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AlUla to Host E-Sport Drone Champions League Super Final 2023 for 1st Time in Region

The Royal Commission for AlUla will host the Drone Champions League Super Final 2023 on December 20. (SPA)
The Royal Commission for AlUla will host the Drone Champions League Super Final 2023 on December 20. (SPA)
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AlUla to Host E-Sport Drone Champions League Super Final 2023 for 1st Time in Region

The Royal Commission for AlUla will host the Drone Champions League Super Final 2023 on December 20. (SPA)
The Royal Commission for AlUla will host the Drone Champions League Super Final 2023 on December 20. (SPA)

The Royal Commission for AlUla, in collaboration with strategic partners Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones and the Saudi E-Sports Federation, announced on Monday the hosting of the Drone Champions League Super Final 2023, the first event of its kind to be hosted in the ancient city of AlUla.

The event represents a milestone in AlUla’s ambition to becoming a global destination for E-Sports and Drone Gaming industry, infusing the heart of the modern drone racing world with an essence of ancient charm.

The event is organized by DCL Drone Champions League, the technical organizer of the event, and is set to take place on December 20. The Super Final flagship event of DCL promises to reveal the most extraordinary display of skill, innovation, and technology in a stunning setting of AlUla's Old Town, which has been recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages in 2022.

Rami AlMoallim, Vice President of Destination Management and Marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), expressed his excitement, stating: "We are thrilled to welcome the DCL Drone Champions League Super Final 2023 to AlUla, along with our strategic partners at the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones and the Saudi E-Sports Federation."

"AlUla has always been a place for gathering on the old Incense Trading Route, with 7,000 years of continuous human civilizations, and we are committed to showcasing the beauty of AlUla to the world once again with various innovative activities and hosting unforgettable events."

Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones spokesperson Yaser Alosaimi said: "With this collaboration to host the DCL Super Final in AlUla, one of the most prominent destinations in the region, we are advancing Saudi Arabia's ambitions to be one of the leading nations in drone racing sport and in technical fields and aligning with global standards. By enhancing our national capabilities, we are actively progressing towards a more advanced future for all."

Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Esports officer at Saudi Esports Federation, said: "Hosting DCL Super Final in AlUla is an extension to our deep commitment towards making the Kingdom a global hub for gaming and esports industry, and this innovative event is an important milestone that will reshape the future of Esports In the Kingdom and fostering a new era of excellence within the field."

Markus Stampfer, Chairman of the Board of DCL Drone Champions League, said: "The Super Final 2023 in AlUla will not only showcase the incredible skill and innovation of our competing teams but also highlight the beauty and cultural significance of this extraordinary location. We are committed to working closely with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure that this event benefits the AlUla community and promotes sustainable tourism in the region."

The event marks the first Super Final ever held in a GCC country, which will not only showcase the historical significance of AlUla, the ancient city that is home to Hegra, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia, but will also add to its thrilling roster of annual sports events.

Furthermore, it signifies unprecedented growth and unveils a wealth of opportunities within the E-Sports sector in AlUla and Saudi Arabia at large. The event is set to raise interest from the local population, setting the stage for enduring collaborations that are poised to reshape the landscape of E-Sports in the region for years to come.

DCL Super Final 2023 is set to captivate audiences in AlUla at the Old Town Amphitheatrer. This unique event blends physical and virtual elements, with pilots stationed in AlUla but maneuvering their drones virtually within the amphitheater. The colossal screen at the venue promises a real-time spectacle for onlookers. The event will spotlight AlUla, enticing both local communities and drone/e-game enthusiasts nationwide and across the GCC to partake in this thrilling convergence of technology and sport.

While no physical drones will be flying in AlUla, it will be a chance for drone sports enthusiasts to enjoy the stunning and diverse landscapes of AlUla, varying between golden canyons, lush green oases or spectacular geological marvels.

It's an event that will not only showcase the scenic natural beauty of AlUla but also decide the World Champion of Drone Racing. The convergence of technology, athleticism, and AlUla’s vision for sports and adventure will make this Super Final a truly exceptional and unforgettable experience.

The Drone Champions League Super Final 2023 marks the inaugural event from the world of E-Sports and drone racing sports to be introduced into the AlUla Moments Calendar of events and festivals. The event promises both visitors and E-Sports enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a fresh and exciting experience amidst the vibrant cultural tapestry of AlUla.

