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HorrorCon takes over Jeddah Season 2025 with spine-chilling thrills

HorrorCon takes over Jeddah Season 2025 with spine-chilling thrills
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HorrorCon Festival, is running until November 5 as part of Jeddah Season 2025, offers locals and visitors an unforgettable mix of suspense, adventure, and thrilling experiences. (SUPPLIED)
HorrorCon takes over Jeddah Season 2025 with spine-chilling thrills
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(SUPPLIED)
HorrorCon takes over Jeddah Season 2025 with spine-chilling thrills
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Updated 29 sec ago

HorrorCon takes over Jeddah Season 2025 with spine-chilling thrills

HorrorCon takes over Jeddah Season 2025 with spine-chilling thrills
  • The festival has already drawn excited crowds, with many praising the quality and attention to detail

Jeddah: HorrorCon Festival, running until Nov. 5 as part of Jeddah Season 2025, offers locals and visitors an unforgettable mix of suspense, adventure and thrilling experiences.

It brings together haunted houses, interactive games and adrenaline-pumping attractions for fans of horror and those seeking thrilling adventures. From mazes and arcade-style challenges to storylines that pull visitors into terrifying worlds, the festival introduces a new attraction not seen before in the city. From the moment guests enter, every zone is designed to transport them into a new kingdom of horror.

The festival has already drawn excited crowds, with many praising the quality and attention to detail. “It’s not just scary or creepy, each zone feels like stepping into a completely different world. I had so much fun with my friends visiting Qaid Station and The Dead Zone. We screamed our lungs out, and it was such an exciting experience. I’d love to come back to explore all the zones, because on our first visit we were too scared to go through everything in one day,â€Â said Sara Al-Mutairi, a local resident.

Among the highlights is Horror Hospital, a return of the iconic nightmare venue where guests step into the dark corridors of a haunted medical facility, encountering eerie sounds, unexpected scares and spine-chilling surprises at every turn. Qaid Station, a deserted parking lot, hides a horrifying secret in every bus, visitors navigate tight, dimly lit spaces, facing jump scares and unsettling stories that make every step unpredictable.

Guests can also brave the Field Maze; hearts race as they try to find their way out, after being chased by a vengeful ghost, and encountering unexpected twists and terrifying visuals along the path.

The next zone is Qalat Wadrean, an abandoned house hidden in the winding streets of the old city, a place locals avoid after dark. The story behind this zone is that the house belonged to Sheikha Rahada, a mysterious healer known for mixing potions that promised everything from protection against evil spirits to helping women find love. But whispers of darker deeds persist; some believe her remedies were part of secret midnight rituals invoking jinn, ceremonies that have since become the source of chilling tales passed down through generations. Visitors to Qalat Wadrean navigate its shadowy corridors, where every corner seems alive with the unknown, blending historical intrigue with spine-tingling scares.

For those craving intense action, The Dead Zone invites visitors into a zombie survival experience, where teamwork and quick reflexes are the key to fending off wave after wave of the undead. Meanwhile, The Farm 2 takes guests on a chilling ride through cornfields, past a haunted slaughterhouse, a spooky dog yard, and a possessed farmhouse, combining suspense, sudden frights and detailed set designs to keep excitement high from start to finish.

Another visitor, Mohammed Abdul Samad, said, “The Field Maze was terrifying in the best way. The thrill of being chased feels so real, and the creativity in each attraction is simply amazing.â€

“We came for the haunted houses, but the interactive games and surprises really kept everyone on their toes,†another visitor, Lina Raheem, said.


How KAFD is pioneering green energy vision and environmental leadership

How KAFD is pioneering green energy vision and environmental leadership
Updated 9 sec ago

How KAFD is pioneering green energy vision and environmental leadership

How KAFD is pioneering green energy vision and environmental leadership
  • Spanning 15.46 kilometers, the climate-controlled skywalks connect 95 buildings across the district
  • Guinness World Records was engaged from the project’s earliest stages to ensure global recognition for the scale of the network

RIYADH: King Abdullah Financial District was awarded a Guinness World Record this year for the world’s largest continuous pedestrian skywalk network this year.

Spanning 15.46 kilometers, the climate-controlled skywalks connect 95 buildings across the district. It allows pedestrians to move around comfortably throughout the year while also reducing reliance on private vehicles and lowering carbon emissions.

Faddy Al-Aql, KAFD’s chief asset delivery officer, described it as “a tube that connects all the parcels,†inspired by Najdi architecture.

Guinness World Records was engaged from the project’s early stages to ensure the network’s scale was recognized globally. (SUPPLIED)

“The tube is air-conditioned and built for smooth movement with no slopes, making it easy for people to walk between offices, homes, and destinations,†he said.

Guinness World Records was engaged from the project’s earliest stages to ensure global recognition for the scale of the network. The skywalks feature some 30,000 sq. meters of glass and over 3,000 tonnes of steel, with more than 5 million safe work hours from 1,200 personnel.

Elevated above ground and linked directly to Riyadh’s metro, the system reflects KAFD’s innovative mobility strategy and supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for sustainable, connected, livable cities.

