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Film exploring culinary heritage of Ƶ’s Asir region wins award

Saudi men enjoy a dish from Asia called Mashgouth. (Supplied)
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Saudi men enjoy a dish from Asia called Mashgouth. (Supplied)
A dish from Asir called Masoob can be seen. (Supplied)
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A dish from Asir called Masoob can be seen. (Supplied)
A dish from Asir called Haneeth can be seen. (Supplied)
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A dish from Asir called Haneeth can be seen. (Supplied)
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Updated 05 September 2024

Film exploring culinary heritage of Ƶ’s Asir region wins award

Saudi men enjoy a dish from Asia called Mashgouth. (Supplied)
  • Collaboration between Ƶ’s national tourism brand “Saudi, Welcome to Arabia” and CNBC, the film explores the gastronomic heritage of the Asir region
  • Film follows first time visitors to Saudi — US travel influencer Mac Candee and his fiance, Mabelle Chedid, as they discover the hospitality of the Asiri people

RIYADH: A film exploring the culinary heritage of Ƶ’s Asir region has won an international award.

“” won the “Culinary Journeys” category at the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism International Food Film Menu 2024 awards.

A collaboration between Ƶ’s national tourism brand “Saudi, Welcome to Arabia” and broadcaster CNBC, the film explores the gastronomic heritage of the Asir region and highlights the diversity of the Kingdom’s landscapes and culture. With a strong farm-to-table ethos ingrained in its culture, Asir is known for its cuisine, with traditional methods still in use today.

The film follows first time visitors to Saudi — US travel influencer Mac Candee and his fiance, Mabelle Chedid, as they discover the hospitality of the Asiri people and the connections between its land and flavors. The film captures the couple hiking through the mist-swirled mountain valleys of Soudah, exploring centuries-old cooking techniques and tasting dishes passed down through generations while visiting a traditional majlis.

The award highlights the Kingdom’s growing reputation as a destination offering authentic cultural experiences and natural beauty. The Saudi Tourism Authority has been at the forefront of these efforts, using international platforms to showcase stories that highlight the Kingdom’s diverse regions. Asir was named the World Region of Gastronomy 2024 by IGCAT — the first destination outside Europe to earn the accolade.

The organization’s Food Film Menu project aims to raise awareness about the importance of cultural uniqueness as a step toward averting climate change, placing a spotlight on regions from across the globe and their food heritage. The winning entries were selected by an expert jury, and will be published on IGCAT’s website and social media channels.

The Kingdom is easing travel requirements through the eVisa program. Visitors from 66 countries can now quickly obtain visas online, with special provisions for GCC residents, UK, US, or Schengen visa holders, and residents of the UK, US, or EU.


Annemarie Jacir’s ‘Palestine 36’ to premiere at TIFF 2025

Annemarie Jacir’s ‘Palestine 36’ to premiere at TIFF 2025
Updated 29 July 2025

Annemarie Jacir’s ‘Palestine 36’ to premiere at TIFF 2025

Annemarie Jacir’s ‘Palestine 36’ to premiere at TIFF 2025

DUBAI: Director Annemarie Jacir’s “Palestine 36” will premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival as a gala screening.

Set on the outskirts of Jerusalem, “Palestine 36” tells the story of the Arab uprising against the British mandate.

“1936. As villages across Mandatory Palestine rise against British colonial rule, Yusuf drifts between his rural home and the restless energy of Jerusalem, longing for a future beyond the growing unrest,” the official logline reads. “But history is relentless. With rising numbers of Jewish immigrants escaping antisemitism in Europe, and the Palestinian population uniting in the largest and longest uprising against Britain’s 30-year dominion, all sides spiral towards inevitable collision in a decisive moment for the British Empire and the future of the entire region.”

The film features an ensemble cast including Oscar-winner Jeremy Irons, “Game of Thrones” star Liam Cunningham, and Tunisian actor Dhafer L’Abidine, alongside Palestinian talents Hiam Abbass, Yasmine Al-Massri, Kamel El Basha, and Saleh Bakri.

Jacir, whose previous credits include “Salt of the Sea,” “When I Saw You,” “Wajib” and episodes of “Ramy,” has been working on the project since before the pandemic.

“For years I’ve dreamed to make a film about the 1936 revolt, one of the most critical moments in our history, but in a way that is intimate, personal and raw. The story follows a group of people that each find themselves in a position they never asked for, and with something so much bigger than they know hanging over them. The film is about the moments in our lives where we are confronted with a choice, a decision that changes us forever,” Jacir previously said, according to Variety.  

