Tabletop.me brings the Middle East’s first tabletop gaming convention to life
Tabletop.me brings the Middle East’s first tabletop gaming convention to life/node/2620293/lifestyle
Tabletop.me brings the Middle East’s first tabletop gaming convention to life
Mark Azzam is the founder of Tabletop.me. (Supplied)
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Updated 21 sec ago
Shyama Krishna Kumar
Tabletop.me brings the Middle East’s first tabletop gaming convention to life
Updated 21 sec ago
Shyama Krishna Kumar
DUBAI: When tabletop.me opens its doors in Dubai this November, it will mark the Middle East’s first major tabletop gaming convention, but, along with that, it will also be a celebration of something far older: human connection.
“We’ve been tabletop gaming for 8,000 years as a species,” said organizer Mark Azzam, an airline pilot turned entrepreneur and founder who has made it his mission to connect people through games.
“The oldest board found in Egypt dates back to 4000 or 5000 B.C. And yet, this digital world we’ve built has only existed for about 30 years. I find it sad that we’d lose what we’ve been doing for millennia, being together.”
In an era dominated by virtual entertainment and artificial intelligence, tabletop.me aims to remind people of the joy of gathering around a physical board. “You never see someone frowning at a tabletop session,” Azzam said. “Everyone smiles, everyone laughs, everyone connects.”
The three-day event, to be held from Nov. 7-9 at the Dubai Outlet Mall, is designed for both newcomers and seasoned gamers. For beginners, the biggest hurdle — learning the rules — is removed. “The biggest barrier to entry is the rulebook,” explained Azzam in an interview with Arab News. “You buy a game, take it home, and think, ‘One day I’ll learn this.’ At tabletop.me, our trained game masters are there to guide you, so there’s no barrier. Just come, play, and enjoy.”
He added that this “introductory spirit” is key: “It’s all about opening up something new, especially for families. Here, parents, kids, and grandparents can all share the table.”
While many still associate board games with Monopoly or Risk, modern tabletop games offer more creativity and strategy, said Azzam. “Monopoly is three hours long and always the same. Modern games change every time you play,” he said. “We have a big battle to fight against these old perceptions, but once people try the new generation of games, they never turn back.”
Beyond gaming, tabletop.me features workshops, industry talks and tournaments. But it’s also built for cross-generational fun. “We have the ‘Tiny Tabletop’ area for kids aged 4 to 8, with face painting, bouncy castles, and games that spark imagination,” Azzam said. “We’re even hosting workshops that teach parents how to be dungeon masters for their kids.”
There’s also space for tradition. A “Classic Corner” will celebrate beloved regional games like chess, backgammon, and jackaroo — “a nod to the timeless play that connects generations.”
Above all, Azzam hopes tabletop.me will unite the region’s fragmented gaming community. “Connection and unity — that’s my dream,” he said. “Different leaders, different groups and communities, all coming together under one big banner.”
Where We Are Going Today:Black Knight Coffee Roasters
Updated 26 October 2025
Waad Hussain
Black Knight has managed to strike a rare balance in ֱ’s growing coffee scene: a brand that feels both accessible and refined. Established in 2018, it has become one of the most recognizable local names in specialty coffee, known for blends that are bold without being bitter, and distinct without losing their smoothness.
Among their offerings, the Adham blend stands out as one of the best I’ve tried. It’s a coffee that doesn’t rely on complexity to impress; instead, it delivers depth through precision. The flavor is rich, full-bodied, and naturally sweet, with clear notes of honey, caramel, and nuts. What I like most is that it manages to stay clean and balanced, there’s no sharp acidity or unpleasant aftertaste, just a steady, rounded finish that lingers in a pleasant way. Whether brewed hot or over ice, Adham holds its character perfectly.
The price point is fair, especially considering the quality and consistency of the roast. It’s the kind of everyday specialty coffee that feels premium without pushing you to overspend. On the other hand, their Ronaldo blend offers a beautiful flavor profile as well but sits on the higher end of the price range — delicious, but harder to justify for regular use.
Black Knight products are widely available, I usually order their beans through Ninja App or find them at local specialty retailers like Modern Supply, and they’re also available online for direct purchase.
What Black Knight has done well is create a brand that feels distinctly Saudi but can compete with international roasters. The attention to detail, quality control, and flavor design make it clear that this is more than just another local brand, it’s a confident player shaping how specialty coffee is perceived in the Kingdom.
