Qiddiya City to host Final Fantasy VII Rebirth exhibition

Qiddiya City, a destination for entertainment, sports and culture, has collaborated with international video game publisher Square Enix to bring “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” to The Boulevard in the heart of Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Updated 01 August 2024
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Qiddiya City to host Final Fantasy VII Rebirth exhibition

  • Role-playing game’s producer Yoshinori Kitase and director Naoki Hamaguchi will feature at event

RIYADH: Qiddiya City, a destination for entertainment, sports and culture, has collaborated with international video game publisher Square Enix to bring “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” to The Boulevard in the heart of Riyadh, during the 2024 Esports World Cup.

The event will run from Aug. 11 with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth producer Yoshinori Kitase and director Naoki Hamaguchi making a special appearance at the event on Aug. 16.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the story of the role-playing game as the more than 15,000 sq ft retrospective experience takes the form of the legendary city of Midgar, complete with scaled replicas of the in-game vehicles Tiny Bronco and the Buggy.

Fans will have the opportunity to play the game at the event. Additionally, VIP ticket holders will have the chance to win prizes, including limited-edition signed posters and merchandise.

Fans can attend a one-night event featuring a special presentation and Q&A session with Kitase and Hamaguchi as they share their experiences of creating the game.

The event will take place at Riyadh’s Falcons Team HQ at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased from Aug. 1 on WeBook.com. For international fans, the event will be live-streamed on Twitch and supported by a live watch party featuring popular gaming influencers.

Arnab Bhattacharya, director of strategy for the Gaming & Esports District at Qiddiya, said: “The legend of Final Fantasy VII, with beloved relatable characters, an incredible story, stunning art and epic soundtrack, is exactly the type of interactive experience we aspire to deliver to gaming fans across the globe as we continue to develop the wonder and lore of Qiddiya City’s Gaming & Esports District. 

“This is one of my favorite games of all time and I believe anyone who plays it will have a truly memorable experience. We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Square Enix and bring this remarkable game to life during the most anticipated gaming event of the year.”

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second part in the Final Fantasy VII remake series, retells the story of the game that redefined the RPG genre in three distinct standalone titles and lets players take on the role of heroes Cloud, Barret, Tifa, Aerith, Yuffie and Red XIII.

Earlier this year, Qiddiya City was announced as the Nexus partner of the EWC.

The three-year partnership will see the Qiddiya Gaming & Esports District become the official home of the EWC. Starting in 2024, Qiddiya City is the presenting partner of two venues: The Elite Player Lounge and The Qiddiya Esports Arena. The Elite Player Lounge is designed as a place for participating EWC professional players to train, relax, socialize and prepare for matches.

Also this year, Qiddiya City’s Gaming & Esports District unveiled the world-first Elite Esports Bootcamps. The cyberpunk-themed facilities are designed for esports teams to train and prepare for competition using the latest hardware and software.

The Esports World Cup has transformed Riyadh into the epicenter of esports fandom and gaming culture.

Located in Boulevard City, fans can watch their favorite athletes and clubs compete across 22 game championships for a share of more than $60 million in prize money — the largest prize pool in esports history.

Over eight weeks, the Esports World Cup features festival activities that include gaming activations, community tournaments, pop culture celebrations and international experiences.


How Saudi Arabia is leveraging AI to strengthen cybersecurity leadership

Updated 58 min 45 sec ago
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How Saudi Arabia is leveraging AI to strengthen cybersecurity leadership

  • AI helps detect cyber threats in real time by sifting through vast datasets and flagging suspicious activities
  • Saudi cybersecurity spending reached $3.55bn in 2023, a 10.83% increase from the previous year

RIYADH: As the digital world becomes more interconnected, the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks are on the rise. In response, governments and companies are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to fortify their cybersecurity measures.

Among the global leaders in this space is Saudi Arabia, which has emerged as a critical player, not only adopting AI-driven cybersecurity solutions but also making significant strides in the global rankings for preparedness.

In 2024, Saudi Arabia secured the top spot in the UN Global Cybersecurity Index, achieving a perfect score of 100/100 across five critical pillars: legal, organizational, cooperation, capacity development, and technical measures.

This achievement reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to building a resilient cybersecurity infrastructure across both the public and private sectors.