The film was partially funded by Ƶ’s Red Sea Film Fund and the Qatar-based Katara Studios, among other entities.  


Chris Tucker tops bill of international stars at inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival

Chris Tucker tops bill of international stars at inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival
Updated 29 July 2025

Chris Tucker tops bill of international stars at inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival

Chris Tucker tops bill of international stars at inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival
  • Pete Davidson, Aziz Ansari, Louis C.K. and Omid Djalili also among more than 50 comics who will perform during the 2-week event beginning Sept. 26
  • Others announced on Monday include Tom Segura, Nimesh Patel, Sam Morril, Chris Distefano, Mark Normand, Hannibal Buress and Jimeoin

LONDON: Award-winning Hollywood actor Chris Tucker, critically acclaimed performer Pete Davidson, and Emmy award-winner Aziz Ansari are among more than 50 top comedians from around the world who will perform at the inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival.

The lineup for the event, at Boulevard City from Sept. 26 to Oct. 9, also includes: Tom Segura, known for his Netflix specials, including “Ball Hog” and “Sledgehammer,” and the series “Bad Thoughts;” podcast hosts Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee; Emmy-nominated writer and performer Nimesh Patel; late-night favorite Sam Morril; and UK actor and comedian Omid Djalili.

Also on the bill are Chris Distefano, who in February released his latest stand-up special, “It’s Just Unfortunate,” on streaming service Hulu; Mark Normand, whose special “Soup To Nuts” is on Netflix; veteran writer and comedian Hannibal Buress; six-time Emmy and three-time Grammy winner Louis C.K.; and Jimeoin, known for his observational comedy.

They are among the first 26 performers confirmed by Turki Alalshikh, chairperson of Ƶ’s General Entertainment Authority, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Other comics confirmed to be taking part include Andrew Schulz, Bill Burr, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Jessica Kirson, Jimmy Carr, Jo Koy, Kevin Hart, Maz Jobrani, Russell Peters, Sebastian Maniscalco, Whitney Cummings and Zarna Garg.


Bella Hadid gets nostalgic as she advocates for Palestine

Bella Hadid gets nostalgic as she advocates for Palestine
Updated 28 July 2025

Bella Hadid gets nostalgic as she advocates for Palestine

Bella Hadid gets nostalgic as she advocates for Palestine

DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid sent social media fluttering over the weekend when she shared a heartwarming carousel of rare childhood photos on Instagram. The 28‑year‑old delighted fans with snapshots from her early years.

The series of images begins with Hadid dressed as a young cowgirl, sporting a straw hat and boots on what appears to be a farm-themed outing.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

In the carousel caption, Hadid referred to her “inner baby bels,” adding, “Huggin her today. Smiliest & happiest kid. Hated the camera. Has anything changed!?

“Oh and most importantly….in case you forgot…. FREE PALESTINE!!!!!! I know this little fire cracker would have been screaming it from the rooftops,” she added.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, Hadid collaborated with Chopard as the brand shared new campaign images of the supermodel wearing pieces from its high jewelry collection ahead of Paris Couture Week.

In one of the images, Hadid wears a diamond necklace featuring a large yellow gemstone at its center. In another, she wears a coordinated jewelry set consisting of sapphire and diamond drop earrings, a matching necklace, and a statement ring.

“@BellaHadid embodies the essence of High Jewelery — radiant, refined, unforgettable. A tribute to timeless glamor ahead of Paris Couture Week,” the brand wrote on Instagram.

The model’s collaboration with Chopard began in 2017 when she became one of the faces of the brand’s high jewelry collections. Since then, she has appeared in several campaigns and has worn Chopard pieces at major international events, including the Cannes Film Festival, Met Gala, and Paris Fashion Week.

Hadid has had a busy summer. In June, with the help of close friends, she expanded her beauty brand Orebella with a range of accessories.

The model and entrepreneur teamed up with Wildflower Cases co-founders Sydney and Devon Lee Carlson to launch a limited-edition collaboration featuring two new products: an iPhone case and a “scentable wristlet.”

Hadid took to Instagram to announce the launch, writing: “Feeling like the luckiest girl in the world to be able to be creative with my beauty boss sisters. Life is beautiful when we have the opportunity to watch our friends winning. So proud of you two. So proud of our teams. So proud of us. Love you all — thank you for bringing this vision to life.”
 


