Saudi film production firm to launch collaborative new manga video game

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To enrich players’ experience, musical compositions popular in previous animated series, have been repurposed. (Supplied)
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The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One. (Supplied)
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Updated 18 July 2023
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Saudi film production firm to launch collaborative new manga video game

  • Riyadh-based Manga Productions announced new video game “UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves"

RIYADH: Riyadh-based Manga Productions has announced that its new video game “UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves” will be launched on Nov. 14.

A subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Misk Foundation, the Saudi film production company has collaborated with French video game firm, Microids, to develop the game.

Its events are derived from the popular anime series, Grendizer, based on the giant robot character created by Japanese manga artist Go Nagai.

To enrich players’ experience, musical compositions popular in previous animated series, have been repurposed.

The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One. The Nintendo Switch version will be available next year.

Manga Productions’ director of marketing, distribution, and business development, Abdulaziz Al-Nagmoosh, said: “We aspire to spread this game to satisfy and enrich fans and players in the Arab world and North Africa.

“We are working at Manga Productions to attract the best international electronic games to spread and Arabize them through our inspiring Saudi youth.”

The game will be available in two editions. The deluxe version will have the complete game, a keychain, a two-picture poster, an exclusive SteelBook, and a 30 cm by 42 cm poster, while a collector’s edition will be comprised of more than 12 items including the above, a collector’s box, art book, Grendizer robe, an additional mission, four art prints, a set of three pins, an exclusive 25 cm Grendizer figure, and golden ticket.

On March 9, Manga Productions signed a publishing and distribution agreement with Microids for the game covering the Middle East and North Africa region.

The partnership involved Arabizing the game and provided opportunities for Saudi talent in areas such as distribution, licensing, and marketing.

The Grendizer anime series was one of the first successful releases of Japanese animation in the late 1970s, consisting of 74 episodes that were a hit with users in the Arab world, France, and Italy.

Dr. Essam Bukhary, the CEO of Manga Productions, told Arab News: “We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of ‘UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves’ in collaboration with the global company Microids.

“At Manga Productions, our main goal is to empower Saudi talents and provide them with the skills needed to elevate the creative and entertainment landscape in Saudi Arabia.

“Our talented Saudi youth have played a crucial role in various aspects such as localization, distribution, publishing, and marketing of this game.

“The audience of players will find a great enjoyment in this game, as we have always been committed in Manga Productions to delivering the top international games to the MENA region,” he added.


Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah

Updated 23 December 2025
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Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah

  • The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz

RIYADH: A new center for Arabic calligraphy under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman officially opened in Madinah on Monday.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, governor of Madinah region.

He was joined by Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, touring the new facility’s exhibition spaces and receiving briefings on cultural programming and the center’s achievements.

They also viewed collections highlighting Arabic calligraphy’s artistic and historical importance.

Speaking at the opening, Prince Badr said: “From this land of enlightenment and scholarship, we proudly launch a global platform dedicated to Arabic calligraphy as an invaluable cultural asset.”

He went on to credit the crown prince’s “generous and boundless support” for the cultural sector.

The minister said that the center demonstrated to the world the legacy of Arabic calligraphy while underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural identity and heritage.

According to Prince Badr, the facility represents an ambitious vision to elevate Arabic calligraphy as both a universal communication tool and an integral element of Arab heritage, art, architecture and design.

The center further aims to enhance the Kingdom’s cultural identity and strengthen its international presence, targeting calligraphers, emerging talents, visual artists, Islamic arts researchers, educational and cultural institutions, as well as art and heritage enthusiasts worldwide.

It will deliver specialized programs including research and archival services, calligraphy instruction, academic grants, a permanent museum, touring exhibitions, an international calligraphy association and a business incubator supporting calligraphy enterprises.

Additional offerings feature artist residency programs, expert-led workshops, and standardized curriculum development, complemented by international educational partnerships aimed at heritage conservation and expanding global appreciation for this time-honored art form.

The center’s establishment in Madinah carries particular significance, given the city’s historical role as the cradle of Arabic calligraphy and its association with transcribing the Qur’an and preserving Islamic knowledge.