Indeed, the Saudi Arabia government’s investments in cybersecurity products, services, and solutions surged to SR13.3 billion ($3.55 billion) in 2023, a 10.83 percent increase from the previous year.

A key component of the Kingdom’s cybersecurity success is its integration of cutting-edge AI technologies, which are transforming the way cyber threats are identified and mitigated.

“As cyber threats grow in complexity and frequency, traditional security measures often struggle to keep pace,” Moataz BinAli, regional vice president and managing director for the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Africa region at Trend Micro, told Arab News.

“This is where AI steps in, offering a new level of defense through enhanced automation, predictive capabilities, and real-time analysis.

By harnessing the power of AI, organizations can now sift through massive datasets in real time, flagging suspicious activities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

This capability is crucial in a world where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, allowing businesses to stay one step ahead of potential attackers.

“AI-powered tools can help organizations stay ahead by learning from previous cyberattacks and continuously adapting to new tactics used by hackers,” said BinAli. “This adaptive nature is crucial as cyber threats become more sophisticated.”

BinAli points out that phishing and ransomware are among the most common types of cyberattacks.

Phishing involves attackers using deceptive emails to trick users into revealing sensitive information, while ransomware encrypts a company’s data, with hackers demanding payment for its release.

However, such attacks are preventable with the right precautions. BinAli says a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity is required, starting with basic steps.

“Enforcing strong password policies and using multi-factor authentication are essential steps that add extra layers of security,” he said. “Regular software updates are equally important to protect against known vulnerabilities, ensuring systems and applications stay secure.”

Employee training is another critical component of this defense strategy. “For companies, employee training and awareness are critical. Human error, often exploited through phishing and social engineering, can be minimized through continuous education.”

While AI has undeniably transformed cybersecurity, it also presents new challenges. Cybercriminals are increasingly weaponizing AI, using it to automate phishing campaigns, develop more adaptive malware, and bypass traditional security measures.

“Hackers use AI to automate phishing campaigns, develop more adaptive malware, and bypass security defenses, making them more difficult to detect and counter,” said BinAli.

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False positives are another downside of AI-powered cybersecurity tools. According to Trend Micro’s Attack Surface Risk Management data, more than 40 percent of companies using AI for cybersecurity report excessive false alerts.

These false positives can overwhelm security teams and divert their attention from real threats.

“AI systems also heavily depend on the quality of the data they are trained on. Without robust, diverse datasets, AI models risk leaving critical vulnerabilities exposed,” said BinAli.

Trend Micro, a global leader in cybersecurity, is one of the companies at the forefront of AI-driven security solutions.

Its flagship platform, Trend Vision One, leverages AI-driven technologies to offer extended detection and response across a wide range of environments, including endpoints, emails, networks, and servers.

This unified approach provides real-time threat monitoring and proactive response capabilities.

Additionally, Trend Micro’s Attack Surface Risk Management offers companies a comprehensive view of potential vulnerabilities, enabling them to address areas of weakness before they can be exploited.

“AI-driven solutions like these will be pivotal in protecting against cyberattacks and data breaches,” said BinAli.

DID YOU KNOW?

1. Saudi Arabia topped the 2024 UN Global Cybersecurity Index with a perfect score of 100/100 across 5 key pillars.

2. Saudi cybersecurity spending reached SR13.3 billion ($3.55 billion) in 2023, a 10.83% increase from the previous year.

3. AI helps detect cyber threats in real time by sifting through vast datasets and flagging suspicious activities earlier than humans can.

4. Phishing and ransomware are the most common cyberattacks, but a multi-layered approach can prevent them.

Saudi Arabia’s success in the cybersecurity arena is part of a broader strategy that aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification and technological advancement.

With AI playing an increasingly central role in its cybersecurity initiatives, the Kingdom is setting a global standard for other nations to follow.

As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, AI-driven solutions will remain essential in safeguarding not only Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure but also the data and systems of organizations around the world.

With its robust investments in cybersecurity and commitment to integrating the latest technologies, the Kingdom is well-positioned to lead the fight against cyber threats on the global stage.

 


Saudi university reaches new heights in 2024 global ranking

Updated 10 October 2024
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Saudi university reaches new heights in 2024 global ranking

  • Placing puts KFUPM ahead of all universities in Saudi Arabia, wider Gulf region

ALKHOBAR: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, which is located in the Eastern Province, has secured a historic achievement after ranking as the top university in the Middle East and North Africa for 2024, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

This puts KFUPM ahead of all universities in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.