For more information, check their Instagram: @bkcoffeessa
DUBAI: Global music icon Mariah Carey is set to headline the 2025–2026 edition of Saadiyat Nights, Abu Dhabi’s open-air concert series held on Saadiyat Island.
The five-time Grammy Award-winning singer will perform in the UAE capital on Feb. 7, 2026, marking her return to the stage after her sold-out debut at the inaugural Saadiyat Nights in January 2024.
Fans are expecting a performance featuring her signature powerhouse vocals, well-known hits and dynamic stage production.
Over a career spanning more than three decades, Carey has become one of the best-selling female artists in history, with more than 200 million albums sold worldwide and 19 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, the most by any solo artist.
Her catalog includes globally recognized songs such as “Hero,” “Fantasy,” “Always Be My Baby,” “Dreamlover,” “We Belong Together,” and “One Sweet Day.”
Carey recently released her 16th studio album, “Here For It All,” on Sept. 26 through Gamma, a music and media company founded by former Apple Music creative director Larry Jackson and music executive Ike Youssef.
The album, her first in nearly eight years, blends elements of pop, R&B, disco and gospel, and features collaborations with American singer and producer Anderson .Paak, American R&B artist Kehlani, Jamaican dancehall performer Shenseea and American gospel group The Clark Sisters.
The record debuted at No. 1 on several Billboard charts, including Top Album Sales, Top Current Album Sales, Top R&B Albums and Independent Albums, continuing Carey’s 35-year streak of placing new releases in the Billboard 200 top 10.
Her 2024 performance at Saadiyat Nights was among the highlights of the series’ debut season, with tickets selling out weeks in advance. Her return in 2026 aims to recreate that atmosphere, offering audiences another opportunity to experience her catalog performed live in an open-air coastal setting.
Carey joins a line-up of international artists confirmed for Saadiyat Nights, including Ludovico Einaudi performing on Jan. 10, Lewis Capaldi on Jan. 17, John Mayer on Jan. 24, Ricky Martin on Jan. 31 and Bryan Adams on Feb. 11.
Additional performers are expected to be announced in the coming months.
It is reliable, unpretentious and proudly Saudi, and that shows in every cup
Updated 24 October 2025
Waad Hussain
Few ֱ coffee brands have managed to build such steady loyalty across cities as has Umq Coffee.
With branches in Alkhobar, Dammam, Riyadh and Al-Ahsa, the brand has become a familiar stop for coffee lovers looking for consistency, quality, and fair prices — three things that are rarely found together.
You will love the Ethiopian iced V60. It is smooth, rich and full-bodied, with deep chocolatey undertones and a gentle, lingering sweetness.
The clarity of the brew allows the beans’ natural profile to shine through without any bitterness, giving each sip a clean and satisfying depth — making it perfect for hot afternoons and late-night drives.
You will appreciate how their flavor remains consistent across branches, a sign that Umq takes its roasting and preparation seriously.
Beyond the coffee, the menu includes breakfast and dessert options that are decently priced but fall short in quality compared to the drinks. The food is not bad, just not memorable, it is the kind of thing you order for convenience, not craving.
The coffee, however, is a different story: always freshly brewed, well-balanced, and undeniably the highlight of the experience.
Their accessibility is another plus. Having branches in multiple cities means you can count on finding Umq almost anywhere, which adds to its charm as a truly local brand.
It is reliable, unpretentious and proudly Saudi, and that shows in every cup.
If you are looking for consistent specialty coffee at a reasonable price, Umq is an easy recommendation. It is not about luxury or hype but familiarity done right.
For more information, check their Instagram: @umqcoffee.
Saudi Film Confex attracts major Saudi companies and global stars
Hollywood starJohnny Depptook center stage to deliver a masterclass titled“The Genius of Embodying Different Roles”
Updated 25 October 2025
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: The Saudi Film Confex, which took place in Riyadh from Oct. 22 to 25, attracted major Saudi companies and global stars, highlighting the Kingdom’s rising influence in the filmmaking industry, as well as its growing creative economy.
Hollywood star Johnny Depp took center stage to deliver a masterclass titled “The Genius of Embodying Different Roles.” Hosted by Saudi actress and filmmaker Fatima Al-Banawi, the session provided attendees with a rare look into Depp’s artistic process, his approach to character building, and the lessons he has learned over his four-decade career.
