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TASHKENT: Saudi Fund for Development CEO Sultan Al-Marshad was recently received by Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdullah Aripov in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the fund’s efforts in financing development projects and programs in Uzbekistan, and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries that has been ongoing for more than 15 years.
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a message of congratulations on Wednesday to Navin Ramgoolam, who became prime minister of Mauritius this month.
The prince conveyed “his sincere congratulations and best wishes” to the premier and wished “the friendly people of the Republic of Mauritius further progress and prosperity,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Ramgoolam was sworn in as prime minister a week ago, following his coalition’s triumph in the general election. It is the 77-year-old veteran politician’s fourth term in office; he previously served as prime minister between 1995 and 2000, and for two consecutive terms from 2005 to 2014.
RIYADH: Nasser Al-Khater, the CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, shared his thoughts on some of the challenges and opportunities his country encountered when hosting one of the biggest global sports events, and passed on some words of wisdom during a discussion at the 2024 Misk Global Forum in Riyadh with Hamad Albalawi, the head of the Saudi Arabian Sports Federation’s Bid Unit for the 2034 World Cup.
Describing the 2022 event as “the best-ever World Cup in the history of the tournament,” Albalawi said 3.2 million tickets were sold, a 17 percent increase compared with the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and it was the most sustainable tournament to date.
As such, football authorities worldwide can learn many lessons from Qatar about hosting future World Cups and other major events, he added.
“You saw a World Cup that put the fan at the very center … that created an experience for fans that were able to engage with the tournament beyond the 90 minutes,” Albalawi said on Tuesday, the second and final day of the Misk event.
However, hosting the competition did not come without significant challenges. Some of the biggest that authorities had to overcome included the problems caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the logistics of organizing a World Cup in a country undergoing great infrastructural development, and issues related to the welfare of workers, Al-Khater said.
However, one of the most significant hurdles was the intense media scrutiny and the constant battle against public perceptions.
“From the bid stage, the challenge was people not taking us seriously, not seeing us as a serious contender,” Al-Khater said.
Toward the end of the bidding process, as people started to realize how strong a contender for host Qatar really was, “they tried to discredit us as much as possible,” he added.
Al-Khater spoke in particular about the effects reporting by the mainstream media has on public perceptions. He said the task of trying to counter this by educating people had at times distracted from the crucial job of actually organizing a major, unforgettable event.
However, people eventually began to tire of the constant narrative, he added, started to question it and reflect on social and political issues in their own countries, and in doing so they slowly realized a double standard might be at play.
Al-Khater said 1.4 million people visited Qatar to experience the World Cup firsthand, many of whom raved about the safety and beauty of the country, and the hospitality of the Arab world; an image that jarred with the picture painted by the mainstream media.
“Women said, ‘We have never felt so safe at football matches in our lives,’” he added.
Albalawi said that when the Saudi bid team entered the room with their counterparts from other nations, he realized that the average ages of the members of those other teams were in the 50s and 60s, while the average age of the Saudi team was between 31 and 32.
“It made me think to myself, do we have the experience? Do we have the knowledge? Do we have the know-how?” he admitted.
But after reflecting on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, and how much it has achieved in the past nine years, he reconsidered his initial reaction.
“Although we do not have 20 years of experience, we have projects that we have managed that are more sophisticated than any other set of projects around the world,” Albalawi said.
“The Saudi youth is one of the most capable youths of the world. We have a lot of energy, we have a lot of will, we have very capable minds and we have a demographic that is the envy of every nation in the world.”
Asked how confident he is that the Saudi bid to host the 2034 World Cup will be successful, Albalawi replied: “Very confident. Saudi Arabia is a story of growth … of remarkable transformation. It will be written in the history books for decades and centuries to come; this era and this age will be remembered for the achievements we have created.”
Al-Khater noted that the experience of hosting the World Cup had a big effect in his country on young people in particular.
“The youth in Qatar were quite lucky that they have been able to witness a country that was growing together and living a sense of nationwide pride,” he said.
This feeling of pride and national unity instilled a sense of teamwork at the macro and micro levels that was reflected throughout society, from large national projects to small teams working in schools and universities, he added.
