Latest news with #Misk


Asharq Al-Awsat
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Manga Productions Showcases Saudi Innovation at Anime Japan 2025
Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), concluded its participation in Anime Japan 2025, one of the world's most prestigious anime exhibitions. Manga Productions sponsored the global event for the first time, reinforcing its commitment to establishing Saudi Arabia's presence in the anime industry. Held at Tokyo Big Sight, the exhibition attracted more than 150,000 visitors and featured over 100 participating companies worldwide. Manga Productions chief executive Dr. Essam Bukhari expressed pride in the company's participation and gratitude for the enthusiastic reception from Japanese and international audiences. Sponsoring such a significant event is a strategic step in fostering partnerships for co-production, distribution, and content licensing, he added. He also highlighted how Saudi Arabia's economic growth and development are opening doors for deeper collaboration with Japanese and international companies, further cementing the Kingdom's status as a global hub for creativity in the entertainment sector. Bukhari noted that participation in Anime Japan 2025 boosts Saudi Arabia's global image, showcasing the Kingdom's creative identity on a prestigious international platform. It also strengthens connections with audiences and media partners while promoting innovative Saudi content. Over four days, the Manga Productions team engaged with visitors during both public and business sessions. The company offered an immersive cultural experience, allowing attendees to explore Saudi creativity through traditional clothing displays, cultural activities, and Saudi coffee tastings. Manga Productions remains dedicated to solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in the entertainment industry, bringing the latest Japanese entertainment innovations to the Saudi market. This aligns with the Kingdom's vision for developing the creative content industry, positioning it as a global entertainment hub.


Arab News
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi manga producer participates in one of world's largest anime events in Tokyo
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Manga Productions made a historic debut as the first Middle Eastern sponsor of AnimeJapan 2025, one of the world's largest anime events. Held at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center, the four-day festival drew more than 150,000 visitors and featured over 100 global exhibitors, organizers said in a statement. A subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, known as Misk, Manga Production's participation underscored Saudi Arabia's growing position in the global anime industry. Attendees experienced interactive exhibitions, including traditional Saudi attire try-ons and authentic Saudi coffee tastings, offering a unique fusion of heritage and creativity. Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, delivered a keynote speech titled 'A New Era of Animation! The Future of 'Saudinimation' Driven by Japan and Saudi Arabia,' outlining the collaborative opportunities between the two nations. He said: 'The overwhelming response reflects our mission to position Saudi creativity globally. AnimeJapan 2025 was a milestone in fostering co-production and content partnerships, aligning with Saudi Arabia's vision to be a hub for entertainment innovation.' The pavilion also welcomed high-profile Japanese officials, including Akamatsu Ken, vice minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology, and Kobayashi Fumiaki, vice minister of the environment, signaling strong governmental interest in cultural exchange. Abdulaziz Al-Mowani, director of marketing and communications, said: 'This platform allowed us to share Saudi Arabia's creative identity while forging strategic media and industry connections. 'Effective storytelling bridges cultures, and the event proved the power of our narrative.'


Arab News
23-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Clock Tower restaurant invites diners to break Ramadan fast overlooking Grand Mosque
MAKKAH: Makkah's iconic clock tower has opened a restaurant overlooking the Grand Mosque that allows diners to break their Ramadan fast with a view of Islam's holiest site. Guests can enjoy iftar and sahoor meals in the tallest building in Saudi Arabia, directly beneath the clock face. Mohammed bin Youssef Makhtoom, e-marketing manager at the Fairmont hotel, spoke to Arab News about the extensive preparations, challenges and services being offered at the eatery. 'We are providing guests a unique opportunity to dine at Makkah's highest point, directly beneath the clock, with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Grand Mosque and the Holy Kaaba,' said Makhtoom. Preparations began well in advance, with the restaurant space arranged to reflect the sanctity of both the location and the holy month. Staff underwent specialized training, and the interior features Ramadan-inspired decorations enhancing the venue's spiritual ambiance. The restaurant has reported high demand for reservations so far. The menu features traditional Arab and Saudi dishes including quzi, grilled specialties and soups, alongside seafood and Ramadan desserts. International options cater to diverse tastes, with vegetarian and health-conscious selections available. Guests also receive access to the Clock Tower Museum, an educational center operated by the Misk nonprofit organization. 'Guest feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,' Makhtoom said. 'Many describe their experience as unforgettable, with the combination of luxury service, spiritual atmosphere and direct views of the Grand Mosque creating truly memorable moments.' Looking ahead, the restaurant plans to enhance future Ramadan offerings with more events and menu options. Guests can book through WhatsApp, by phone, or through the hotel's website.