Now in its third year, the Saudi Film Confex has become a key platform for the Kingdom’s creative industries, uniting local talent, international studios, and investors under one roof. This year’s event featured an expansive exhibition, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
The Saudi Film Confex took place in Riyadh. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
Film AlUla’s acting executive director Zaid Shaker described the Kingdom’s filmmaking progress as “nothing short of transformative.”
He said: “Saudi filmmaking is not just advancing but experiencing transformative acceleration. In a few short years, the industry has gone from nascent to dynamic. Storytelling has always been part of Saudi culture — from poetry to oral histories — and film has become the newest chapter of that tradition, especially among the younger generation.”
Film AlUla has emerged as one of the driving forces behind this transformation, providing infrastructure, incentives, and natural backdrops that attract both local and international productions. The destination has hosted several global projects, including “Kandahar” starring Gerard Butler, and is one of the most visually striking filming locations in the Middle East.
The Saudi Film Confex took place from Oct. 22 to 25. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
Shaker emphasized that the Saudi film industry’s growth is powered by two essential elements: organic creative momentum and strategic national investment.
“The sector has naturally leaned toward quality over quantity, which has ensured its early success,” he said. “Saudi-born auteurs like Shahad Ameen and Tawfik Alzaidi are earning global recognition — “Norah” was selected for the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, and “Hijra” is the Kingdom’s official submission for the 2026 Academy Awards. These filmmakers are defining a new cinematic identity for ֱ.”
He also credited the government’s deliberate approach to building an integrated ecosystem that nurtures both creativity and professionalism.
The Saudi Film Confex attracted major Saudi companies and global stars. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
“In AlUla alone, we have established world-class infrastructure through partnerships with industry leaders such as MBStudios,” he said. “We offer a competitive 40-percent cash rebate and provide upskilling programs with international partners to cultivate Saudi talent.”
Film AlUla’s collaborations extend across the Kingdom’s creative ecosystem. Shaker highlighted its ongoing partnership with the Red Sea Fund, which supported the co-production of “Hijra,” filmed entirely in AlUla.
“These collaborations are setting the foundations for a new generation of filmmakers who are rooted in the region and inspired by it,” he said. “We are building not only an industry, but also a cultural legacy that reflects ֱ’s landscapes, people, and stories.”
The Saudi Film Confex highlighted the Kingdom’s rising influence in the filmmaking industry. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
Beyond production, Film AlUla’s vision also encompasses tourism, education, and heritage preservation, positioning AlUla as both a cultural destination and a creative laboratory for the Kingdom’s future storytellers.
“We are seeing a vibrant creative community forming around this ecosystem,” Shaker said. “Film Confex gives us a chance to connect with emerging filmmakers, offer training through workshops, and inspire new storylines. When young Saudis see AlUla’s landscapes on screen, it ignites ideas — they want to tell stories that belong to this land.”
Arabia Pictures, a creative boutique dedicated to transforming ideas into intellectual properties, was participating for the third year in succession. Abdulaziz Nayta, project management and business development lead, described the company as “a one-stop shop for bringing creative visions to life.”
Nayta said: “We offer a unique blend of services — from ideation and concept development to project management and commercial guidance. Our core focus is on content creation, IP ownership, and monetization.”
The Saudi Film Confex highlighted the Kingdom’s growing creative economy. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
Arabia Pictures provides both financial backing and industry expertise. The company’s portfolio spans films, series, gaming, and events — adapting Arabic stories for global audiences while also working on international brand collaborations.
“Events like Saudi Film Confex empower the industry’s infrastructure and open new business lines in production and distribution,” Nayta added. “It’s an excellent initiative by the Saudi Film Commission, and we’re confident it will continue to yield great results for the future.”
Making its debut appearance at the event, the Saudi Entertainment Academy — the first accredited entertainment academy in the Middle East — attracted significant interest from visitors and industry professionals alike.
Founded in 2019, SEA provides training programs that lead directly to employment in the entertainment and event management sectors. CEO Eihab AbouRukbah said the event offered valuable opportunities for engagement and collaboration.
“This was our first time participating, and it was amazing,” he said. “So many people came to ask about our programs — how we discover talents, what we teach, and how we can partner with companies to build the sector together.”
He said the academy continues to expand its curriculum to match the rapid growth of ֱ’s entertainment landscape.
“We are still growing, and so is the market,” he said. “There’s a lot of potential for cooperation, innovation, and development within the community.”
