Al-Fayha goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic wants to see SPL among world’s top 5 leagues

Special Al-Fayha goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic wants to see SPL among world’s top 5 leagues
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Updated 13 August 2024
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Al-Fayha goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic wants to see SPL among world’s top 5 leagues

Al-Fayha goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic wants to see SPL among world’s top 5 leagues

RIYADH: Vladimir Stojkovic, goalkeeper for Saudi Pro League side Al-Fayha Club, wants to see the league become one of the world’s top five in the next 10 years. 

Speaking on Arab News’ “The Mayman Show” podcast from the club’s Al-Majma’ah pitch, the 40-year-old Serbian shot-stopper pointed out the league’s increasing strength as more big-name players – such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar – make their mark in Saudi football.   

While he has only been in the Kingdom for just over two years, he has noticed the increasing global interest in the league and observed a shift in attitudes toward a growing affection for it. 

 

 

He said top players from the national team of his home country had started joining the league, a situation that helped motivate him to elevate his game to the highest level, especially when playing against the best. 

The increased competition made matches more intense, competitive, and enjoyable, he added. 

Before achieving an historic win with his club in the 2022 King’s Cup competition, Stojkovic had played for Red Star Belgrade in Serbia, FC Nantes in France, Vitesse in the Netherlands, Sporting of Portugal, Getafe in Spain, Wigan Athletic and Nottingham Forest in England, Partizan Belgrade in Serbia, Ergotelis in Greece, and Maccabi Haifa in Israel. 

 

 

He began playing football at the age of 13, and from that point onward, his entire life revolved around the sport. 

He noted that the only challenge he faced as a kid was occasionally being late for other activities because he was always playing football, from early morning until late at night. 

His family had always inspired him to pursue a career in football. His father and brother played as goalkeepers, his mom was an athlete for the former Yugoslavian national team, and his nephew now plays in goal for Saudi side Al-Faisaly. 

Stojkovic said: “It is a difficult life; it is not easy like people think — just go on the pitch and shoot the ball and that’s it. If you play for a big club, the expectation is big, 3 million people want something from you … and every day, a new challenge. 

 

 

“If you are at a big club, you have pressure, pressure, and pressure and also they expect from you something different because you are a foreigner, and wherever you go you have to be different and play good,” he added. 

When playing for Partizan, rival of Red Star Belgrade, he lived under 24/7 police protection. 

“I woke up in the morning, and the police guys were waiting for me outside. They would go with me to training and after training, bring me back or accompany me to a restaurant. They had to go with me, to follow me, 24 hours,” he said. 

But now he is enjoying his time in the Kingdom and taking every opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia and sample its local cuisine. 

 

 

“Saudi has everything. I’m happy here because I have very good competition, and play in a very good league,” Stojkovic added. 

On his secret to achieving success, he said: “You must have passion. You have to be crazy for the football and never give up. After that, the way to the top is long, you have to survive. You need to keep on fighting. 

“You never know when someone will see your talent, maybe at school or maybe on the park.”

 

 


Saudi aid continues to reach thousands in Gaza, Lebanon

Saudi aid continues to reach thousands in Gaza, Lebanon
Updated 09 November 2024
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Saudi aid continues to reach thousands in Gaza, Lebanon

Saudi aid continues to reach thousands in Gaza, Lebanon
  • The relief effort is being conducted in cooperation with the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage
  • Saudi aid is crucial to supporting families as they confront daily hardships and critical shortages

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief is continuing to provide essential food baskets to families in northern Gaza, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The relief effort is being conducted in cooperation with the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage as part of a campaign initiated under the directives of the Saudi leadership.
The humanitarian situation in northern Gaza remains dire, exacerbated by ongoing hostilities and border closures. Saudi aid is crucial to supporting families as they confront daily hardships and critical shortages.
Meanwhile, the 21st aid plane sent from Riyadh to Lebanon arrived at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Saturday, carrying food, shelter and medical supplies.
The aid, handled by KSrelief, will be used to assist the growing number of people displaced by Israeli airstrikes. The UAE, Turkiye, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Canada, Romania and France are also sending aid to Lebanon.
Since its inception in 2015, KSrelief has implemented more than 3,100 projects worth more than $7.1 billion in 104 countries, in cooperation with local, regional and international partners.


