JEDDAH: Saudi Comic Con 2018 ended with the visit of Gustaf Skarsgard of “Vikings,” which thrilled his passionate fans.
Skarsgard, who plays Floki in the show, was taken aback but delighted at seeing a crowd of hundreds of screaming fans. “I was so surprised and grateful that I have so many fans here in Saudi Arabia, and I am very happy to experience the love,” he told Arab News.
When we asked him about his favorite thing about Jeddah, he gave an unusual answer: “My favorite part has been the food, I have tried the fool, shakshooka and hummus. It was raheeb.
“My fondest memory of ‘Vikings’ was when I went to Iceland. You carry friends with you and I have met friends for life on that show,” he said. “You guys are the best fans in the world.”
In his panel interview, he demonstrated how he practiced the way Floki talks and his body language. He demonstrated Floki’s infamous laugh, which the audience could not get enough of. They kept chanting “Once more, once more.” He interacted with the audience by recording a video to show his friend, the show's creator Michael Hirst, making the audience scream “Thank you, Michael!”
Geekiness was in the air. The booth owners were setting up offers and sales in honor of the last day. Cosplayers were doing an excellent job with their costumes. Some of the most talented made armor out of everyday objects such as cartons and spray paint. A Comic Con discussion panel was held about people’s growing interest in manga and comics.
Later in the evening, Muhammad Rubat and Rakan Bo Khalid made the audience nostalgic and emotional by singing the OSTs of the shows that the youth had grown up watching. The entire crowd sang along constantly.
Ali Musallim, a 27-year-old Saudi, is looking forward to opening a store in Jeddah of exclusive Manga that is hard to get at the moment. “We are way more complicated and diverse than the world thinks we are,” he said. “There is a weird stereotype around Saudis that they are not interested, but I have observed in Comic Con that people are interested and excited over the store. We don’t give ourselves enough credit.”
Waad Khimi, one of the attendees, said: “I hope next year there will be another Comic Con because I am already sad that this one is over.”
Floki ends Saudi Comic Con with a bang
Floki ends Saudi Comic Con with a bang
Saudi foreign minister calls for resuming Sudan talks
RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan reiterated the Kingdom’s grave concerns over an escalation in military tensions between Sudanese factions discussed the repercussions of the current situation on the Sudanese people.
The minister made his remarks while participating at the 33rd Arab League Summit held in the capital of Bahrain, Manama.
Bin Farhan urged the Sudanese warring parties to commit to a ceasefire, reiterating the Kingdom's call for the necessity of returning to dialogue.
He also called for an end of further civilian suffering and limit the aggravation of the devastating humanitarian situation.
Saudi Arabia, alongside the United States, is leading mediation efforts to urge the two military commanders to end the war.
On the Gaza war, Bin Farhan said Saudi Arabia has warned of the dangerous repercussions of the Israeli occupation forces’ widening the scope of war as part of its ongoing bloody and brutal campaign on the Gaza Strip.
He reiterated the Kingdom’s calls on the international community to intervene immediately to stop the Israeli war on Gaza.
Regarding Yemeni, Bin Farhan affirmed the Kingdom’s full support for efforts to achieve peace in Yemen, and to reach a comprehensive political solution through dialogue and consultation between the Yemeni parties, which allows the beginning of the process of economic development and recovery.
Saudi project clears 935 Houthi mines in Yemen
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam cleared 935 mines in Yemen in one week from May 4 to May 10, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
Overseen by the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief, the project’s specialist teams destroyed 876 pieces of unexploded ordnance, 47 anti-tank mines, seven anti-personnel mines and five improvised explosive devices.
The explosives, planted by the Houthi militia across Yemen, posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.
The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.
A total of 440,067 mines have been cleared since the start of the initiative in 2018, according to Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the project’s managing director.
The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.
About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the beginning of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines, according to the Project Masam website.
Masam teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Saudi minister attends G20 judicial meeting in Brazil
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Justice Dr. Walid Al-Samaani took part in the G20 Summit of Supreme Courts and Constitutional Courts in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from May 12-14.
Discussions focused on integrating technology, particularly AI, in justice systems, and exploring innovative technologies used by G20 courts, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The summit discussed promoting citizenship and social inclusion, climate litigation and sustainable development, and digital transformation to enhance judicial efficiency.
Meanwhile, the Family Affairs Council delegation, led by its secretary-general, Dr. Maimoonah Al-Khalil, took part in the Women’s Empowerment Working Group meeting of the G20 in Brazil from May 14-15.
The first day’s session was titled “Equality, Economic Independence and the Care Economy,” while the second session focused on “Equality and Confronting Violence and Discrimination against Women.”
The meeting will conclude on the second day with the topic “Equality and Climate Justice.”
The Family Affairs Council represents Saudi Arabia in the G20, focusing on women’s empowerment.
The Women’s Empowerment Working Group, initiated under the Indian presidency in 2023, began its work under the Brazilian presidency this year.
Saudi Arabia continues Makkah Route Initiative
- Launched in 2017 as part of Vision 2030, Initiative involves dedicated team to receive travelers
- Includes special buses to transport pilgrims comfortably on journey through Makkah and Madinah
RIYADH: The Makkah Route Initiative, implemented by the Saudi Ministry of Interior, continues to streamline pilgrims’ journeys from international airports in their own countries, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The initiative, set up to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims in the Kingdom, involves close cooperation between the ministry and various partner agencies.
Launched in 2017 as part of Vision 2030, it involves a dedicated team to receive the travelers and includes special buses to transport them safely and comfortably on their journey through Makkah and Madinah.
Services include biometrics, Hajj visas and electronic luggage coding.
Saudi Arabia continues Makkah Route Initiative
RIYADH: The Makkah Route Initiative, implemented by the Saudi Ministry of Interior, continues to streamline pilgrims’ journeys from international airports in their own countries, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The initiative, set up to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims in the Kingdom, involves close cooperation between the ministry and various partner agencies.
Launched in 2017 as part of Vision 2030, it involves a dedicated team to receive the travelers and includes special buses to transport them safely and comfortably on their journey through Makkah and Madinah.
Services include biometrics, Hajj visas and electronic luggage coding.