The Saudi Film Confex has become a dynamic engine for industry growth — connecting filmmakers, producers, and investors while highlighting ֱ’s potential as a regional hub for cinema. The event’s success reflects the nation’s broader cultural transformation under Vision 2030, in which film and entertainment are central to diversifying the economy and telling authentic Saudi stories to the world.
By fostering collaboration, nurturing local talent, and attracting global expertise, the Saudi Film Confex continues to solidify its place as the Kingdom’s premier film industry event — one that mirrors the ambition and creative energy driving ֱ’s new cultural era.
Some of the biggest movies coming your way before the end of the year
Updated 24 October 2025
Arab News
‘Predator: Badlands’
Starring: Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi
Director: Dan Trachtenberg
In cinemas: Nov. 6
The latest installment in the popular sci-fi action franchise is set on “the most dangerous planet in the universe,” where Dek, a young Predator who’s been outcast for being a runt, has decided to take a chance hunting down “the ultimate apex predator” to prove his worth. He’s assisted by Thia, a damaged synth created by Weyland-Yutani (the bad guys of the “Alien” franchise). But she brings her own set of problems into the equation, being opposed by another synth, Tessa. (Fanning plays both Thia and Tessa.) Trachtenberg has cited “Shane,” “Mad Max 2,” Clint Eastwood Westerns, and the seminal video game “Shadow of the Colossus,” among others, as thematic and stylistic influences.
‘The Running Man’
Starring: Glen Powell, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Emilia Jones
Director: Edgar Wright
In cinemas: Nov. 13
The second adaptation of Stephen King’s 1982 novel about a dystopian near-future in which the titular lethal competition is the highest-rated show on television. Contestants, known as Runners, must evade professional assassins (Hunters) for 30 days to claim a huge cash reward. Powell plays Ben Richards, who’s persuaded to enter the show in a last-ditch effort to get enough money together to potentially save the life of his sick daughter. Director Wright has proven his ability to direct propulsive action with “Baby Driver,” and with Powell — one of the hottest properties in Hollywood — as the lead, this should be a lot of fun.
‘Jay Kelly’
Starring: George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern
Director: Noah Baumbach
In selected cinemas: Nov. 13; on Netflix: Dec. 5
Baumbach’s coming-of-age comedy drama was nominated for the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival. Clooney plays the titular (fictional) actor — a big movie star, but a pretty hopeless human being and father — and Sandler plays his manager Ron Sukenick. The film follows the pair on a journey through Europe during which they begin to open up to each other about their relationships, their lives and their legacies. Baumbach co-wrote the film with British actress Emily Mortimer.
‘Wicked: For Good’
Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
Director: Jon M. Chu
In cinemas: Nov. 20
The adaptation of the second act of Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s multi-award-winning stage musical — an adaptation (of an adaptation) of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” — sees friends Elphaba and Glinda coming to terms with their new identities as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Elphaba continues her fight for animal rights, while Glinda finds herself the focus of the unwelcome attention of the Wizard and Madame Morrible. And when Dorothy Gale arrives in Oz from Kansas, their relationship is strained further.
‘Zootopia 2’
Voice cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Ke Huy Quan
Directors: Jared Bush, Byron Howard
In cinemas: Nov. 27
Disney’s big animated release this winter sees Bunnyburrow police officers Judy Hopps (rabbit) and Nick Wilde (fox) team up once again. This time, they’re on the trail of Gary De’Snake, a mysterious pit viper who’s just doing his best to help his family, but leaves chaos in his wake. Judy and Nick go undercover and discover a reptilian population living as a hidden underclass in their city.
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver
Director: James Cameron
In cinemas: Dec. 18
The third installment in Cameron’s epic sci-fi series picks up a year after the events of 2022’s “The Way of Water.” As Jake and Neytiri’s family struggle to come to terms with Neteyam’s death, they encounter the Ash People — an aggressive tribe led by Varang, who has allied his people with Quaritch, Jake’s enemy. Pandora’s internal conflicts escalate with “devastating consequences.”
Having pulled off an acclaimed portrayal of legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan earlier this year, Chalamet turns his attention to a lesser-known US hero, Marty Reisman, an obsessively driven table-tennis player whose life loosely inspired this comedy-drama set in 1950s New York, where Marty is a staple of the sport’s community, renowned for his skill and showmanship in equal measure.
