Manga production unveils Saudi anime ‘Asateer2 Future’s Folktales’ at special screening in Riyadh

Manga production unveils Saudi anime ‘Asateer2 Future’s Folktales’ at special screening in Riyadh
The event was attended by prominent media, art and culture figures, marking a new step in promoting Saudi heritage through world-class anime production. (Supplied)
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Updated 18 October 2024

Manga production unveils Saudi anime ‘Asateer2 Future’s Folktales’ at special screening in Riyadh

Manga production unveils Saudi anime ‘Asateer2 Future’s Folktales’ at special screening in Riyadh

RIYADH: Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, “Misk,” celebrated the premiere of the second season of the Saudi anime series, “Asateer2 Future’s Folktales,” at Vox Cinemas-Roshan Front in Riyadh.

The event was attended by prominent media, art and culture figures, marking a new step in promoting Saudi heritage through world-class anime production.

Earlier, a special screening took place on Oct. 14 at Vox Cinemas-VIA Riyadh for diplomats and senior officials, where audiences enjoyed watching the second season for the first time in a festive atmosphere.

The audience engaged enthusiastically with the characters and new story developments, receiving widespread praise for the animation quality and visual effects that blend Saudi heritage with innovation.

The premiere reflected Manga Productions’ commitment to delivering content that showcases Saudi cultural identity.

The series continues to follow its heroes, Maha, Rayan and Sultan, as they face daily challenges, drawing wisdom from Grandma Asmaa through her traditional folktales.

The second season of the anime series “Asateer2” is set to air on MBC1 TV channel and streamed on Shahid in the Middle East and North Africa, starting Friday, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. Saudi time.

The second season is also set to air on TV Tokyo in Japan, starting Sunday, Nov. 3 at 7 a.m. Tokyo time.

Dr. Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, said: “We are delighted to see such a strong response to the premiere of the second season. This success not only reflects the quality of the work but also demonstrates the capabilities of the Saudi talents who worked on this project with passion and professionalism. At Manga Productions, we are committed to continuing this approach in producing content that meets global standards.”

Daliyah Abuabah, manager of public relations, communications and events at Manga Productions, said: “We are proud of the positive feedback received following the premiere of the second season of ‘Future’s Folktales.’ The premiere in Riyadh was a pivotal moment that brought together anime enthusiasts and influential figures from the creative field. At Manga Productions, we are committed to delivering a unique experience that reflects the essence of Saudi culture in innovative and contemporary ways. We look forward to seeing this work continue to inspire future heroes, both locally and globally.”

The premiere was marked by significant engagement on social media, with followers praising the artistic and narrative quality of the series, as well as the development of the characters and the intricate details that enhance the depth of the story. This success comes from the collaboration of 50 Saudi artists in character design, creative direction and production, in partnership with the Japanese studio, Toei Animation.


praised at UN for global leadership on dust storm early warnings

 praised at UN for global leadership on dust storm early warnings
Updated 6 sec ago

praised at UN for global leadership on dust storm early warnings

 praised at UN for global leadership on dust storm early warnings
  • The meeting highlighted the Kingdom’s $10 million commitment over five years to strengthen early warning systems

NEW YORK: ’s international efforts to combat sand and dust storms were commended this week during a high-level meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The meeting highlighted the Kingdom’s $10 million commitment over five years to strengthen early warning systems and support countries vulnerable to dust storm impacts.

The initiative, led by in cooperation with regional centers affiliated with the World Meteorological Organization, was praised for enhancing forecasting and response capabilities.

Jumaan bin Saad Al-Qahtani, deputy CEO of the National Center of Meteorology, emphasized the Kingdom’s work through Vision 2030 programs such as the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives.

He also noted the establishment of the Regional Center for Dust and Sand Storms in Jeddah as a strategic hub for regional coordination, data exchange, and capacity building.

has hosted major research events, including the First International Conference on Dust and Sand Storms in Riyadh, and plans to hold a second edition in 2026.

Its environmental efforts have resulted in planting over 142 million trees and reclaiming more than 436,000 hectares of degraded land.

Al-Qahtani reaffirmed the Kingdom’s readiness to expand international partnerships to reduce dust sources, protect the environment, and improve resilience against climate change, SPA added.


