Turning Japanese: Homegrown Arabic manga title Gold Ring Launches at Modhesh World

Gold Ring, the debut manga series by Dubai-based Pageflip Publishing, officially launched in the UAE today at Modhesh World. The region’s largest indoor theme park proved the perfect backdrop for the unveiling of the graphic novel adventure series. With its combination of original content classical Arabic and authentic Japanese manga illustrations Gold Ring offers young audiences an enthralling exploration of Emirati customs with subtle, but inspirational life lessons.

Gold Ring follows Sultan, a 15-year-old Emirati boy, and his falcon Majd as they compete in a fictional obstacle course. Along the way they encounter many challenges, in what becomes a true test of self determination and strength of character.

Unlike most manga books currently sold in the UAE, Gold Ring’s storyline is produced locally in textbook classical Arabic. A deliberate departure from the imported English and Japanese manga scripts, author and publisher Qais Sedki hopes his original content will inspire young Arabs to read more.

“Japanese manga is a very engaging literary format as the graphic and narrative techniques require the reader’s participation. Just like art, the reader can bring to the novel their own interpretation of the illustrations,” says Sedki, Author of Gold Ring and Managing Director of Pageflip Publishing.

Employing authentic Japanese manga techniques, Gold Ring is also set to transform the local graphic novel industry. Sedki has collaborated with two of Tokyo’s foremost manga artists on the Gold Ring illustrations. Akira Himekawa is the talented duo credited with such manga works as Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda and Astro Boy.

Gold Ring is printed in the traditional manga format using black and white graphics and paper weight to reproduce the authentic manga style. For this reason the first volume has been printed in Japan to ensure authenticity and quality.

Sedki has taken great care to ensure his altruistic motivations do not detract from the captivating story of this debut title. Although written for younger audiences, Sultan is a relatable character for any age group.

He is a hero without the special powers normally given to graphic novel protagonists and his fictional adventures are both entertaining and culturally enlightening.  

“Gold Ring reminds us of some of life’s most valuable lessons and teaches us that persistence and hope ultimately pay off,” adds Sedki.

Through manga, Sedki aims to create entertaining books that promote cultural understanding and foster national identity among Emiratis and Arabs. The manga format in Gold Ring has been adapted so it remains sensitive to Arab cultural norms without compromising entertainment values.

“Language and literature are inextricably linked with notions of citizenship, society and the ways we get along with one another in the world. It is so important that we provide original Arabic books that cater to the different interest and competency levels of our children. A lot of our kids are taught in English these days so this is one way we can maintain and develop their classical Arabic language skills,” says Sedki.

Ahmad Ali, Senior Project Coordinator at Dubai Shopping Festival Office and Modhesh World Supervisor says: “Modhesh World is the perfect platform to launch Gold Ring in the UAE as it represents a key attraction for children of all age groups and nationalities. We share with Gold Ring the aspiration to provide young local audiences with a platform for educational and entertaining literature.”

While the first edition of Gold Ring will be released in Arabic only, Sedki plans to reprint future editions in other languages.a

Gold Ring is priced at AED60 and is available exclusively at Modhesh World until 14th August. To celebrate the launch of the first edition all purchases will receive a commerative photograph alongside the six foot tall recreation of the book made entirely out of sand.

Become a part of UAE manga history and purchase the first edition of Gold Ring today.

Visit the Gold Ring stand at Modhesh World

Centre hall opposite Stargate Zone and next to the small stage

Airport Expo Dubai Garhoud

For more information visit www.goldring.ae