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Entertainment

'Widow's Bay' and 'The Pitt' Tipped for Success at Emmy Awards

The Emmy Awards are television's equivalent of the Oscars. Robyn Beck / AFP/File
The Emmy Awards are television's equivalent of the Oscars. Robyn Beck / AFP/File
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'Widow's Bay' and 'The Pitt' Tipped for Success at Emmy Awards

The Emmy Awards are television's equivalent of the Oscars. Robyn Beck / AFP/File
The Emmy Awards are television's equivalent of the Oscars. Robyn Beck / AFP/File

The brightest stars in television are set to walk the red carpet Monday at the Emmy Awards, with horror-comedy series "Widow's Bay" and gritty hospital drama "The Pitt" expected to win big.

Apple TV's "Widow's Bay," which stars Matthew Rhys as the leader of an isolated New England island that appears to be haunted, has emerged as one of the most talked-about debut series of the year.

"People just love that show," Christopher Rosen, deputy editor of Hollywood news outlet The Ankler, told AFP.

It scooped up eight awards in the pre-gala ceremonies, and is in position to become the most awarded comedy series in a single year, surpassing the 13 trophies won last year by Seth Rogen's Hollywood satire "The Studio."

Rosen said he believes that Rhys -- a winner for best drama actor for "The Americans" in 2018 -- could now earn his first comedy Emmy.

A strong night for "Widow's Bay" does not bode well for "Hacks," the tale of a stand-up comedian trying to revive her career and the dysfunctional millennial assistant who helps her.

Its one solid bet left in the running -- and maybe its only statuette, says Rosen -- is a best actress prize for Jean Smart.

"That's a great way to honor the final season," Rosen told AFP. "She's never lost from playing this part. I don't see why she would lose for the final season."

Smart, who turned 75 on Sunday, has won four Emmys for the show so far.

A win on Monday would give her eight acting Emmys, tying her with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman for the most ever by a performer. Allison Janney is also vying for her eighth Emmy, for "The Diplomat."

-'The Pitt' expected to repeat as best drama -

"The Pitt," last year's winner for best drama, follows the stressed-out workers in a Pittsburgh emergency room, with each episode unfolding in real time.

Tackling everything from abortion rights to immigration crackdowns to mass shootings, the show is the odds-on favorite to sweep several drama prizes including best series.

"If 'The Pitt' doesn't win, it would be a tremendous shock," Rosen said.

It led all shows with 25 nominations, and already won four awards in the early ceremonies, including best casting for a drama series.

Star Noah Wyle, who has racked up awards over the past year including an Emmy, is expected to triumph again. Seven of his co-stars are hopefuls in the supporting acting categories.

For best drama actress, Rosen says it will be a race between "Pluribus" star Rhea Seehorn and Keri Russell for political soap opera "The Diplomat."

In the limited series categories, HBO Max's "DTF St Louis" -- the tale of a middle-aged love triangle gone wrong -- is a top contender.

The show has scooped up six prizes so far, including two for actors David Harbour and Linda Cardellini.

- Dolly tribute -

The 78th Emmy Awards gala will be hosted by "Law and Order: SVU" star Mariska Hargitay, who won two Emmys for her documentary "My Mom Jayne."

It will feature a tribute to late country music icon Dolly Parton, who was also an Emmy winner, and a performance from Noah Kahan, who will sing "Bridge Over Troubled Water" during the broadcast's In Memoriam segment.

The gala also will deliver some TV nostalgia, with "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" stars Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz among the presenters, along with "Charlie's Angels" stars Kate Jackson, Cheryl Ladd, and Jaclyn Smith.

Zendaya, a past winner and current nominee for best drama actress for "Euphoria," is on the list of presenters, guaranteeing at least one bona fide red carpet moment.

The Emmys ceremony begins at 5:00 pm Monday (0000 GMT Tuesday).

Entertainment

Israeli Minister Calls to Strip Gaza Film Directors of Citizenship

Director Yuval Abraham and Director Rachel Szor receive the Special Jury Prize for "NAZA" during the closing ceremony of the 63rd Venice Film Festival at Venice Lido on September 12, 2026. (AFP)
Director Yuval Abraham and Director Rachel Szor receive the Special Jury Prize for "NAZA" during the closing ceremony of the 63rd Venice Film Festival at Venice Lido on September 12, 2026. (AFP)
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Israeli Minister Calls to Strip Gaza Film Directors of Citizenship

Director Yuval Abraham and Director Rachel Szor receive the Special Jury Prize for "NAZA" during the closing ceremony of the 63rd Venice Film Festival at Venice Lido on September 12, 2026. (AFP)
Director Yuval Abraham and Director Rachel Szor receive the Special Jury Prize for "NAZA" during the closing ceremony of the 63rd Venice Film Festival at Venice Lido on September 12, 2026. (AFP)

Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar called on Sunday for the award-winning directors of an Israeli-made Gaza documentary to be stripped of citizenship, accusing them of "treason against the state".

