
Saudi wildlife documentaries receive top honors at Muse Creative Awards
LONDON: Three documentaries showcasing Saudi Arabia's wildlife have won a total of six platinum awards at the Muse Creative Awards, which honor excellence in innovative and creative filmmaking worldwide, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
'Guardians of the Red Sea: The Hidden World Beneath' earned two platinum awards in the Nature and Wildlife, and Documentary categories, while 'Hope is Growing,' which explores the propagation and reintroduction of endangered species, secured platinum awards in the Music Film and Nature, and Wildlife Films sections.
'Horizon,' which was produced in collaboration with the Center for Government Communication, took platinum awards in the Cinematography, and Documentary Film tracks.
Established in 2015 by the International Awards Associate, the Muse Creative Awards have become one of the most prestigious events in digital media, design, and marketing, attracting over 100,000 entries from more than 120 countries.
The award-winning films showcase the Kingdom's rich biodiversity and natural landscapes, helping to raise public awareness of environmental conservation. They also underscore Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to protect wildlife, preserve ecosystems, and promote sustainable environmental practices.
Arab News hosted a special screening of the 'Horizon' documentary at the residence of the EU ambassador in Riyadh in April 2024, where Abdullah Alahmari, CEO of the Konoz initiative, and Yazeed Albader, associate producer of the documentary, were honored. Speaking at the event, Princess Lamia described the film as 'not only a celebration of Saudi Arabia's rich natural heritage but also a call to action — a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and conserve the precious ecosystems that define our world.'
Now available on streaming giant Netflix, 'Horizon' is part of a collaboration between the Ministry of Media's Center for Government Communication, and the National Center for Wildlife, celebrating the rich natural diversity of the Kingdom.
Several other Saudi entries were also recognized at the ceremony, including 'Start Your Championship,' a film which chronicles the first national Olympics in Saudi history; 'Challenge is Our Nature,' a documentary which follows the Dakar Rally in the Kingdom; 'Race the Sunset,' a celebration of youth spirit and culture during the GT race in Jeddah; and 'We Race the Future,' a film about the Saudi Arabian Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Leaders
6 hours ago
- Leaders
Prominent Figures Join Millions of Pilgrims on Arafat During Hajj 2025
In a powerful display of unity transcending nationality, rank and fame, prominent political, cultural, and sports figures joined millions of Muslim pilgrims on Arafat on Saturday to perform the most significant ritual of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Among those taking part in Hajj 2025 were several high-profile leaders from the Islamic world, including Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani The gathering was not limited to political leaders. Public figures from the worlds of sport, entertainment, and media also participated, drawing widespread attention on social media under the banner 'Famous Hajj 2025.' Senegalese footballer Sadio Mané, who plays for Saudi club Al-Nassr, was among the most recognized personalities at this year's pilgrimage. Videos shared online showed him moving between the holy sites, warmly received by fellow pilgrims and fans. Several Egyptian celebrities were also among the pilgrims, including actors Ahmed El Sakka, Amr Saad, Ahmed Saad, and Hamada Helal. Egyptian celebrities from left to right Hamada Helal, Amr Saad, Ahmed El Sakka Actress Reham Haggag and television presenters Mofeeda Shiha and Doaa Farouk also performed the rites. Many of them documented their spiritual experiences on their official social media accounts. Human-interest story One of the most widely shared human-interest stories during Hajj 2025 involved Libyan youth activist Amer Al-Mahdi, known online as 'Amer Al-Libi.' Libyan youth activist Amer Al-Mahdi, known online as 'Amer Al-Libi' during his journey His journey became a symbol of faith and perseverance. Initially barred from boarding his flight due to a passport name discrepancy, Amer remained at the airport, convinced he would still reach Mecca. In an unexpected twist, the aircraft returned due to a technical issue. While the pilot initially refused to allow Amer on board due to logistical concerns, continued delays prompted a change of heart. In a rare gesture, the pilot announced, 'By God, I will not take off until Amer is on board.' Amer was eventually allowed to board and completed the pilgrimage. His story has since gone viral, resonating with many as a testament to resilience and belief. Related stories: Hajj Guide: Day of Arafat Hajj 2025: Saudi Crown Prince Lauds Success in Pilgrims Service Saudi Crown Prince Arrives in Mina to Oversee Hajj Services Short link : Post Views: 6


Leaders
2 days ago
- Leaders
Saudi Pavilion Shines at London Design Biennale with 'Good Water'