Great efforts were made to ensure the youth of the country were included in the planning process for the World Cup by creating programs in schools and online tools, for example, to help them understand the significance of the event to Qatar, and by recruiting students to work as volunteers at the event itself, Al-Khater said.
The World Cup can be used as a “developmental tool” and the youth of a nation are “your biggest ambassadors,” he added.
“Everywhere else, it is just the World Cup; for our part of the world, this is a strategic project and it is an ambition that goes far beyond sports.”
Albalawi’s message to Saudi youth was to embrace the prospect of the Kingdom hosting 2034 World Cup as an opportunity to “become your best in anything you do, whether that is the best engineer, football administrator, health professional, architect,” and “to see that growth in yourself and the connections around you all the way through.” He added: “The World Cup is an enabler to all of the different projects.”
Another piece of advice he offered to young people was to be diligent in everything they do, always triple-check that they have considered everything they need to, and to ask questions of everyone who can help them ensure they always stay ahead of the game.
Al-Khater’s advice to the people of Saudi Arabia was: “Always keep the big picture in mind because we can sometimes, through our own panic, veer off and start looking at micro issues.
“You need to hold yourself and start to zoom out. Learn how to manage up. Expectations are quite high in this part of the world, rightfully so. One big task that I have to go through is learning how to manage up and not just delivering on the ground.”
JEDDAH: The newly opened Wonder District in Jeddah is drawing visitors looking for entertainment, thrills and cultural immersion until Dec. 11
Located on King Abdulaziz Road, it is part of the Jeddah Events Calendar and a major highlight of the coastal city’s entertainment scene this season.
The festival spans 10 immersive zones, each offering a unique experience designed to captivate visitors of all ages, including adrenaline-pumping adventures to relaxing cultural experiences.
The Wonder Jungle section lets young visitors interact with animals including hens, raccoons, tortoises, rabbits, parrots, peacocks, flamingos, ducks, squirrels and even kangaroos.
The lush, verdant area is filled with wildlife exhibits, nature trails and peaceful corners for relaxation.
The Let’s Play, also for young visitors, is an energetic space brimming with interactive games and activities featuring iconic characters from beloved franchises such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Barney, Scrabble, Cocomelon and more.
For those seeking a thrill, the 500 sq. meter Spooky Circus delivers a spine-tingling adventure. From creepy clowns and haunted houses to glow-in-the-dark rooms and suspenseful surprises, the section offers a thrilling journey into the world of mystery and fright.
At the Wonder Job, visitors can put their skills to the test in an exhilarating race against the clock. With only 60 seconds on the countdown, participants must unlock as many safes as possible to win prizes, with one lucky safe containing the ultimate luxury reward.
The excitement is amplified as the action is streamed live on screens outside the zone, creating an electrifying atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
Smiley Beach, made from soft, sponge-like materials, creates a unique vibe where visitors can dive into a bubble pit or enjoy exciting activities like the blob jump, zipline, rope swing and slide. The beach zone also comes alive with DJ performances and light shows, making it an ideal spot to unwind or dive into high-energy fun.
For those craving adventure, Blast Off’s inflatable adventure zone uses varying air pressure to launch visitors into the air, creating a thrilling and exhilarating experience. It features trampolines, interactive ball pools, colored sand pools and slides, offering a unique twist on classic inflatable fun.
Entertainment comes to life at the Wonder Theater with a wide range of performances, including live stand-up comedy, captivating theatrical productions and kids’ shows.
Mohammed Hamza, who went to Wonder District with his children, said: “This is exactly what Jeddah needed; a place where the whole family can have fun while learning and exploring.
“We’ve never seen a jungle, theatrical shows and other similar interactive zones all in one place. We’ve been here for five hours and still have three more zones to explore!”
The retail area showcases the best of local craftsmanship, with 15 shops featuring fashion, accessories and artisanal products from talented local designers. Visitors can explore and purchase items that reflect the region’s rich culture and creativity.
