RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Tallinn, Estonia on Tuesday.
The minister is on an official visit to the country aimed at strengthening Saudi-Estonian relations, Saudi Press Agency reported.
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Saudi FM arrives in Estonia
Qiddiya Gaming tour showcases high-tech offerings at Tokyo Game Show 2024
- Debut of Cyberpunk zone, Space will follow in November
- Qiddiya aims to be epicenter of sports, arts, entertainment
Tokyo: The “Unearthing Qiddiya” global in-real-life tour made its mark at the Tokyo Game Show 2024 by showcasing a first look at Saudi Arabia’s offering at its new high-tech district for esports and gaming.
With over 240,000 fans and 3,000 exhibitors from 40 countries at the TGS event held from Sept. 26 to 29, Qiddiya Gaming debuted its vision of the world’s first IRL gaming city.
The 1,000-sq. meter booth at Makuhari Messe offered attendees a first look at the cyberpunk-themed UBAR, part of Qiddiya’s Gaming and Esports District in Saudi Arabia.
UBAR is designed as a cyberpunk-themed city where gaming and real-life blend seamlessly.
Arnab Bhattacharya, director of strategy for Qiddiya Gaming, explained: “In UBAR, cyberpunk-themed apartments are designed for gamers, jobs redefine the future of gaming, and achievements unlock exclusive access to lounges and nightlife.
“It’s a place where the cyberpunk community can truly belong.”
At TGS, attendees were able to immerse themselves in the UBAR world by co-creating content with Qiddiya Gaming and earning cheat codes to catch the Sentinel developed by Creature Technology.
They were also able to develop their persona with a digital UBAR ID as well as watch the premiere of UBAR’s game trailer.
The Qiddiya booth also hosted special appearances by esports stars Crazy Raccoon, ZETA DIVISION, and top virtual live streamers, who live-streamed on Qiddiya's official channel via the American streaming service Twitch.
Fans had the chance to meet UBAR’s characters, Layla and Noriko, collect original art by artist Hugh Fleming and download the music of UBAR, remixed by DJ Makoto, on Spotify.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News Japan, Mike Milanov, chairman of Qiddiya Gaming, shared insights into the project: “Qiddiya is one of 25 megaprojects in Saudi Arabia.
“And it has evolved from a theme park concept into a giga-project aimed at making Qiddiya the epicenter of sports, entertainment, gaming, arts, and culture.”
Milanov emphasized the ambitious scale of the project, which covers 360 sq. km southwest of Riyadh.
“Qiddiya City is being built from the ground up, with the goal of creating a city where play is at the core. Our Gaming and Esports District will be a 700,000 sq. meter IRL gaming experience — the first of its kind.”
Reflecting on Qiddiya Gaming’s global tour, Milanov said that TGS was the latest in a series of 14 conventions worldwide, where different zones of the district have been revealed.
“At TGS, we unveiled UBAR, our Cyberpunk zone. In November, we will reveal our Space zone at the G-Star event in South Korea.”
Milanov said Qiddiya Gaming has excited fans worldwide.
“We’ve built a strong global community. Our booth activations showcase that Qiddiya Gaming understands the gaming world, and we’re focused on co-creating experiences that resonate with both local and international gamers.”
Looking ahead, Milanov added that Qiddiya Gaming would continue to expand and collaborate with strategic partners, publishers, and esports teams.
“Our goal is to remain the global epicenter of gaming. We invite everyone to follow our journey as we create a new era of IRL gaming.”
Located prominently within Qiddiya City, the Gaming and Esports District will be home to multiple dedicated esports venues — one of which will be among the top-three largest in the world.
In addition, there will be next-gen facilities that will host up to 19 top-tier esports clubs at a time, each with dedicated facilities including scrim rooms and strategy theater — and the regional headquarters of leading video game companies.
It covers more than 500,000 sq. meters of gaming space and aims to attract 10 million visits annually, with 100,000 sq. meters set aside for retail, dining and entertainment venues.
Qiddiya Gaming’s recent high-profile announcements include being the Esports World Cup Founding Partner and future home to the annual event featuring a $60 million prize pool.
Other revelations include a five-year strategic partnership with ESL FaceIt Group tapping into Counter-Strike, DOTA and Fortnite gaming communities; and sponsorship of Moonton MPL Leagues, featuring the world’s fastest-growing mobile game.
Saudi FM, Iranian president hold meeting in Doha
RIYADH: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian received on Wednesday in the Qatari capital Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi Press Agency said.
The pair discussed the latest regional and international developments.
Senior Saudi and Iranian officials attended the meeting.
2-state solution the only viable path to lasting peace in Middle East, says Saudi foreign minister
- In an op-ed published in the Financial Times, Prince Faisal bin Farhan writes: ‘Palestinian statehood is a prerequisite for peace, rather than its by-product’
- The ‘true obstacles to peace are not the Palestinians and Israelis, who yearn for stability and coexistence, but rather the radicals and warmongers on both sides,’ he adds
LONDON: Now is the time to embark on an irreversible path to resolving the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians that culminates in the establishment of two independent states in which the peoples can live side by side in peace, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said.
In an op-ed published in the Financial Times on Wednesday, Prince Faisal bin Farhan wrote that a two-state solution is the only viable way to ensure the long-term security of Palestine, Israel and the wider region.
