An oil-rig inspired theme park set to open in Saudi Arabia

Oct 21 2021

Saudi Arabia has come up with one of the most bizarre theme park concepts out there – oil rigs. The park will be equipped with everything from roller coasters, bungee jumping, skydiving and helipads, all funds by the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The rig will be located in the Arabian Gulf, with the entire site spanning a combined total area of over 150,000 square metres. It is billing itself as the world’s ‘first tourism destination inspired by offshore platforms’, with three hotels and 11 restaurants all inspired by connecting platforms.

The park will, according to PIF, will provide multiple hospitality offers, adventures and even aquatic sporting experiences. Jet-ski and submarine rides will all be available, with guests getting to it by cruise ship or helicopter. A press release reads: ‘The Rig is a project in the tourism and entertainment sector, one of PIF’s key strategic sectors […] to ensure the sustainable preservation of the environment in the project’s vicinity, the project will follow leading global standards and best practices, further supporting the Kingdom’s broader efforts on environmental protection.’

Adrenaline junkies have all been expressing their excitement on social media. Some want a similar concept to be brought to shores near them, with others simply expressing the creative genus of the idea. Others thought this was some sort of horror survival situation, feeling a bit taken back by the project.

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Photo Source: Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund

48 year old admits to child pornography offences

Oct 21 2021

A 48-year-old man from St Paul’s Bay has admitted to child pornography related offences following a raid by police on his home. The raid uncovered pornographic material depicting underage persons on his computer, with inspectors Joseph Busuttil and Dorianne Tabone arraigning the man before magistrate Victor Axiak this morning.

The man was charged with possessing videos consisting of 13 and 14-year-olds in sexual situations. The court was informed that the accused is unemployed and suffers from severe mental illness. Legal aid lawyer Mario Caruana entered a guilty plea, with a pre-sentencing report being requested. The accused was ordered by the court to be remanded in custody in the vulnerable persons section of Corradino Correctional Facility. The case was put off for sentencing next month.

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Photo Source: CNBC, Justice

20th October is officially National Lil Nas X Day in Atlanta

Oct 21 2021

22-year-old rapper Montero Lamar Hill, known more popularly by his stage name Lil Nas X, was left speechless after he was given his own national day in his Georgia, Atlanta hometown. The rapper rose to massive fame, capturing even the attention of Dolly Parton following his covering of hit ‘Jolene’. Now, his entire hometown is celebrating him after the 20th of October was declared Atlanta City Council Lil Nas X Day.

Atlanta City Council member Antonio Brown announced the document setting the day in stone, citing his tremendous successes and ability to break barriers in music and popular culture. Montero’s success with ‘Old Town Road’ and his impact on the LGBTIQ+ community cannot be denied, with the young rapper himself choking up as he addressed the recognition. ‘I did not imagine I would be here four years ago when I was like at my sister’s house on the floor’ he said, almost tearing up.

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Photo Source: Hip Hop DX, Sky News

Around 60% of local youth want a future outside of Malta

Oct 21 2021

According to a survey, 60% of youth see their future outside Malta, raising much concern about the islands future. The findings by EY’s Generate Youth Survey were published this morning, checking in with a sample of 750 youth from Millennials and Gen Z’s. Despite 28% of Gen Z’s and 26% of Millenials choosing Malta, around 60% of the former and 59% of the latter revealed they would rather live in another European country. This shows an increase by 3% for Gen Z’s and 12% for Millennials since last year.

Both age groups pointed at over-development and environmental concerns as being the biggest challenges Malta faces. Concerns about COVID-19 fell by 39%, with economic concerns dropping to 8%. Smaller percentages also stated they would rather move to North America, Asia or Australia over staying in Malta. There was also an increase in some saying that they believe they will not be living better in 5 year’s time – with an increase of around 8% to 10% in one year. Ronald Attard, EY Malta Country Managing Partner, stated that these are the future leaders of Malta and their concerns should be taken immensely seriously.

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Photo Source: EY Malta, Medium