“Customers have been thoroughly enjoying our designs and unique offerings. It has been an incredible opportunity to showcase our brand products. Sales have been remarkably good,” said Mohammed, a staff member at Rysh Fashionable.
Faiza Ahmed, another visitor, told Arab News: “The place is massive, and each zone really deserves at least 45 minutes to enjoy. The crowd management is excellent, and we’re not waiting in long lines; things are moving quickly.
“Smiley Beach was a huge hit with my kids, especially the bubble pit and lively music created such a fun atmosphere. The Spooky Circus is another standout feature, especially since it’s one of the few places where children can fully participate. The weather is perfect, and having such an open-air entertainment space is really enjoyable.”
Deena Ali, a visitor from Makkah, said: “Wonder District has quickly become a popular spot for entertainment and cultural exploration. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that visitors from nearby cities are eager to come. It offers activities that are unlike anything we’ve seen during Jeddah Season.”
RIYADH: The Slovakian ambassador to Saudi Arabia hosted a special reception to celebrate his country’s national day.
Rudolf Michalka told Arab News that Nov. 17 marked the day Slovakia regained its freedom and began building a democratic system.
“This is the day when the people of Slovakia decided to take power into their hands and fight for freedom,” he added.
Despite the dissolution of the former Czechoslovakia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic have remained close partners.
Czechoslovakia was not a sovereign country and belonged to the Eastern Bloc, explained Michalka, but the people decided that freedom was more important. They took to the streets, gathering peacefully in the cold for weeks as part of what became known as the Velvet Revolution.
Michalka said that, for him, Slovakia represented an island of freedom and a free spirit that he treasured.
He added he was happy to host his Saudi friends as part of the celebrations: “This is what Nov. 17 means to me — a united Europe, celebrating its diversity, promoting peace and stability not only in the region but across the world, and fostering tolerance, cooperation, fairness, and honesty.”
Slovakia is now a member of NATO and the EU, has adopted the euro as its currency and joined the Schengen area.
The Slovak Embassy opened in the Kingdom two years ago and there has been yearly growth in diplomatic relations, said Michalka, with more opportunities on the horizon.
“The fact that we have doubled our mutual business between the two countries is worth mentioning. The numbers continue to grow,” he said, adding that the embassy will next week welcome a delegation from the Federation of Saudi Chambers in Bratislava, along with over 60 Saudi businessmen.
“This is a great achievement for us, and I believe that increasing business between our countries will make our relationship even stronger,” he told Arab News.
The ambassador also announced the establishment of the first Saudi-Slovak Business Council and said a Slovak consulate had opened in the Eastern Province this month.
“For many Slovak citizens, Saudi Arabia has become a second home. Slovaks working for successful companies in Riyadh, Jeddah or Kharj, especially in the medical field, along with the Czech community, have found a friendly, safe, and inspiring environment,” he said. “I am grateful to Saudi Arabia for its hospitality to our compatriots.”
Four Saudi teams, comprising 24 male and female students, are preparing to compete in the Formula 1 in Schools World Final, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The competition, in its third round, will take place from Nov. 23 to 26 at Dhahran Expo, marking Saudi Arabia’s debut as host of this event.
The Saudi teams will compete alongside 55 teams from 62 countries, representing 28,000 schools globally, in a high-stakes challenge to design and manufacture miniature racing cars.
Ithra, King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, has overseen the teams’ preparation through a nine-month training program.
The initiative, led by 37 local and international experts across six specialized centers, focused on equipping students with advanced skills in engineering, design and teamwork.
Noura Al-Zamil, programs manager at Ithra, said: “We are proud to offer programs that reflect the scientific progress witnessed by the Kingdom on multiple fronts.
“Our goal is to empower youth in all cognitive and creative fields, nurture ambitious national talent in science, design and innovation, and showcase the capabilities of Saudi students on the global stage. They are the future leaders of the Kingdom’s creative industries.”
Al-Zamil said that the Formula 1 in Schools program transcended competition, offering a transformative educational experience.
“Students develop teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills in a dynamic and creative environment. The program fosters innovation and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enhance youth capabilities and prepare them for leadership in the industries of the future,” she said.