The Saudi National Pavilion, themed 'Good Water,' captivates visitors at the London Design Biennale, which opens today. This innovative pavilion reimagines humans' relationship with water, addressing critical issues such as accessibility, equity, and scarcity. The Architecture and Design Commission commissioned this project, with support from the Ministry of Culture. Under the leadership of CEO Sumayah Al-Solaiman, this marks the Kingdom's fourth participation in this prestigious event. A Vision of Inquiry and Collaboration 'In a Biennale that explores the intersection of inner experiences and external influences, 'Good Water' reflects the spirit of inquiry we hope to share with the world,' Al-Solaiman stated. She emphasized the pavilion's role in supporting the next generation of Saudi practitioners, providing platforms that amplify their voices on the international stage. Saudi artists Alaa Tarabzouni, Dur Kattan, Fahad bin Naif, and Aziz Jamal collaborated as co-curators, merging their diverse backgrounds in the arts sector. 'In our team, we don't have specific roles,' Jamal explained. 'We all collaborated on everything. We shot the video together and wrote it together. Our democratic process fosters creativity without strict guidelines.' At the heart of the Saudi contribution in London lies the sabeel, a traditional water fountain typically found in shaded communal spaces. This fountain serves the community, offering free access to water. The sabeel symbolizes hospitality and generosity, deeply rooted in the Arabian Peninsula and prevalent throughout the Middle East. 'Growing up in Dhahran, you would see sabeels everywhere,' Jamal recalled. 'Our house didn't have one, but a mosque nearby did.' The London installation transforms the sabeel from a nostalgic relic into a contemporary, functional object. Visitors can fill their cups, both literally and figuratively, as they reflect on the unseen systems, labor, and energy that make flowing water possible. Engaging Visitors with Interactive Experiences Stacks of paper cups, emblazoned with the message 'Good Water: 500 ml = one AI prompt,' will be available in vibrant colors. Refillable water bottles will encourage spectators to enjoy a 'water-cooler moment' to chat, sip, and ponder. The pavilion also features four videos filmed at an old water factory in Riyadh, showcasing the painstaking journey of water from droplet to distribution. Each film lasts under ten minutes, tracing the production process across various bottle sizes. Jamal's perspective on water changed significantly while working on this project. 'Visiting the water factory in Riyadh made me appreciate the enormous effort required to fill one tiny water bottle,' he said. 'Now, I make it a point to finish my water bottle because I understand the extensive process behind it.' A Commitment to Sustainability and Accessibility Jamal hopes visitors will engage with the pavilion and recognize the importance of generosity. 'We want people to drink the water and interact with the piece,' he stated. The sabeel will dispense locally sourced water, ensuring sustainability and reducing transportation impacts. Additionally, a printed catalogue will provide further context through essays, research material, and images of water infrastructure and sabeels from the Middle East and North Africa. Saudi Arabia faces significant water scarcity challenges, with only 2.5 percent of the world's water being freshwater. The Kingdom leads globally in desalinated water production, supplying over 60 percent of its potable water. 'The sabeel perfectly illustrates the principle that water is a human right, not a luxury,' Jamal explained. 'It's free drinking water from a private source, embodying the spirit of paying it forward.' Through 'Good Water,' the Saudi National Pavilion highlights the labor behind everyday hydration and the importance of water access. 'Our research focused on water and access,' Jamal added. 'We examined the hidden costs of free water in Saudi Arabia, particularly through the lens of the sabeel.' Despite the rise of plastic bottles, Jamal emphasized the enduring relevance of the sabeel, especially in a country with scorching summers and large outdoor workforces. 'People need convenience, but sabeels remain vital for those working outdoors,' he noted. 'Cold drinking water is essential in Saudi Arabia.' After nearly a year of hard work, the team plans to celebrate by raising a glass of water. The pavilion will remain open until 29 June at Somerset House, inviting visitors to explore the significance of water in our lives. Short link : Post Views: 34


Arab News
2 days ago
- Arab News
Advanced tech enhances Hajj crowd management
ARAFAT: The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, in cooperation with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, is using high-resolution satellite imagery, geospatial artificial intelligence and real-time data during the Hajj season. These tools help monitor and analyze human and vehicular movement to enhance crowd management efficiency, with the analysis covering entry points to Makkah to observe vehicle flow and peak times. They also track crowd density around the Grand Mosque and analyze pilgrimage routes to predict mobility patterns and congestion, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday. The technology supports immediate decision-making by providing accurate data and improving crowd distribution. It also ensures safe mobility and enhances coordination among operational teams on the ground. The collaboration presents an advanced model for using geospatial technologies, helping improve safety and increase field operation efficiency during Hajj.