Syyaha
18-03-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
Samsung and the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation 'Misk' Collaborate on Samsung Innovation Campus to Empower Saudi Youth For the Fifth Consecutive Year
Samsung Electronics Saudi Arabia launched in collaboration with Misk Skills' Immersive program -one of the programs of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation 'Misk'- the fifth edition of the Samsung Innovation Campus in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of empowering Saudi youth, enhancing their expertise, and preparing them for the evolving job collaboration aims at providing both theoretical and practical training courses in artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), equipping young individuals with the essential skills for professional and career success. It also reflects Samsung's vision that focuses on developing and strengthening the role of youth in the society, particularly amid the ongoing digital this regard, Hendrick Lee, President of Samsung Electronics Saudi Arabia, stated: 'At Samsung, we are committed to developing young talents and enhancing local expertise in AI and digital transformation. We achieve this through a well-defined strategy focused on fostering impactful partnerships, such as our collaboration with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation 'Misk', which plays a pivotal role in human capital development and achieving sustainable growth.'From her side, Asma Aljasser, Misk Skills Director, stated 'Our impactful partnership with Samsung on the Samsung Innovation Campus has fostered a unique learning experience, empowering Saudi talent in the tech sector. Over five years, Misk in collaboration with Samsung has graduated six cohorts, culminating in the 2024 cohort of 94 trainees who gained advanced expertise in AI and machine learning.'She further emphasized: 'This collaboration is a cornerstone of our efforts to cultivate a generation of national professionals equipped for the tech job market, ensuring their leadership in keeping pace with the latest global advancements in this vital sector.' It is also worth mentioning, that Samsung Electronics Saudi Arabia aims to enhance its contribution to the development of Saudi society, as more than 500 young men and women have benefited from the program over the past years, with six successful cohorts graduating. Samsung Innovation Campus comes in line with the Kingdom's vision to create a thriving environment for youth and maintain its leadership in digital transformation.


Al Jazeera
15-03-2025
- Health
- Al Jazeera
Gaza's silent epidemic
It has been two months since the ceasefire started in Gaza. Palestinians are still being killed by the Israeli army, but the relentless bombardment has stopped – at least for now. Much-needed aid that was allowed into the Strip was cut off two weeks ago. What entered in the previous month and a half could hardly resuscitate the collapsed healthcare system in Gaza. So many hospitals and clinics have been destroyed, especially in the north, that humanitarian organisations have had to set up tents to provide basic care for hundreds of thousands of survivors. The medical supplies that came in are already running out. Amid this continuing torment, the healthcare system in Gaza cannot even begin to recover, much less address the multiple health crises plaguing the civilian population. One of the worst among them is the shocking number of amputees that Israel's indiscriminate use of explosive weapons for 15 months has left behind. According to the World Health Organization, as of September 2024, 22,500 people in Gaza had sustained life-altering injuries since October 7, 2023, including severe limb injuries, amputations, spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injuries and major burns. At the height of the genocidal war, aid agencies and medical organisations were reporting that more than 10 children were losing one or two limbs every day in Gaza. Many were undergoing the operation without anaesthesia and many of these limbs could have been saved had the healthcare system not been completely decimated. In December, the UN said Gaza has the 'highest number of child amputees per capita in the world'. In July 2024, while on a field visit to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, I witnessed firsthand how one of the last functioning hospitals in Gaza was struggling to help those who had sustained injuries from explosive weapons. When I arrived at the hospital, there were many people injured due to several bombings. I rushed to help as there was a severe shortage of staff. The first patient I attended to was an injured girl named Tala who was four years old. She had lost one of her legs due to the bombing and was crying and screaming intensely. Her mother, who was severely injured as well, could not come to help calm her down. I couldn't do much for the little girl except change her bandage and give her a painkiller. Then I saw a young man named Abdallah who was seriously injured and unconscious. Upon his arrival at the hospital, the rest of his leg was amputated. His father told me that Abdallah's grandmother and one of his siblings were killed. I returned to the hospital in December 2024, where I came across two little girls, Hanan, 3 years old, and Misk, 1 year and 8 months old, who had lost their limbs and their mother in an Israeli raid a few months earlier. Hanan had both of her feet amputated, while her sister Misk lost one of them. Their aunt, whom I spoke to, told me of the struggle to take care of them. Misk had just learned to walk when the bombing injured her foot. Hanan was old enough to understand and notice the feet of other children her age, asking why hers were missing. These are just a few of the stories of thousands of children whose childhood has been cut short by Israeli bombs. They are unable to run and play with their peers, suffering severe trauma in a place that cannot offer them even basic care. Before this genocidal war, Gaza was already struggling with a large number of amputees, victims of the previous Israeli wars and assaults on peaceful demonstrations. But there were some facilities and organisations helping them. The Hamad Hospital for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics was able to provide amputees with prosthetics. Various initiatives provided psycho-social support and healing programmes to overcome the trauma and stigma. But all of these are now gone. Hamad Hospital was destroyed within the first few weeks of the genocidal war. Decimated hospitals and makeshift clinics are hardly able to provide any care for chronic diseases, much less for people with disabilities. The Rafah border crossing is now closed once again and none of the injured can travel for treatment. There is an urgent need for thousands of prosthetic limbs and assistive devices such as crutches and wheelchairs, but those have not been allowed in. With the scale of destruction that Gaza's healthcare sector has suffered, it will take years for it to be rebuilt – and that is if Israel stops blocking aid as a form of collective punishment. In this time, amputees will inevitably suffer not just from lack of care and rehabilitation but also from the deep psychological trauma that will remain unhealed. This will be Gaza's silent epidemic.