Saudi gaming app exported to Japan

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A casual Photo with Mr. Otomo Shingo the CEO of PLAYHERA JP, Mr.Furusawa Akihito the Director of PLAYHERA JP, to the right Naif Mulaeb the chairman and to the left Sultan al Mousa the co-founder.
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PlayHera JP top brass and team members during the soft launch of the esports app in the Japanese capital on Tuesday. PlayHera is a global esports platform. (Photo/Supplied)
Updated 12 September 2019
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Saudi gaming app exported to Japan

  • PlayHera is a gamers’ social hub and global esports platform for players to vie in online tournaments

RIYADH: A pioneering Saudi technology company is set to make it big in Japan with an innovative new gaming platform. PlayHera on Tuesday held the soft launch of its esports app in the Japanese capital Tokyo, and already its creators are aiming to market the product globally.
Based in Dublin, Ireland, but founded in the Kingdom, PlayHera was first launched in Saudi Arabia and its success has prompted the expansion into Japan, the birthplace of the gaming industry.
“Japan is a country that has 50 million gamers and has companies that specialize in gaming and esports on a large scale. We have appointed three companies to represent us in Japan, and we’ve been working with them for eight months,” said Naif Mulaeb, founder and chairman of PlayHera’s board of directors.
Gaming has become a worldwide phenomenon with the creators of hit games such as “Fortnite” making multibillion-dollar fortunes.
PlayHera is a gamers’ social hub and global esports platform, where players can connect and compete for prizes in online tournaments. It supports hundreds of millions of users with games such as “Call of Duty,” “Fortnite,” and many more.
Founder Sultan Al-Mousa revealed that there were six other major countries looking to launch PlayHera, and he attributed its success to the Saudi Vision 2030 reform plan and the direction of the Kingdom’s leadership. “Gaming is a form of entertainment and it has a huge audience worldwide.
“Our vision behind creating this platform was for gamers to have a safe community that brought them together to enjoy games. We always say that PlayHera is the Facebook of gamers,” Al-Mousa said.
“In the past there was no platform that brought gamers together, they were lost between YouTube, Instagram and Twitter. That’s where our idea sprouted from.
“PlayHera is a platform specifically founded for gamers, where they can play together, get to know one another and even share their best scores. Nearby mapping is also available, which allows gamers to find players close by.”
Merchandising is a feature that has been added to the platform, where gamers can sell their items. The mapping function offers the chance for players from the same district to hold tournaments with each other.
The app has registered gamers who monitor and patrol usage in order to provide a safe platform for users of all ages, and it comes complete with its own rules and regulations. “It’s a platform that enforces safety and you will be notified if, for example, you’ve been playing for more than three hours,” added Al-Mousa.
PlayHera is affiliated with the Saudi Arabian Federation for Electronic and Intellectual Sports, and following the soft launch in Japan, Mulaeb said the official opening of the platform there would take place in the first quarter of 2020.

NUMBER

2.2bn - The estimated total number of gamers around the world which represents almost one-third of the Earth’s total population estimated at 7.6 billion in July 2018.

He stressed that in line with Vision 2030, PlayHera aimed to contribute to building the Saudi digital economy through the development of the private sector and added that by keeping pace with the latest trends and technological developments, the platform would provide advanced employment opportunities for individuals.
Shingo Otomo, CEO of PlayHera Japan, said: “It is a great honor for me to collaborate in the establishment of PlayHera Japan. As the CEO I certainly believe that PlayHera can contribute to the development of Japan’s esports market and be the outstanding platform to serve all enthusiasts and stakeholders.”
Akihito Furusawa, director of PlayHera Japan, said: “PlayHera is an autonomous innovative platform. It is a simple app that anyone can easily connect to, and compete and challenge in various competitions. Together with all the stakeholders, and with the introduction of the latest technologies, we will be the pioneers in creating exciting moves through PlayHera.”
More than 8,000 players from throughout Saudi Arabia are expected to take part in the upcoming Viber Tournament, sponsored by Saudi Telecom Co., said Al-Mousa. “We are very proud that this is a Saudi platform. There are six countries on the same level as Japan that want to launch PlayHera in their countries,” he added.