The Kingdom will work tirelessly to help create an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until this happens, he added. His comments echoed a reaffirmation of the Saudi stance by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a recent address to the Shoura Council.
Prince Faisal said an independent Palestinian state would deliver the dividends the Kingdom seeks: regional stability, integration and prosperity. His op-ed follows a sharp escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon in recent weeks, and an Iranian missile attack against Israel on Tuesday.
“It is essential to understand that the true obstacles to peace are not the Palestinians and Israelis, who yearn for stability and coexistence, but rather the radicals and warmongers on both sides who reject a just resolution and seek to spread this conflict across our region and beyond,” he wrote.
“These extremists should not dictate the future of our peoples or force war upon them. The voices of moderation must rise above the din of conflict, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they are heard.”
Prince Faisal said self-determination is a right the Palestinian people deserve and are entitled to, and Saudi Arabia and other countries are working to secure global recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state. He encouraged those nations that have privately expressed a willingness to do this to do so publicly, because now is the “time to stand on the right side of history.”
He continued: “Merely recognizing Palestine is not enough. We must demand more accountability, in line with International Court of Justice opinions. This includes the implementation of UN resolutions, the imposition of punitive measures against those that work to undermine Palestinian statehood, and incentives for those who support it.”
He said the continuing assault on Gaza, expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank and imposition of restrictions on movement by Israeli authorities “creates a reality that diminishes prospects for a sovereign Palestinian state.”
Israeli “intransigence only exacerbates tensions and erodes trust, making diplomatic negotiations increasingly difficult, prolonging the suffering of both sides and pushing the region ever closer to wider war,” he added.
The prince called for support of the Palestinian Authority, which he said has shown perseverance “in maintaining calm in the occupied West Bank despite unrelenting obstacles.”
He continued: “Its commitment to non-violence and cooperation must be supported. A lasting resolution cannot be achieved without both Gaza and the occupied West Bank being under PA control.
“Palestinian statehood is a prerequisite for peace, rather than its by-product. This is the only path that can lead us out of this cycle of violence and into a future where both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace, with security and mutual respect. Let us not delay any longer.”
Remote Thabhloten in Empty Quarter has rich history, compelling beauty
- Most remote village in Saudi Arabia, situated near the Omani border
- In 1930, some of the residents had met first British travelers in desert
MAKKAH: Thabhloten Center, part of Al-Ahsa governorate in the Eastern Province and over 1,500 km from Riyadh and 1,200 km from Al-Ahsa, is Saudi Arabia’s most remote village.
Thabhloten, considered the largest sand basin in the world, is characterized by towering sand dunes on all sides, rich natural resources, and lakes in the middle.
It is the most remote village in Saudi Arabia, with few paved roads and connections to cities in the Kingdom.
Mubarak bin Klot, a resident of Thabhloten, said that the locals speak Arabic, contrary to the misconception that they converse in Mehri.
He said people have lived in the area for generations and have a connection to the land. “We grew up on its hills and were shaped by its vast landscape.”
He also spoke fondly of the first documented journey across the Empty Quarter in 1930, which included British travelers and explorers.
This included Thomas Bertram, with the support of Sheikh Saleh bin Klot Al-Rashidi.
This historic expedition took place during the reign of King Abdulaziz, the founder of the Kingdom.
He continued: “Seventeen years later, the journey was undertaken once again by Wilfred Thesiger, whom the Bedouins called Mubarak bin London.
“He crossed the Empty Quarter with my grandfather, Mohammed bin Saleh bin Klot, traveling from Manukh to the Emirates, then to Oman, and finally to Mukalla, successfully traversing the entire Empty Quarter alongside three companions from the same tribe.
“These remarkable journeys were thoroughly documented in Britain, and we have copies of the records.”
He added that Thabhloten is the only village in the Empty Quarter, with around 436 properties and a population of just 400 people, all from the Al-Rashid tribe.
The villagers are primarily Bedouins, whose lives are shaped by the natural elements, relying on the weather, grazing lands, water sources, and livestock.
He said the village has produced several educated individuals, with many having graduated from various universities.
Bin Klot said that he completed his initial education in the village before pursuing a degree in political science in Jordan.
He chose to return to his village, driven by a strong sense of attachment and the deep significance the village holds for its people.
Bin Klot said the nearest city where residents can access supplies, medical care, and essential goods is Al-Ahsa. Members of the community face significant challenges to cover these distances.
He said the roads leading to and from the village are challenging, unpaved, and often impassable.
Despite this, he said there was a strong community spirit, with people sharing resources.
Bin Klot said the government supplies the village with fuel to ensure electricity is provided to all its residents.
He said people prefer to live in the area because of its mild winters and compelling natural beauty.
When asked about children leaving for opportunities elsewhere, he said these decisions were up to their guardians.
Some families have moved to cities in the Kingdom, while others preferred to stay.
Saudi crown prince congratulates Japan’s new prime minister
- Ishiba officially took office after a parliamentary vote on Tuesday, replacing Fumio Kishida
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a cable of congratulations on Wednesday to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba after he officially took office on Tuesday.
The crown prince wished the premier success and the Japanese people further progress and prosperity. He praised Saudi-Japanese relations and said the Kingdom is keen to develop them “in all fields.”
Ishiba officially took office after a parliamentary vote on Tuesday, replacing Fumio Kishida.
Kishida stepped down as the leader of the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
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