Postponed Saudi-Franco conference on Palestinian statehood rescheduled

Postponed Saudi-Franco conference on Palestinian statehood rescheduled
Updated 32 min 1 sec ago

Postponed Saudi-Franco conference on Palestinian statehood rescheduled

Postponed Saudi-Franco conference on Palestinian statehood rescheduled
  • Originally scheduled for June, event was postponed when Israel launched a military attack on Iran

NEW YORK: A postponed Saudi-Franco conference to discuss Palestinian statehood has been rescheduled for July 28 to 29, it was announced on Friday.

“The two state solution ministerial conference will resume on the 28th and 29th July 2025, details will be shared shortly,” diplomats at the UN confirmed to Arab News.

Originally scheduled for June, the International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution was postponed when Israel launched a military attack on Iran.


observes World Population Day

 observes World Population Day
Updated 11 July 2025

observes World Population Day

 observes World Population Day

JEDDAH: marked World Population Day, observed annually on July 11, with a focus on raising awareness of population issues and their impact on sustainable development and the environment.

World Population Day was established in 1989 by the UN Development Program amid rapid population growth, which required accurate and reliable data to support development strategies.

In this context, the Saudi General Authority for Statistics has enabled the Kingdom to stay abreast of global statistical advancements by adopting the latest international technologies and methodologies in conducting its census.

These efforts ensure the quality and accuracy of data, enhancing the reliability of statistical indicators that form the foundation of national plans and policies.

An integrated team at the authority is tasked with reviewing and verifying census data in accordance with the highest international standards, using advanced techniques for analysis and statistics. This work is carried out in cooperation with other government entities, ultimately contributing to the development of an accurate database that serves as a key reference for shaping economic and social policies.


aims to foster entrepreneurial ecosystem

Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti. (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti. (SPA)
Updated 11 July 2025

aims to foster entrepreneurial ecosystem

Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti. (SPA)
  • The Sidra Accelerator is a 12-week intensive program targeting startup companies in the environmental technology field, the ministry said

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti has launched the second phase of the Sidra Accelerator initiative in Riyadh, SPA reports.

The initiative is designed to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem in ’s environmental sector in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.

The Sidra Accelerator is the first initiative of its kind in the region in terms of its targeted sectors and the locations of its selected entrepreneurship systems in Riyadh and Boston, SPA reports. 

The accelerator focuses on promoting collaboration and strategic partnerships. It also supports startup companies in navigating complex regulatory frameworks.

The Sidra Accelerator is a 12-week intensive program targeting startup companies in the environmental technology field, the ministry said.

It supports their development and scaling by connecting them to a wide network of local and international experts, providing access to global systems and markets, and facilitating cooperation with leading venture capital firms. Ultimately, the program will help them expand globally, the ministry said.

 

 


’s Mawhiba program empowers female students in Yanbu

The program is part of Mawhiba’s efforts to support gifted men and women. (X @mawhiba)
The program is part of Mawhiba’s efforts to support gifted men and women. (X @mawhiba)
Updated 11 July 2025

’s Mawhiba program empowers female students in Yanbu

The program is part of Mawhiba’s efforts to support gifted men and women. (X @mawhiba)
  • The program’s activities include scientific visits, applied workshops and mini exhibitions, featuring active interaction from students and parents

RIYADH: Mawhiba’s Academic Enrichment Program continues in Yanbu Industrial City on ’s Red Sea coast, SPA reports.

The program, which is implemented by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, also known as Mawhiba, has targeted a select group of talented female students in various scientific and cognitive fields.

According to SPA, the program is part of Mawhiba’s efforts to support gifted men and women, and integrates specialized scientific content, practical application and personal and leadership skills development in a stimulating learning environment.

Some 95 female students participating in the program are receiving rich scientific content in tracks that include inventions, chemistry and engineering design, in addition to developing thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship skills, under the supervision of a select group of qualified female trainers.

The program’s activities include scientific visits, applied workshops and mini exhibitions, featuring active interaction from students and parents.

Scientific and creative outputs will conclude the event, showcasing the efforts of the students and education team, which contributes to the discovery, development and support of talents in the field of excellence and creativity, SPA reports.