“This recognition affirms KAFD as a platform for urban development,†said Al-Aql. “The skywalk network enhances walkability and supports our goal of delivering a smart city experience.â€

Mbali Nkosi, official Guinness World Records adjudicator, highlighted the significance of the achievement, saying: “This record was previously held by Minneapolis in 2016, but KAFD has now redefined the benchmark. In an era where sustainability drives innovation, KAFD’s skyway network sets a new standard for walkable urban design.â€

KAFD was awarded a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest continuous pedestrian skywalk network this year. (SUPPLIED)

Mazroua Al-Mazroua, chief marketing and experience officer at KAFD, emphasized its impact on everyday life.

“Riyadh is a hot city, and this network enables people to move seamlessly between offices, residential areas, retail and entertainment,†he said. “Today, we celebrate not just a record but a key milestone in making KAFD a truly connected and livable city.â€

The record-breaking skywalk network is a key element in KAFD’s broader sustainability strategy, which aligns with º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Net Zero 2060 target and the Public Investment Fund’s Net Zero 2050 vision.

KAFD has developed a comprehensive decarbonization plan that integrates environmental, social and innovation-focused actions throughout the district. It has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environment Design Neighborhood Platinum certification, with more than 40 buildings LEED-certified.

Buildings are designed to meet high standards of energy efficiency, water conservation and use of sustainable materials. Solar panels have been installed on select rooftops to further reduce the district’s carbon footprint and reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

The skywalks are built with 30,000 square meters of glass and over 3,000 tonnes of steel, requiring more than five million safe work hours from 1,200 personnel. (SUPPLIED)

Innovative water conservation measures include low-flow water fixtures to minimize consumption and eco-efficient irrigation systems such as drip and micro-sprinkler technologies for landscaping. A planned reverse osmosis plant will treat service water for use in central cooling systems and irrigation, helping to close the water loop and reduce waste.

KAFD’s sustainability strategy emphasizes community engagement and the creation of a pedestrian-friendly environment. The skywalk network plays a central role in encouraging public transportation use while minimizing carbon emissions.

At the heart of the district sits Riyadh’s largest metro station, directly connecting KAFD to key parts of the city and promoting a pedestrian-first lifestyle where residents, workers and visitors can easily navigate the area without private vehicles.

KAFD aligns its environmental reporting with internationally recognized standards, including LEED and the UN Global Compact. A dedicated sustainability committee ensures accountability and transparency through structured governance frameworks.

In addition, 12 key UN Sustainable Development Goals have been integrated into district-wide initiatives, identified through a comprehensive materiality assessment to ensure meaningful and measurable impact.


Global stars, industry leaders highlight º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s role in shaping entertainment sector at Joy Forum event

Global stars, industry leaders highlight º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s role in shaping entertainment sector at Joy Forum event
Updated 16 October 2025

Global stars, industry leaders highlight º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s role in shaping entertainment sector at Joy Forum event

Global stars, industry leaders highlight º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s role in shaping entertainment sector at Joy Forum event
  • Joy Forum 2025 continues on Friday with sessions on entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, theme parks, Bollywood and intellectual property

RIYADH: The first day of Joy Forum 2025 kicked off Thursday at the SEF Arena in Boulevard City, bringing together global leaders, athletes, creators and decisionmakers to explore the future of entertainment and º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s expanding role in the sector.

UFC President Dana White opened the forum in a session titled “Unconventional Pioneer,†reflecting on his journey in turning combat sports into a global entertainment industry.

White praised Saudi support for boxing and combat sports, saying: “Since Turki Alalshikh entered the world of boxing, the impact has been clear and everyone felt the difference.â€

He highlighted the Kingdom’s role in creating new markets, innovative formats and integrated experiences that have become global benchmarks.

The second session, “GOAT Narrative,†featured White alongside NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and tennis icon Novak Djokovic, discussing how sports legends evolve into platforms that build long-term legacy.

O’Neal described Saudi efforts in sport as “an exceptional achievement that changed the game,†while White said the Kingdom’s backing “revived the world of boxing and combat sports.â€

Djokovic expressed his gratitude for being part of the forum, calling it “a remarkable event.â€

Entertainment executives also took the stage at the event.

WWE President Nick Khan and General Entertainment Authority CEO Faisal Bafarat discussed the Kingdom’s rapid rise as a hub for global sports entertainment.

Bafarat highlighted the historic agreement to bring WrestleMania to Riyadh Season 2027, noting that a decade ago there was no comprehensive concept of entertainment in the Kingdom.

Khan praised º£½ÇÖ±²¥ as “one of the most powerful and successful†WWE partners.

Sessions on film, television,and digital media showcased the Kingdom’s ambitions as a creative hub.

Korean actors Lee Byung-hun and Lee Jung-jae, and director Yoon Je-kyoon, discussed South Korea’s production model for turning local content into globally exportable intellectual property.

Writers and producers including Derek Kolstad, Terence Winter,and Alik Sakharov explored emerging production ecosystems, the role of data, and partnerships between platforms and creators.