KFUPM’s rapid rise is part of a broader strategic transformation that began in 2020, when it was ranked 507th globally. In the space of just four years it has climbed over 330 spots, now securing 176th place worldwide in the 2024 rankings.

Other Saudi universities in the list include Prince Sultan University, coming in the 401-500 band, and Qassim University, which falls within the 801-1,000 range, reflecting the country’s growing emphasis on higher education.

KFUPM’s progress is mirrored across other global ranking systems. In the QS World University Rankings, the university leaped from 200th in 2020 to 101st in 2024.

KFUPM now also ranks second globally in petroleum engineering, highlighting its world-class expertise in the field.


GCC and EU ‘must work together’ on regional stability, envoy says ahead of inaugural joint summit

Updated 10 October 2024
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GCC and EU ‘must work together’ on regional stability, envoy says ahead of inaugural joint summit

  • The EU’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman is ‘convinced that on both Lebanon and on Palestine the GCC and EU can find a common language’
  • Christophe Farnaud was participating in a discussion event in Brussels in the run-up to the first GCC-EU Summit on Oct. 16

RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Council and the EU need to work together in an attempt to improve stability in the Arab region, the EU’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman, Christophe Farnaud said.

Speaking during a roundtable discussion ahead of the inaugural GCC-EU Summit in Brussels on Oct. 16, he cited the conflicts in Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan and Yemen, and Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, as causes for concern and added: “We have to work together for the stability of the region … we have to work together to promote diplomacy and stability and negotiate solutions to the current crises of the region.

“This will be among the topics that will be broached among the leaders, especially since we are now in a time of very high level of tension and suffering among the people of the region. We all think of Palestine but there is also Lebanon, there is also the risk that we see on the Red Sea (and) in Sudan.

“I’m convinced that on both Lebanon and on Palestine the GCC and EU can find a common language.”

Farnaud said the organizations’ first joint summit will also address a wide range of other topics, including trade, innovation, education and people-to-people relations, in the hope of further strengthening relations and advancing shared interests.

Asked by Arab News how the GCC and EU might work together in an effort to enhance stability and security in the region, the envoy said a “key point” is adoption of “common language.”

He added: “I’m quite optimistic that there will be common talk and common language on Palestine, on Lebanon, on other topics like that, which I think is really needed at the moment. If one state speaks just for itself, it’s interesting but it gives less weight. If all the Europeans and all the GCC countries speak in one voice, it gives more weight to what we have.

“We are at a time when divisions are the worst thing possible, if you want to pass strong messages to the parties, and I think it is necessary now that we have to speak in one voice. If you have all European leaders and all Gulf country leaders speaking in one voice, I think it will make a difference.

“Speaking in one voice and having a clear vision of where we want to go, I think will be very important. What I think is important is that there is an exchange among (the GCC and EU). When you’re at such a high level it’s important that you can exchange and share how you see things and then we will see what kind of common language they have.”

Farnaud said the leaders of member nations of both blocs “will meet, they will talk and they will adopt final conclusions” on topics addressed during the summit.

This year, EU member countries Slovenia, Spain and Ireland officially recognized Palestine as a sovereign state, as did non-member Norway. On the question of whether other EU member states might follow suit, the ambassador said: “On Palestine, the position of the EU, the core position of the EU, is more united than what people think at times,” especially in terms of “working on the long-term political solution, when looking to the Palestinian state, with the two-state solution.”

But he added that it is difficult to say if and when other EU countries will choose to officially recognize Palestine.

“As you know, the principle is accepted by all member states, the only question is the timing,” Farnaud said. “Some have decided to do it already, a significant number, the others want to do it when they consider it to be the most efficient time.”

During the summit, leaders are expected to build upon existing GCC-EU economic, trade and investment cooperation.

“Currently the European Union is the biggest partner of the GCC; in 2023 the trade exchanges reached €170 billion ($186 billion) between GCC and Europe,” Farnaud said.

“They will talk about topics that are key for the future: facing global challenges like climate change, sustainable development, energy transition. All these topics are topics that we have to face together.”

He added that there are a number of fields in which he believes the GCC and EU can work together more effectively, including innovation, education, and health.

