apart from the cosplay competitions, Comic Con Arabia will offer numerous opportunities to win prizes including a fully paid trip to Spain and other giveaways from social media competitions.
Comic Con Arabia is also asking the region’s artists to create a mascot fit for the brand.
The crowd-sourced mascot competition will see one highly creative individual take home a cash prize of SR5,000, unlimited access to all of the coming Comic Con Arabia events and more.
Additional prizes will be provided for the winners of the eSports tournaments and competitions.
Tickets are available through Virgin Megastores or at the door.
Picture gallery of the Comic Con Arabia
Comic Con Arabia to bring best of pop culture to Riyadh
Comic Con Arabia to bring best of pop culture to Riyadh
Essex man takes on charity endurance challenge for children in Gaza
- Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual Sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 2,287 miles
LONDON: A man in England has launched a demanding charity challenge to raise funds for children affected by the war in Gaza.
Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 3,680 km running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing.
He is raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians, a UK-based humanitarian organization that provides healthcare to Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories.
“I have felt helpless day after day seeing images of countless children in Gaza with broken bodies and missing limbs and witnessing their unbearable suffering,” Watson said on his JustGiving page.
“I have been inspired by the courage of those who took part in the global sumud flotilla and all of the activists who have put their lives and freedom at risk supporting the Palestinian people and so I am raising funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
“My challenge is to complete a virtual sumud from Harlow, where I live, to Gaza. Running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing I will cover the 2,287 miles as quickly as I can.
“I am an unfit, overweight 63-year-old, so I’m not going to break any records, but the Arabic word Sumud means steadfastness and perseverance, and I will give it my all.
Watson added: “I hope to be joined by people I love and admire along the way, so please support my fundraiser. Every donation, however small, will help save the lives of Palestinians.”
As of Jan. 3, his fundraising effort had reached 12 per cent of its £5,000 ($6,733) target.
The war in Gaza began after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which local health authorities say has resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and a severe humanitarian crisis.
International aid agencies have repeatedly said that children are among the most affected, facing injury, displacement, malnutrition and limited access to medical care.
Watson said he was inspired by activists and humanitarian efforts supporting Palestinians and hopes his challenge can make a small contribution to saving lives.