In "NAZA", Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor spoke to 24 different Israeli military or intelligence whistleblowers who outlined the AI-powered targeting systems used to bombard Gaza that have killed tens of thousands of civilians.

The 80-minute documentary won a special jury prize at this year's Venice Film Festival.

Zohar accused the directors of being willing to "harm their homeland in order to receive applause from antisemites around the world".

"I will act immediately to revoke the Israeli citizenship of these despicable creators for treason against the state," he added on X.

Other Israeli ministers also took aim at the directors, who won an Oscar in 2025 for their film "No Other Land" about Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank.

"You are a disgrace and an embarrassment to the entire people of Israel. Go away!" far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said on X.

"I am certain that your friends, that is to say our enemies Hamas in Gaza, will welcome you with open arms," continued the far-right minister.

The revocation of nationality is legally possible in Israel, although it is rarely applied.

In 2022, the Supreme Court confirmed that the state may strip people of their nationality if they have failed to show "loyalty", for example by committing acts of espionage or treason.

The law was also expanded in 2023 to apply to people convicted of "terrorism".

The law requires the interior minister to submit the revocation request, the justice minister to approve it and judges to validate it.

Abraham said "the Israeli intelligence officers we spoke with talked to us about how this mass killing is systemic: not by accident, but by design, actions of murder and policies that are based on the total dehumanization of Palestinians".

The Israeli military has criticized the use of anonymous testimonies in the film, saying on Friday the identities of the whistleblowers "cannot be verified".

Israel denies deliberately targeting civilians.

Palestinian group Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Fighters also took 251 hostages to Gaza.

Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 73,000 people, according to the territory's health ministry, which operates under Hamas authority and whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.

Entertainment

Stallone Biopic ‘I Play Rocky’ Receives Standing Ovation at TIFF

Director Peter Farrelly attends the premiere of "I Play Rocky" at the Princess of Wales Theatre during the Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, in Toronto. (AP)
Director Peter Farrelly attends the premiere of "I Play Rocky" at the Princess of Wales Theatre during the Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, in Toronto. (AP)
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Stallone Biopic ‘I Play Rocky’ Receives Standing Ovation at TIFF

Director Peter Farrelly attends the premiere of "I Play Rocky" at the Princess of Wales Theatre during the Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, in Toronto. (AP)
Director Peter Farrelly attends the premiere of "I Play Rocky" at the Princess of Wales Theatre during the Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, in Toronto. (AP)

"I Play Rocky," a new film which traces the path of a then-unknown Sylvester Stallone fighting to create the movie that would make him a star, premiered Saturday at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it garnered a standing ovation.

Directed by Peter Farrelly, who won an Oscar for the 2018 film "Green Book," the film recounts Stallone's initial struggles as he tried to break into Hollywood.

His big break came when he wrote a screenplay about a boxer who, against all odds, gets his moment in the ring and seizes the opportunity -- a story that reflected his own reality.

Poor to the point that he had to sell his dog because he could not afford to feed it, Stallone turned down studio offers for the script over one condition: he would only sell it if he could star in it.

"The depth that Stallone had gone to before he made this movie, and the battle was even when he was shooting the movie, it all got me, because I didn't know it all," Farrelly told AFP on the red carpet in Toronto.

- 'Just hang in there' -

The filmmaker said he aimed to convey the same message in his film as the 1976 original: "Just hang in there, be tough, you take some shots, but if you have integrity, you will win in the end."

Shot on a shoestring budget, "Rocky" ended up becoming the highest grossing film of 1976, catapulting Stallone to stardom and garnering 10 Academy Award nominations, winning three, including Best Picture.

Before the movie screened, Farrelly personally thanked Stallone for giving his blessing to make the film.

"I said from the beginning I'm not going to make the movie unless Sylvester Stallone signs off on it," Farrelly told AFP.

"And he read the script and said 'go ahead,' and he saw the movie, he was very happy, thank God."

The film stars 27-year-old actor Anthony Ippolito as Stallone, who landed the role by sending in an audition tape before casting even began, Farrelly said.

"The movie shows that it's not really that easy to be an actor sometimes, and it's just...absolutely surreal," Ippolito said.

TIFF concludes on September 20.