Netflix VP Ben Amadasun highlighted the global reach of Arab content, noting the popularity of Saudi productions such as “AlRawabi School for Girls.â€

Adnan Kayal, CEO of Entertainment & Content at Sela, said º£½ÇÖ±²¥ was entering new creative fields daily, calling the Kingdom’s position “growing†and welcoming international collaboration.

“The story of º£½ÇÖ±²¥ in cinema is still at the beginning. Today, the time has come to show the world the creativity and competitive power of the Saudi people,†he said.

The day concluded with “Stream to Mainstream,†a session on digital creators featuring MrBeast and Speed, moderated by actor Terry Crews.

MrBeast reflected on his rise to global stardom, saying: “I focused on big ideas — sometimes crazy and unique — and set challenges that entertained people around the world.â€

Speed hinted at a new sport, saying: “I might create a new sport … and launch it in º£½ÇÖ±²¥.â€

Joy Forum 2025 continues on Friday with sessions on entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, theme parks, Bollywood and intellectual property.


Border Guard patrols in Asir region foil hashish smuggling attempt

Border Guard patrols in Asir region foil hashish smuggling attempt
Updated 16 October 2025

Border Guard patrols in Asir region foil hashish smuggling attempt

Border Guard patrols in Asir region foil hashish smuggling attempt
  • Security authorities urge citizens and residents to report any information they may have regarding activities related to the smuggling

ABHA: Land patrols of the Saudi Border Guard in the Al-Raboah sector of the Asir region have foiled the smuggling of 23 kg of the narcotic hashish. Initial legal procedures have been completed and the seized items handed over to the competent authority.

Security patrols thwarted the smuggling of 11 kg of the narcotic qat In the Al-Aridah Governorate in Jazan Province. The smugglers have been handed over to the competent authority.

Elsewhere, authorities in the Eastern Province arrested a resident for promoting the use of methamphetamine. Legal measures were taken against him, and he was referred to the competent authority.

Security authorities urge citizens and residents to report any information they may have regarding activities related to the smuggling or promotion of narcotic drugs.

Reports can be made by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere, as well as through the General Directorate of Narcotics Control’s hotline on 995, or via email.


‘Sustainable Steps’ launched to improve environmental practices

‘Sustainable Steps’ launched to improve environmental practices
Updated 16 October 2025

‘Sustainable Steps’ launched to improve environmental practices

‘Sustainable Steps’ launched to improve environmental practices
  • The initiative aims to conduct several theoretical and interactive activities on Saturdays and Fridays

RIYADH: The first phase of the “Sustainable Steps†awareness initiative will be launched on Friday to promote responsible environmental behavior and practices.

It is supported by the Environment Fund and run in cooperation with the Rahala Association in Tanuma governorate.

The initiative aims to conduct several theoretical and interactive activities on Saturdays and Fridays to guide tourists and visitors to the governorate’s public parks and engage them in implementing best practices that contribute to preserving natural landmarks and enhancing environmental sustainability.

The Rahala Association is also working to implement the initiative in Al-Sharaf Park and Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Park in cooperation with Tanuma governorate.

“Sustainable Steps†is based on the principles of pre-trip planning, camping on suitable surfaces, waste disposal, reducing the effects of lighting fires, respecting wildlife and not disturbing natural components, and being considerate of other visitors.

Fawaz Al-Enezi, senior vice president of marketing and communications and official spokesperson for the Environment Fund, explained that the initiative was being implemented with the support of the fund, with the aim of raising awareness and empowering associations, civil society organizations and individuals by providing volunteer opportunities. 

Al-Enezi said that the Environment Fund promoted the environmental sector in the Kingdom by enabling initiatives and supporting research and innovation in the environment sector through the Incentives and Grants Program, which included 16 tracks in various fields, with the ease of applying for support through the grants program platform on the fund’s website.


Saudi Food and Drug Authority head: Kingdom places health at heart of Vision 2030

Saudi Food and Drug Authority head: Kingdom places health at heart of Vision 2030
Updated 16 October 2025

Saudi Food and Drug Authority head: Kingdom places health at heart of Vision 2030

Saudi Food and Drug Authority head: Kingdom places health at heart of Vision 2030

RIYADH: Saudi Vision 2030 outlines an ambitious roadmap centered on three core foundations — a vibrant society, a prosperous economy and an ambitious homeland — according to Dr. Hisham bin Saad Al-Jadhey, chief executive of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.

He said that the Kingdom had rolled out several national initiatives to realize these goals, notably the Health Sector Transformation Program, designed to strengthen public health, improve healthcare accessibility and transition from treatment-focused to prevention-oriented care.

Al-Jadhey made the remarks while participating in the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, taking place in Egypt from Oct. 15-17.

During his address, he said that º£½ÇÖ±²¥, through its Food and Drug Authority, had launched multiple strategic initiatives to advance public health. These included cutting sugar and salt levels in food products to boost nutritional quality, eliminating hydrogenated fats and ensuring the availability of specialized medications for treating serious illnesses.