MiSK Launches Interactive Platform for Discussing Future of Technology in Saudi Arabia

The MiSK Academy launches an interactive platform for discussing future of technology in Saudi Arabia. (MiSK Academy Twitter)
The MiSK Academy launches an interactive platform for discussing future of technology in Saudi Arabia. (MiSK Academy Twitter)
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MiSK Launches Interactive Platform for Discussing Future of Technology in Saudi Arabia

The MiSK Academy launches an interactive platform for discussing future of technology in Saudi Arabia. (MiSK Academy Twitter)
The MiSK Academy launches an interactive platform for discussing future of technology in Saudi Arabia. (MiSK Academy Twitter)

MiSK Academy, an arm of the Misk Foundation established by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, launched MiSK Academy Forum “1 Hour panel Talk”, a platform for periodic discussion between a group of experts and specialists in various topics in different fields, including technology, leadership and digital media.

The aim of the forum is to facilitate the transfer of expertise and raise awareness in the field of digital media and equip youths who are interested in media with the information they need to develop the sector in the country.

The panel discussion, entitled “The Future of Animation in Saudi Arabia”, was held at Prince Sultan University and hosted by the CEO of Manga Productions Essam Bukhary, filmmaker and director Ayman Jamal, whose movie Bilal was listed among of the top 10 animation films for 2018 and designer, director and animator Malek Najjar, who directed the series Masaamir (Nails), and Omar bin Dahlous, a painter and the art director of You Brand.

More than 100 people were in attendance, including motion graphic filmmakers and those interested in the media field. The discussion included an evaluation of local experiences, presented the challenges faced by animators and studied creative solutions to solve those problems. The panel also discussed the animation market, its future and the best schools in this field

The MiSK Academy is working on launching a number of educational and developmental programs with the aim of training Saudi youths and equipping them with the skills they need to help the Kingdom move towards becoming a digital economy. These include technical, financial technology and creative digital media programs. So far, more than 9,000 have been trained, with the career development reaching up to 80 percent.



Ministry of Interior Launches 'Ezz AlWatan' Event in Celebration of Saudi National Day

Saudi Arabia marks National Day on September 23. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia marks National Day on September 23. (SPA)
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Ministry of Interior Launches 'Ezz AlWatan' Event in Celebration of Saudi National Day

Saudi Arabia marks National Day on September 23. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia marks National Day on September 23. (SPA)

The "Ezz AlWatan" events kicked off on Monday in Riyadh to mark the Kingdom’s 95th National Day.

The event is organized by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the General Entertainment Authority (GEA).

Running until Tuesday, the program features a creative, dramatic, and military performance simulating security operations and showcasing advanced tactics and skills.

The event also boasts an exhibition highlighting the ministry's efforts, its security system, and the development of its services.


French Zoo Returns Poorly Panda and Partner to China

Huan Huan ("happy") and Yuan Zi ("chubby"), two Chinese pandas are seen in their enclosure at Beauval zoo in Saint-Aignan central-western France, on January 17, 2012. (AFP)
Huan Huan ("happy") and Yuan Zi ("chubby"), two Chinese pandas are seen in their enclosure at Beauval zoo in Saint-Aignan central-western France, on January 17, 2012. (AFP)
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French Zoo Returns Poorly Panda and Partner to China

Huan Huan ("happy") and Yuan Zi ("chubby"), two Chinese pandas are seen in their enclosure at Beauval zoo in Saint-Aignan central-western France, on January 17, 2012. (AFP)
Huan Huan ("happy") and Yuan Zi ("chubby"), two Chinese pandas are seen in their enclosure at Beauval zoo in Saint-Aignan central-western France, on January 17, 2012. (AFP)

Two pandas at a zoo in central France will return to China in November after the female was diagnosed with kidney failure, the park's director told AFP on Monday.

Huan Huan and her partner Yuan Zi arrived at the Beauval Zoo in 2012 as part of China's "panda diplomacy" program, which sees the black-and-white bears dispatched across the globe as soft-power ambassadors.

The two pandas, both 17, had been due to stay in France until January 2027 but they will return to the Chengdu panda sanctuary, said zoo director Rodolphe Delord, adding that the zoo had been in touch with the Chinese authorities.

"The female has kidney failure, a chronic disease common in ageing carnivores. We therefore prefer to transport her to China before her condition worsens," he told AFP, adding she still showed a good appetite and normal behavior.

Delord said Huan Huan and Yuan Zi were expected to return to China in November 2025 "so they can live out their retirement in peace".

The pair produced three cubs while in France -- the first pandas to do so in the country -- and became star attractions at the Beauval zoo in Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher.

The eldest of the offspring, Yuan Meng, left France in 2024, while twins born in 2021 are expected to remain at the Beauval zoo for the time being "to raise visitors' awareness of the need to protect this iconic species", Delord said.

The giant panda was downgraded last year from "endangered" to "vulnerable" on the global list of at-risk species.

Delord said he hoped to extend the zoo's partnership with China beyond 2027.

"And perhaps bring more pandas in the future," he added.

The Beauval Zoo welcomed some two million visitors in 2023, generating revenues of around 113 million euros ($133 million).


Makkah's Parks, Gardens Transformed for National Day Celebrations

Efforts are being exerted to enable visitors to enjoy the celebrations in a safe, attractive, and fully serviced environment for Saudi National Day- SPA
Efforts are being exerted to enable visitors to enjoy the celebrations in a safe, attractive, and fully serviced environment for Saudi National Day- SPA
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Makkah's Parks, Gardens Transformed for National Day Celebrations

Efforts are being exerted to enable visitors to enjoy the celebrations in a safe, attractive, and fully serviced environment for Saudi National Day- SPA
Efforts are being exerted to enable visitors to enjoy the celebrations in a safe, attractive, and fully serviced environment for Saudi National Day- SPA

Holy Makkah Municipality announced the completion of preparations across public parks and gardens in Makkah to receive residents and visitors during the 95th National Day celebrations.

According to SPA, technical teams have been formed to carry out maintenance and inspections of facilities, playgrounds, and rides to ensure they are fully ready to welcome guests.

The municipality emphasized its commitment to providing high-quality services for the residents and visitors by overseeing the readiness of public spaces and presenting them in a manner that reflects the city’s distinguished image.

The efforts aim to enable visitors to enjoy the celebrations in a safe, attractive, and fully serviced environment.

Preparations included equipping seating areas, restrooms, and other amenities, in addition to providing expansive green spaces for leisure and recreation.

Makkah is home to more than 290 public parks of various sizes, offering a wide range of children’s playgrounds, as well as over 11 walkways with a total length of 16,410 meters.

The city also features football, volleyball, and tennis courts, in addition to public squares, shaded seating areas, fountains, walking tracks, and sports equipment for both children and adults.