Review: ‘Citizen Sleeper 2’ is narrative gaming at its best

Review: ‘Citizen Sleeper 2’ is narrative gaming at its best
Updated 28 July 2025

Review: ‘Citizen Sleeper 2’ is narrative gaming at its best

Review: ‘Citizen Sleeper 2’ is narrative gaming at its best

DUBAI: The sequel to one of indie gaming’s most beloved narrative gems, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, proves that lightning can strike twice. Again featuring an imaginative space setting, the dice-driven roleplaying game thrives on subtle storytelling that feels both intimate and epic.

In Citizen Sleeper 2, you step once more into the worn metal frame of a Sleeper — a synthetic body powered by a digitized human consciousness, stripped of its original memories. While the first game saw you fleeing the corporate entity that created you, the sequel shifts gears. This time, you are a Sleeper who has broken free from the chemical leash of Stabilizer only to find yourself bound by another kind of chain — indentured to ruthless gang boss Laine, trading one form of control for another.

What sets Citizen Sleeper 2 apart is its ability to make every choice matter without bombarding the player with flashy moral prompts. Conversations feel organic, decisions ripple outwards with quiet but devastating impact and the characters are drawn with nuance and compassion.

The gameplay remains as relaxing as it is engrossing. The dice mechanic returns, offering a meditative rhythm of planning and risk, but there is added depth in how resources, relationships and time must be balanced.

As the hours pass, the stakes rise. What begins as a personal quest for survival grows into a meditation on community, identity and the cost of freedom. By the time the credits roll, Citizen Sleeper 2 feels less like a game you played and more like a story you lived.

It is narrative-driven gaming at its best.


Labubu fans dote over ugly-cute doll trending at Comic-Con

Labubu fans dote over ugly-cute doll trending at Comic-Con
Updated 28 July 2025

Labubu fans dote over ugly-cute doll trending at Comic-Con

Labubu fans dote over ugly-cute doll trending at Comic-Con
  • Labubu dolls have been popularized by celebrities, including Lisa from Blackpink
  • The dolls were created by a Hong Kong artist and is based on Nordic mythology

SAN DIEGO: San Diego Comic-Con is the latest location where the ugly-cute dolls named Labubu have been trending, with fans carrying the plushies globally popularized by celebrities Rihanna, Lizzo, Dua Lipa, and Lisa from the K-pop group Blackpink. The wide-eyed and grinning doll was created in 2015 by Hong Kong artist and illustrator Kasing Lung. In 2019, Lung allowed them to be sold by Pop Mart, a Chinese toy company that sells collectible figurines, often in “blind boxes.”
“Blind boxes” are sealed boxes containing a surprise item that is usually part of a themed collection.
Naomi Galban, from San Diego, waited in line on Sunday at the Pop Mart booth in the San Diego Convention Center for a chance to get her first Labubu.
“Every time I go to a Pop Mart store, they’re sold out,” the 24-year-old told Reuters. She hoped to buy one for her little sister.
Emily Brough, Pop Mart’s Head of IP Licensing, spoke to Reuters on Thursday about Labubu fans at Comic-Con.
“We love to see how fans are personalizing it (Labubu) for themselves,” Brough said next to the Pop Mart booth.
While Brough noted that there were many people with a Labubu strapped to their bags and backpacks at Comic-Con, the doll’s popularity did not happen overnight. Labubus had a huge boost in 2019 after Pop Mart began selling them, and in 2024, when Blackpink’s Lisa, who is Thai, created a buying frenzy in Thailand after she promoted Labubu on social media.
Pop Mart saw sales skyrocket in North America that same year, with revenue in the US in the first quarter of 2025 already surpassing the full-year US revenue from 2024, Pop Mart said.
When he created Labubu, Lung gave the character, who is female, a backstory inspired by Nordic mythology.
He called her and his other fictional creatures “The Monsters.”
Diana Goycortua, 25, first discovered Labubu through social media, and before she knew it, it felt like a “game” to try and collect the dolls.
“It’s a little bit of gambling with what you’re getting,” the Labubu fan from San Diego said on Sunday while waiting at the Pop Mart booth, concluding that her love for the character made it worth trying blind boxes.
Goycortua already has three Labubus, and was hoping to score her a fourth one at Comic-Con.