MBC Group Inaugurates New Offices in Riyadh

The MBC headquarters in Riyadh (Asharq AL-Awsat)
The MBC headquarters in Riyadh (Asharq AL-Awsat)
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MBC Group Inaugurates New Offices in Riyadh

The MBC headquarters in Riyadh (Asharq AL-Awsat)
The MBC headquarters in Riyadh (Asharq AL-Awsat)

MBC Media Group inaugurated its new headquarters in Riyadh during a huge ceremony attended by Acting Minister of Media Majed al-Qasabi and several prominent figures, including media professionals and officials.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of MBC Group Waleed al-Ibrahim said during the ceremony that the Group now launches new headquarters from the homeland, adding that they have always carried this dream since Saudi Arabia introduced its first channel, MBC 1, in London in 1991.

He expressed his happiness over the remarkable development that Saudi Arabia is witnessing under the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

He also highlighted the unlimited support being extended by the leadership for the sectors of culture, creativity, media, and entertainment.

"We are working with all determination to make MBC Group one of the most prominent international media organizations in the world," he said, adding that the Group will be stronger in Saudi Arabia.

He announced that MBC will take its projects to the new levels it has always tried to reach.

Ibrahim thanked the UAE government and its people for their support during the Group's time in Dubai. He said the shifting of the headquarters is "moving from one home to another."

Referring to MBC's upcoming strategy, Ibrahim explained that in the previous stages, the Group sought to reach Arab viewers, and it is now looking forward to becoming one of the most prominent international media organizations.

"We are working with determination to make MBC Group one of the most prominent international media organizations. The coming years will witness global activities that draw their story from the Arab history."



Japan Witnesses Warmest Autumn on Record

This aerial image shows autumn leaves at their peak as they surround Tsutenkyo Bridge amongst the grounds of Tofukuji Temple, in the city of Kyoto on November 27, 2024. (Photo by JIJI Press / AFP)
This aerial image shows autumn leaves at their peak as they surround Tsutenkyo Bridge amongst the grounds of Tofukuji Temple, in the city of Kyoto on November 27, 2024. (Photo by JIJI Press / AFP)
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Japan Witnesses Warmest Autumn on Record

This aerial image shows autumn leaves at their peak as they surround Tsutenkyo Bridge amongst the grounds of Tofukuji Temple, in the city of Kyoto on November 27, 2024. (Photo by JIJI Press / AFP)
This aerial image shows autumn leaves at their peak as they surround Tsutenkyo Bridge amongst the grounds of Tofukuji Temple, in the city of Kyoto on November 27, 2024. (Photo by JIJI Press / AFP)

Japan has recorded its warmest autumn since records began 126 years ago, the weather agency said, delaying the country's popular displays of seasonal foliage into December.

"This year was 1.97 degrees Celsius higher than usual... making it the hottest autumn since 1898, when statistics began," the Japan Meteorological Agency said Monday on their website.

Between September and November, the temperature was 2.4 degrees Celsius higher than usual in Tokyo, 2.9 more in the central city of Nagoya and 1.2 warmer in northern Sapporo city.

The weather has delayed the country's autumn foliage season -- when tourists flock to see leaves turn vibrant reds and yellows.

In Kyoto, a railway company known for running trains through forests of illuminated maple trees at night has extended its schedule because leaf colors are not changing as quickly as usual.

According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation, the best time to see the autumn leaves in Tokyo is around December 5 and in Osaka on December 9, both later than usual.

Japan recorded its joint-hottest summer on record this year as extreme heatwaves, which scientists say are fueled by climate change, engulfed many parts of the world.

The famous snowcap of Mount Fuji was absent for the longest recorded period this year, not appearing until early November, compared with the average of early October.

Climate scientists forecast that 2024 will almost certainly be the hottest year on record.

Australia has meanwhile sweltered through its warmest spring on record, the country's weather bureau said Sunday, with temperatures 2.08 degrees Celsius above the average.

Australia's previous hottest spring -- running between September and November in the Southern Hemisphere -- was recorded in 2020.