Twitter: @PlayHera_MENA You can download the app from Apple Store or Google: PLAYHERA


Saudi Arabia launches witness protection center

Updated 52 min 41 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia launches witness protection center

  • Attorney General Sheikh Saud Al-Mojeb approved the establishment in line with Article Four of the Law for the Protection of Whistleblowers, Witnesses, Experts and Victims
  • Criminal penalties for those who harm witnesses under protection include up to three years’ imprisonment and fines of up to SR5 million

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has launched a new center to protect whistleblowers and witnesses to crimes that will begin operations in July.

Attorney General Sheikh Saud Al-Mojeb approved the establishment in line with Article Four of the Law for the Protection of Whistleblowers, Witnesses, Experts and Victims.

The center will provide legal protection from threats, danger, or harm through methods stipulated in Article Fourteen of the Law, including security, as well as identity and data anonymization.

Victims can be transferred from their place of work, temporarily or permanently, and provided with alternative employment, as well as legal, psychological and social guidance.

The protection also includes provisions for security escorts and financial assistance.

Witnesses and whistleblowers can submit protection requests according to specific conditions, and can be assisted by the center without requesting help if in imminent danger.

Criminal penalties for those who harm witnesses under protection include up to three years’ imprisonment and fines of up to SR5 million ($1.3 million).

Tariq Al-Suqair, an accredited lawyer, told Arab News: “Each state has a duty to establish procedures that provide measures for the protection of people whose cooperation with the justice system in an investigation may put them at risk of physical harm.”

Saudi Arabia, which ratified the UN organized crime convention in 2005, has domestic laws that mandate protective measures for victims and witnesses of crime, he added.

Al-Suqair said that the Kingdom’s latest measures operate in accordance with Article 24 of the convention, which calls for effective protection for witnesses from retaliation or intimidation.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Prosecution has proposed an executive body to run the center and its witness protection program.

“It is expected that once the program starts, we will witness more effective control to combat sophisticated organized crimes,” Al-Suqair said.


KSrelief signs agreement with Majmaah University

Agreement was signed at center’s headquarters by KSrelief’s Dr. Aqeel Al-Ghamdi and Majmaah University’s Mosallam Al-Dosari.
Updated 25 April 2024
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KSrelief signs agreement with Majmaah University

  • Deal aims to foster cooperation in humanitarian research and boost participation from both sides in conferences, workshops, meetings, and exhibitions

RIYADH: Saudi humanitarian aid agency KSrelief signed on Thursday a deal with Majmaah University to cooperate in several areas.

The agreement was signed at the center’s headquarters in Riyadh by Dr. Aqeel Al-Ghamdi, assistant supervisor general director for planning and development at KSrelief, and Dr. Mosallam Al-Dosari, vice-rector for development and investment.

The deal aims to foster cooperation in humanitarian research and boost participation from both sides in conferences, workshops, meetings, exhibitions, and other events related to the field. The two parties are also exploring the possibility of holding a workshop on humanitarian research and studies on the sidelines of the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum, organized by KSrelief every two years.

Moreover, the memorandum aims to promote cooperation in volunteering by leveraging the university’s cadres, competencies, and CIFAL center, a UN-affiliated training hub that educates government authorities and civil society leaders on sustainable development and other UN goals.

The memorandum will also allow for the two entities to share consultancy services on relief and humanitarian work, draw on each other’s experiences, and benefit from capacity-building programs provided by the university’s CIFAL center.

The agreement comes in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives, which encourage cooperation between various national actors and the promotion of humanitarian action in the Kingdom.


Date confirmed for Health Tourism Future Forum in Riyadh

The press conference preceding the event spoke of patients seeking healthcare benefiting from the advanced system in the Kingdom
Updated 25 April 2024
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Date confirmed for Health Tourism Future Forum in Riyadh

  • Event will showcase the Kingdom’s importance as a promising global market for health
  • Aim is to attract visitors, interested parties, and investors from all over the world, as well as promote major projects, such as Amaala

RIYADH: The Health Tourism Association has revealed what is in store at its future forum, which will be held in Riyadh from April 28-30.