The ambassador also discussed the possibility of a Schengen-style arrangement for visa-free travel between GCC and EU countries: “The EU as well as the member states of the GCC share an interest in going further (on the issue). The goal remains, at some point, but it is difficult now to say when. We should keep working on the possibility of a visa-free arrangement between the Schengen area and GCC countries.”

Farnaud highlighted the historical relationship between the GCC and EU, referencing in particular the 1988 agreement that provided the framework for economic and political cooperation between member states of both organizations.

“The relations are not new,” he said. “But since we have shared interests and close relations we have to go further.”

He pointed out that the inaugural summit next week is a result of a GCC-EU ministerial council meeting that took place in Muscat, Oman, on Oct. 10 last year.

“During that meeting … it was after the Hamas attack and the Israel offensive, it was decided that there should be a meeting between the GCC and the EU,” Farnaud said.

During that meeting, he added, discussions also took place on ways to boost cooperation and exchange experience and knowledge in the fields of trade, investment, renewable energy, climate change, cybersecurity and green hydrogen.


KAUST to host Times Higher Education World Academic Summit 2025

Updated 10 October 2024
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KAUST to host Times Higher Education World Academic Summit 2025

  • Event will be held under the theme ‘Universities as Agents of Progress’
  • KAUST’s selection as host underscores its status as a leading hub for higher education in the region

THUWAL: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology will host the Times Higher Education World Academic Summit in 2025.

It will be first time the summit is held in the Middle East, recognizing the significant contributions of the Kingdom and KAUST to the global academic community.

Scheduled for Oct. 7-9 next year, the three-day summit will be held under the theme “Universities as Agents of Progress.”

This focus aligns with the transformative dynamics underpinning Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, with KAUST playing a pivotal role in driving progress not only within the Kingdom, but also on a global scale.

The host announcement was made by Prof. Edward Byrne, president of KAUST, during his closing remarks at this year’s World Academic Summit hosted by the University of Manchester.

“We are honored to welcome global leaders in higher education to KAUST for this prestigious summit, which routinely strengthens the cooperative spirit within academia, focusing on making strategic, impactful contributions to global challenges,” Byrne said.

“Building on the success of this year’s event, we will continue the tradition of cultivating collaboration and driving global change. This milestone underscores the rising recognition of the role that Saudi Arabia can play in building a future for higher education where universities worldwide understand their potential influence for good,” he added.

In alignment with KAUST’s commitment to cultural engagement and as a demonstration of Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, the summit will offer a variety of activities that highlight the Kingdom’s natural beauty and cultural depth.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the Red Sea through snorkeling and diving excursions, experience heritage tours of Jeddah and visit transformative projects like NEOM.

Phil Baty, chief global affairs officer of Times Higher Education, said: “The 2025 World Academic Summit will bring together leaders in higher education to engage with the industry’s most pressing issues.

“Together, the community will explore opportunities for innovation and commercialization, outline strategies to shape the next generation of leaders and collaborate to make a meaningful impact on lives around the world.”


New ‘Dragon Ball’ game is boost for Saudi theme park

Updated 09 October 2024
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New ‘Dragon Ball’ game is boost for Saudi theme park

  • Legendary manga franchise by Japanese artist has spawned countless anime series and films

RIYADH: Manga fans are eagerly awaiting the launch on Friday of the latest “Dragon Ball” video game, the first since the death in March of Akira Toriyama, the legendary Japanese artist who created the series 40 years ago.

Among them are leisure chiefs at Qiddiya, the entertainment and tourism project being built near Riyadh, who revealed plans this year for a massive “Dragon Ball” theme park.

“Dragon Ball” recounts the adventures of a monkey-tailed boy called Son Goku through fantastical universes. Over more than 500 chapters, the hero with spiky black hair fights otherworldly enemies in his quest to find seven mystical dragon balls. It is one of the bestselling manga franchises of all time, spawning countless anime series, films and video games.
The new game, “Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO,” will feature a record 182 characters doing battle.
A new animated series, “Dragon Ball Daima,” will also be released to mark the 40th anniversary of the franchise.
The Saudi “Dragon Ball” attraction, the Kingdom’s first theme park, will cover more than half a million square meters with at least 30 rides, including a roller coaster inside a dragon modeled on Shenron, a wish-giving dragon that features in the franchise.