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GEA Launches Program to Discover Saudi Talents

GEA Launches Program to Discover Saudi Talents
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GEA Launches Program to Discover Saudi Talents

GEA Launches Program to Discover Saudi Talents

The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has launched the national program to discover talents dubbed "Entertainment Challenges". The program aims to discover, develop and enable the best talents to reach world class levels in 20 categories.

The program aims to discover national talents in various fields of entertainment, and its scope would be broadened to include all Saudis, along with encouraging all segments of the society to take part with a local entertainment content that suits the Kingdom’s image and culture. Winners will receive a fund of SR20 million ($5.3 million) to train and take their talents to an international audience.

Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), announced that winners of the three first places in all the challenges will be supported with training programs aimed at developing their talents and enhancing their potentials. Prizes will be given to the winners as follows: SR500,000 ($133,000) for the first place, SR300,000 for the second, and SR200,000 for the third.

The 20 entertainment challenges are: entertainment song, laughing marathon, graffiti artist, Saudi singer, national poet, Saudi circus, nature Olympics, entertainment activities, acting, folk dances, tank shows, kingdom chef, car shows, Saudi cartoon, animal shows, magic arts, skiing, Saudi comedy, video and photography, and events coverage.

The Authority said it will be ready to receive any proposal on other entertainment talents that are not included in the available categories.

The GEA announced that doors for registration have been opened until April 30. The evaluation and nomination stage is scheduled on May 1 to July 30, and live performance shows before the jury will take place from July 1 until Aug. 31.

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Japan’s Chief Meteorologist Calls Rumors of a July Earthquake a Hoax, Urges People Not to Worry

People watch a 3D video advertisement display with a giant cat's graphics installed in the famed Shinjuku shopping district Friday, June 13, 2025, in Tokyo. (AP)
People watch a 3D video advertisement display with a giant cat's graphics installed in the famed Shinjuku shopping district Friday, June 13, 2025, in Tokyo. (AP)
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Japan’s Chief Meteorologist Calls Rumors of a July Earthquake a Hoax, Urges People Not to Worry

People watch a 3D video advertisement display with a giant cat's graphics installed in the famed Shinjuku shopping district Friday, June 13, 2025, in Tokyo. (AP)
People watch a 3D video advertisement display with a giant cat's graphics installed in the famed Shinjuku shopping district Friday, June 13, 2025, in Tokyo. (AP)

The head of Japan's meteorological agency on Friday dismissed widespread rumors of a major earthquake in Japan this summer as unscientific and a “hoax," urging people not to worry because even the most advanced science still cannot predict any quake or tsunami.

“At the moment, it is still impossible to predict an earthquake with specific timing, location or its magnitude,” Japan Meteorological Agency Director General Ryoichi Nomura told reporters. “Any such prediction is a hoax, and there is absolutely no need to worry about such disinformation."

Nomura was referring to rumors in Hong Kong and other Asian cities of a major earthquake or a tsunami in July in Japan have led to flight cancellations and reductions in service, affecting tourism.

He said it was “unfortunate” that many people are affected by the disinformation, though he sympathized with the sense of unease that the people tend to develop toward something invisible.

The rumor originates from a 2022 Japanese comic book “The future I saw,” which features a dream foreseeing a tsunami and is also available in Chinese. The chatter began spreading earlier this year through social media, mainly in Hong Kong.

The author previously gained attention for allegedly predicting the 2011 quake and tsunami in northern Japan, which killed more than 18,000 people.

Japan, which sits on the Pacific “ring of fire,” is one of the world's most quake-prone countries.

Last summer, a panel of seismologists noted a slight increase in the probability of a megaquake on Japan’s Pacific coasts. The government organized an awareness-raising week but only triggered panic buying, beach closures and other overreactions and complaints.

While it is important to inform people about the science, Nomura said, it is also necessary for everyone in this quake-prone country to take early precautions.

“In Japan, an earthquake can occur anytime, anywhere,” Nomura said. “So I ask everyone to take this opportunity to ensure your preparedness for a major quake.”