Game On: The Epic Kickoff of the Esports World Cup 2025!

Hey there, fellow gamers and music lovers! Are you ready to dive into the electrifying world of esports? Well, let me take you on a journey through the unforgettable Opening Ceremony of the Esports World Cup 2025, which officially kicked off in the vibrant city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event was nothing short of spectacular, drawing thousands of fans to the ANB Arena in Riyadh's Boulevard City while millions more tuned in online. Picture this: a sold-out crowd, pulsating music, and a lineup that included global superstar Post Malone! Seriously, it was a night to remember!

The night was all about celebrating not just gaming, but the fusion of music and culture. The highlight? The live debut of "Til My Fingers Bleed," the official Song of the Year for the tournament. This genre-bending masterpiece features K-pop sensation DINO from SEVENTEEN, along with Duckwrth and Telle Smith from The Word Alive. Talk about a collaboration that captures the ambition and emotion of esports! Their on-stage chemistry was electric, and I’m pretty sure everyone in the arena was left breathless by the stunning visuals and dynamic choreography. The performance was a perfect blend of K-pop, hip-hop, and rock, and guess what? It racked up over two million Spotify streams in just its first week! How’s that for a record-breaking start?

A Star-Studded Affair: More Than Just Gaming

As the night rolled on, the excitement didn’t stop. Post Malone took the stage, and let me tell you, when he sang "Circles," you could feel the energy in the room shift. It was like everyone held their breath for just a moment, soaking in the magic of live music. And if that wasn’t enough, Grammy-nominated producer Alesso and virtuoso cellist Tina Guo brought the house down with their adrenaline-pumping track "Ascension." The entire arena transformed into a battlefield of sound and lights, perfectly synchronizing with the fierce competition happening on stage. It was an experience that blurred the lines between music and gaming, creating a vibe that was simply unmatched.

Mike McCabe, the Chief Operating Officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation, captured the essence of the night perfectly. He said, "At its heart, the Esports World Cup is a global celebration of community." And you could really feel that sense of community throughout the ceremony. Celebrities from various worlds—music, sports, and streaming—walked the red carpet, including popular streamer Tyler 1 and chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen. This event wasn’t just a tournament; it was a melting pot of culture, creativity, and shared passion that set the tone for an unforgettable summer.

So, whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just someone who loves a good show, the Esports World Cup 2025 has something for everyone! With matches featuring the world’s best players unfolding daily in Riyadh, make sure you don’t miss out. Tickets are available now at esportsworldcup.com, and trust me, you’ll want to be part of this global phenomenon. Game on, friends! 

Bridging Continents: Bahrain's Leap into the Future with the 2Africa Pearls Submarine Cable

A Landmark Achievement for Global Connectivity

In a groundbreaking development for international telecommunications, stc has successfully landed the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable system in Bahrain. This project represents a monumental investment of US$ 205 million, marking a significant milestone in global connectivity. Notably, the 2Africa cable system is recognized as the world's longest submarine cable, stretching across 45,000 kilometers. The successful landing of this cable, which occurred on June 4, next to the Seef District, was attended by dignitaries such as H.E. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, and Eng. Khalid Al Osaimi, Chief Executive Officer of stc Bahrain.

The implications of this achievement extend far beyond the mere physical presence of the cable. It serves to enhance Bahrain's status as a prominent ICT hub, thereby accelerating digital transformation across connected countries. This influx of connectivity is expected to attract significant international investments, create job opportunities, and foster innovation across multiple sectors. As H.E. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah highlighted, this endeavor aligns perfectly with the aspirations of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, which seeks to bolster the Kingdom's position on both regional and global stages.

Empowering a Digital Economy

Eng. Khalid Al Osaimi expressed enthusiasm regarding the landing of the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable, noting that it will increase Bahrain's connectivity capacity tenfold, with the potential for future scalability. This expansion is crucial for cementing Bahrain’s role as a leading communications and digital hub in the region. The cable, designed with a remarkable capacity of 180 terabits per second, will enable faster adoption of new technologies and digital solutions. This is particularly relevant in today’s data-driven world, where applications such as content streaming, cloud computing, and gaming demand high-speed internet connectivity.

Furthermore, the benefits of the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable extend to both businesses and consumers. For enterprises, the increased connectivity offers improved communication, greater access to global markets, and enhanced operational efficiency. On the consumer front, this transformative project promises reliable internet services and a richer digital experience. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for innovation, paving the way for emerging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).

The successful landing of the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable in Bahrain is not merely an infrastructural achievement; it is a transformative leap toward a digitally empowered economy. Through strategic investments and partnerships, Bahrain is poised to enhance its global connectivity, fostering innovation and growth across various sectors. As we look towards the future, the implications of this monumental project will resonate not only within the Kingdom but also across the broader region, solidifying Bahrain's role as a key player in the global digital landscape.

Webuild Enriches Saudi Arabia's Landscape with Diriyah Square Project

A Groundbreaking Investment

Webuild continues to assert its strong presence in Saudi Arabia with recently awarded works valued at approximately USD 600 million, entirely allocated to the Group as part of the expansive Diriyah Square project. This monumental undertaking reflects the company’s commitment to transforming Diriyah, often referred to as the "City of Earth." The cumulative value of projects awarded to Webuild by Diriyah Company has now reached approximately USD 2 billion, underscoring the strategic importance of this initiative. Situated in the northwest of Riyadh, the Diriyah Square project surrounds the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, with plans to establish it as one of the Kingdom’s key cultural and commercial hubs.

The Chief Executive of Webuild, Pietro Salini, expressed pride in contributing to a project of such symbolic significance. He stated, “Our presence in the Kingdom will be further strengthened by work that will have a positive impact on the area as well as the local community.” This sentiment highlights the firm’s focus not only on infrastructure but also on social responsibility. The new phase of Diriyah Square promises to cultivate a vibrant community space, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives.

Architectural Inspiration and Community Impact

The latest works, identified as Package 3 Finishing and MEP, encompass the construction of over 70 buildings and public spaces. These spaces are meticulously designed in accordance with traditional Najdi architectural principles, creating a pedestrian-oriented retail and lifestyle destination. Covering approximately 365,000 square meters, this development embodies a unique blend of culture and modernity. Furthermore, Webuild is already actively engaged in the Diriyah project with the development of an underground facility that will accommodate 10,500 vehicles, which is currently 55% complete.

Webuild’s extensive experience in the region, dating back to 1966, enables the company to tackle some of the most ambitious infrastructure projects globally. The firm has successfully completed more than 90 projects in Saudi Arabia, enhancing the Kingdom's urban landscape. These projects span various sectors, including civil buildings, sustainable mobility solutions, and advanced desalination plants. Therefore, Webuild's ongoing efforts in Diriyah Square not only contribute to the area's architectural heritage but are also pivotal in shaping a sustainable future for Saudi Arabia. 

Ultimately, Webuild’s involvement in the Diriyah Square project signifies a transformative wave in the Kingdom’s infrastructure landscape. By fusing tradition with innovation, the project stands to leave a lasting legacy while nurturing local communities and cultures.