The event, which is being organized by the Health Tourism Club and the Health Tourism Association in partnership with the Global Healthcare Travel Council, will showcase the Kingdom’s importance as a promising global market for health tourism, presenting investment opportunities in the tourism and healthcare sectors, along with new destinations, while hoping to establish a new annual global platform for the industry in Riyadh.

The aim is to attract visitors, interested parties, and investors from all over the world, as well as promote major projects, such as Amaala, in an effort to make the Kingdom an attractive destination for safe, high-quality healthcare with international accreditation.

The press conference preceding the event spoke of patients seeking healthcare benefiting from the advanced system in the country and the extensive network of distinguished, high-quality hospitals and medical centers throughout the Kingdom.


Scent of success as Saudi Arabia aims for 2bn roses

Updated 25 April 2024
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Scent of success as Saudi Arabia aims for 2bn roses

  • Reef Saudi, which focuses on enhancing productivity of vital agricultural crops, announced a 34 percent increase in rose production last year
  • Reef also seeks to diversify agricultural production across rural areas, while ensuring optimal and sustainable use of natural agricultural and water resources

RIYADH: Reef Saudi, a sustainable agricultural rural development program, has almost doubled rose production in the past four years, increasing from 500 million roses in 2020 to 960 million roses, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The program, which focuses on enhancing productivity of vital agricultural crops, announced a 34 percent increase in rose production last year, and said it aims to reach a figure of 2 billion roses by 2026.  

Reef also seeks to diversify agricultural production across rural areas, while ensuring optimal and sustainable use of natural agricultural and water resources.

As part of the program, plant nurseries have been established around the Kingdom, with mobile clinics to diagnose plant diseases. 

The Reef program aims to raise the living standard of farmers and rural families, increase efficiency and productivity, and improve food security.

It has developed six sectors: fruit, coffee, honey, rose, rainfed agriculture, and a support program for rural families in agriculture.


Sports medicine professionals gather at global event in Riyadh

Updated 25 April 2024
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Sports medicine professionals gather at global event in Riyadh

  • ECOSEP conference will run until April 27 at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC under the supervision of the MOVE Center for Comprehensive Sports Medicine
  • MOVE Center is a specialized integrated sports medicine facility, that places a focus on diagnosing, treating, rehabilitating, educating and protecting athletes from sports injuries

RIYADH: A major global sports medicine conference began in Riyadh on Thursday, with more than 60 speakers arriving in the Saudi capital from 15 countries around the world.

The European College of Sports and Exercise Physicians (ECOSEP) conference, one of the largest events in the industry worldwide, will run until April 27 at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC under the supervision of the MOVE Center for Comprehensive Sports Medicine.

The MOVE Center is the first facility specialized in integrated sports medicine in the Kingdom, focusing on diagnosing, treating, rehabilitating, educating and protecting athletes from sports injuries.

Dr. Mubarak Al-Mutawa, the center’s CEO, said: “One of our main goals at MOVE is medical prevention. When I take one’s measurements and weight, and evaluate their condition, I always solve them with preventative solutions.

“The world is taking the lead toward the importance of being cautious and aware. A quality life consists of good nutrition and staying active because those factors prevent chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.”

Nikos Malliaropoulos, ECOSEP secretary general and a sports consultant, told Arab News that constant learning is the most important part of working in sports medicine.

“It (sports medicine) is starting to expand all over the world and I am really happy that we are here today in Saudi Arabia, opening the doors to sports exercise medicine.

“I think it is important as Saudi Arabia will host the World Cup in 10 years. So, over the next 10 years, this knowledge needs to be expanded to all healthcare professionals. This course changed my life and my practice 20 years ago. It was the motivation and the drive to develop that.”

Dr. Amir Pakravan, a consultant in sport and musculoskeletal medicine, as well as an ECOSEP board member, told Arab News that he previously had experience working in fast-paced medical environments, which prepared him for his job as a sports consultant.

When he is on the field, Pakravan ensures that he has a checklist of procedures memorized at all times, to ensure a quick response if an athlete is injured.

“What I would say to myself is to stick to the one, two, three and four of your list and check that you have done all of them. That focus on procedure is important.”

The three-day conference will host a series of workshops as well as sessions with industry leaders and officials.

It comes as an extension of efforts in the Saudi sports sector under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.