Day: August 16, 2024

An Israeli enemy drone on Friday carried out another airstrike, launching two missiles at an open area near the town square of southern Lebanon's Aitaroun. Source : National news agency - Lebanon

During the first day of negotiations in Doha (Qatar) regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages, some progress was made. Representatives from Qatar, Egypt, the United States, and Israel agreed to continue discussions for another day, according to Axios. Israeli officials called the Doha summit the "last chance" to reach an agreement amid growing regional tensions, particularly due to threats from Iran and Hezbollah to attack Israel. The administration of US President Joe Biden emphasizes the importance of this agreement to reduce the risk of a full-scale war in the Middle East. On the first day of negotiations, CIA Director William Burns and President Biden's top Middle East advisor Brett McGurk met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Israeli Mossad chief David Barnea, and Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel to agree on key points of the deal. According to American officials, the discussions were constructive, and the parties reached a shared understan ding of the next steps. White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby also informed the parties that the US has intelligence indicating that Iran and Hezbollah are still planning an attack on Israel, which could happen. It is known that Qatari representatives have been consulting with Iran, stressing the need to de-escalate the conflict. According to Qatar's Ministry of Health, the agreement under negotiation would secure the release of 115 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza. It is reported that the results of the first day of negotiations were positively assessed by all participants, providing hope for further success in reaching an agreement that could be a key factor in stabilizing the situation in the region. Source : National news agency - Lebanon

Israeli enemy military aircraft conducted intensive low-altitude flights over southern Lebanon, our reporter said on Friday. Source : National news agency - Lebanon

The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the global developments surrounding the monkeypox virus. Following the World Health Organisation's declaration of a public health emergency, the ministry remains vigilant, and no cases of monkeypox have been reported in the Kingdom so far. The ministry noted that the monkeypox vaccine is available at several primary healthcare centres and that a comprehensive preventive plan for combating infectious diseases is in place, including a specific contingency plan for monkeypox. Source: Bahrain News Agency

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) markets, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, are among the most promising worldwide, brimming with mega opportunities for developing the gaming industry. While some global markets are grappling with major challenges like market saturation and increased regulations, the MENA region boasts a lively gaming community, boosted by high gaming expenditure. The region constitutes a fertile ground for game developers who understand the importance of localization and successfully add local flair to their creations. Niko Partners teamed up with the Saudi Esports Federation to help companies tap into the special nature of the MENA region and implement the best localization strategies for gaming success. Niko Partners released a white paper, dubbed 'Speaking the Language: Localization in the MENA Region,' in collaboration with the Saudi Esports Federation, to shed light on effective localization strategies in the MENA region, especially in the GCC marke ts. The paper relied on a meticulous analysis of market data, player feedback, and case studies related to pioneering companies in this field. Saudi Esports Federation chief executive Turki Al-Fawzan attributed the transformation of the MENA region into a major gaming hub to increasing government support, the proliferation of multi-platform games, and the strong digital skills of the population. "All these factors have contributed to solidifying gaming as an integral part of the local culture," he stated. With the technological advancements witnessed globally, localization has become a must to satisfy the passion of gamers in our region. Meeting the increasing demand, the white paper expects player spending in the GCC to grow to a total of US$3.24 billion by 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7 percent, up from US$2.24 billion in 2023. Niko Partners president and chief executive Lisa Cosmas Hanson stated that game localization aims to attract a wider segment of players, especially in em erging markets. By adapting games to suit local cultures, companies can reach a new audience previously beyond their reach, leading to increased sales and an improved overall gaming experience, Hanson explained. This helps enhance the company's position in the market and ensure the continuity of its operations, she added. Hanson noted that the impact of such Arabic localization will even extend beyond the MENA region to reach global markets. Through game localization, local developers will be able to share their stories and culture with players from around the world, diversifying the content available in the gaming industry, she added. Source : Saudi Press Agency

The mobile medical clinics operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continued to deliver essential healthcare services to residents of Yemen's Abs District from July 24 to 30. A total of 199 individuals received medical attention across various specialties. The emergency clinic served 74 individuals, the internal medicine clinic provided care for 64 patients, and the epidemic disease control clinic treated 53 people. The awareness and education department reached two individuals with vital health information. Beyond clinical services, the mobile clinics offered supplementary support. Nursing services were provided to 51 beneficiaries, medications were dispensed to 192 patients, and the surgery and dressing clinic treated 11 cases. Environmental health initiatives included two waste disposal operations. Source : Saudi Press Agency

Muslim World League (MWL) Secretary-General and Muslim Scholars Association Chairman Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa delivered the Friday sermon today at Kenya's largest mosque, in Nairobi, where tens of thousands of Kenyan Muslims attended. In his sermon, Dr. Al-Issa addressed the values and morals of Islam, reviewing the religious texts on coexistence and national brotherhood, and how to achieve harmony in countries with diverse religious and national identities. He pointed out that the religion of Islam is the religion of virtues and values, and the religion of mercy and kindness to all of creation, stressing that Islamic law guides the purification of the soul. He emphasized that Islamic civilization is a moral civilization in its foundation, approach, and goals, and has presented to humanity wonderful models of human perfection, reviewing examples of that. The MWL secretary-general arrived in the Kenyan capital earlier this week as part of a tour of southern Africa to highlight various initiatives and programs. Source : Saudi Press Agency

The seventh week of the Esports World Cup, the world's premier gaming and esports event, is in full swing at Riyadh City Boulevard's SEF Arena. The competition, boasting a $4 million prize pool, features intense matches in Starcraft, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, and EA FC 24. At the Qiddiya Arena, the EA FC 24 tournament ignited excitement. Argentine player Matias Bonanno secured a perfect 9 points to top his group. Saudi Arabia's Mosaed Al-Dosari placed fifth, while Brazil's Gabriel Freitas led his group with an undefeated run. Saudi Arabia's Ahmed Mujahid finished fourth. Meanwhile, the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare competition unfolded at the Amazon Arena, with American teams Carolina Royal Ravens, Cloud9, Boston Breach, and 100 Thieves dominating their respective groups. In the StarCraft, Korea's Park secured a semi-final spot, securing a 3-2 win. Source : Saudi Press Agency

August 16, 2024 -- The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) delivered essential relief supplies to support vulnerable families in Yemen. A total of 50 tents and 50 shelter bags were distributed in Hays District, Al-Hudaydah Governorate, benefiting 90 families or about 540 individuals. The humanitarian aid initiative is part of KSrelief's ongoing efforts to address the urgent needs of displaced people in Yemen. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, remains committed to providing assistance to those in need worldwide. Source : Saudi Press Agency

The commercial markets, libraries, and school supplies stores in Hail Region witnessed heavy economic activity on the eve of the start of the new school year next Sunday due to the turnout of parents purchasing school supplies for their children. In a field tour, the lens of "SPA" documented the turnout of shoppers with their children to purchase school supplies amidst the competition of markets and libraries displaying their goods, including bags, notebooks, pens, clothes, accessories, and other supplies at competitive prices for all educational stages for male and female students. The SPA reporters interviewed a number of shoppers who confirmed their eagerness to take their children to bookstores to choose school supplies, to increase their children's enthusiasm and excitement to commence school by purchasing supplies they chose themselves and displaying their choices to their peers at school. Source : Saudi Press Agency