Saudi defense ministry to host leadership forum for non-commissioned officers

Saudi defense ministry to host leadership forum for non-commissioned officers
Updated 09 November 2024
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Saudi defense ministry to host leadership forum for non-commissioned officers

Saudi defense ministry to host leadership forum for non-commissioned officers
  • Participants will include officers from the ministry, other military branches and allied nations

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Defense will host an international leadership forum for non-commissioned officers in Riyadh later this month, Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Taking place with the support of Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman from Nov. 18-19 under the theme “Development and Empowerment,” the event will “underscore the role played by non-commissioned officers and promote shared practices in leadership empowerment,” SPA said.

Non-commissioned officers, or NCOs, are military personnel who have risen through the ranks and look after the day-to-day management of military operations, supervise enlisted soldiers and assist commissioned officers.

The forum will also look to facilitate the exchange of leadership experiences and success stories with military counterparts both within and outside the Kingdom.

Organized by NCOs from the Ministry of Defense and overseen by the Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, the forum will feature dialogue sessions focused on topics such as enhancing leadership competency and empowering women within the ministry.

Participants will include officers from the ministry, other military branches and allied nations.

The event will also feature lectures and an exhibition will run alongside the forum, spotlighting the ministry’s development program for leadership roles of non-commissioned officers, as well as highlighting its I’tizaz and Together programs.


Prince Turki discusses Middle East stability at Harvard

Prince Turki discusses Middle East stability at Harvard
Updated 09 November 2024
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Prince Turki discusses Middle East stability at Harvard

Prince Turki discusses Middle East stability at Harvard

RIYADH: Prince Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, recently visited Harvard University.

Invited by the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Kennedy School, the prince spoke about Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in the Middle East and its efforts to reduce conflicts and promote regional stability, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

He also spoke to members of the faculty about matters related to research and international relations and addressed members of the Harvard Club of Saudi Arabia, including its president, Abdullah Al-Dosari.

Prince Turki emphasized the importance of the club’s role in supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative through academic and social programs.


Ancient Kingdoms Festival honors history in AlUla and beyond

Ancient Kingdoms Festival honors history in AlUla and beyond
Updated 09 November 2024
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Ancient Kingdoms Festival honors history in AlUla and beyond

Ancient Kingdoms Festival honors history in AlUla and beyond
  • Artifacts from Vesuvius eruption on show for first time in Kingdom

RIYADH: The Ancient Kingdoms Festival, being held in AlUla until Nov. 30, is celebrating the rich history of the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region.

The festival combines heritage and culture through a variety of events, including daytime activities, exploratory tours, and night excursions inspired by ancient stories, all guided by specialized teams, Saudi Press Agency reported.

A highlight is an exhibition from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, “Masterpieces of the MANN,” hosted at the Maraya cultural venue.

For the first time in Saudi Arabia, visitors can explore the legacy of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79 through artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, the Roman cities buried under volcanic ash.

Pieces from the renowned Farnese Collection housing ancient Greek and Roman art are also on show.

Other unique experiences include the “Hegra After Dark” event at Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, drone shows, and the Hegra Candlelit Classics series of concerts.

Visitors can also join the “Quest for the Ancient Kingdoms” tour in Wadi Al-Naam, or Valley of the Ostriches, known for its dramatic rock formations.

“The Incense Road Experience” in AlUla’s Old Town offers an immersive journey through narrow alleys lined with traditional mud-brick buildings.

The experience blends live performances and modern technology to tell interactive stories, unveiling archaeological treasures in a captivating mix of past and present.

The National Archaeological Museum of Naples recently joined the commission’s network of cultural partners, aligning with heritage and educational institutions from the UK, France, China, and Italy to collaborate on preserving, studying, and celebrating AlUla’s 20,000-year-old heritage.

Established in 1777, the museum is a prominent landmark in one of Italy’s heritage capitals.

It houses some of Europe’s most treasured cultural artefacts, including exceptionally well-preserved Roman and Greek statues, bronze pieces, mosaics, and other artworks.


‘Craftsman Bus’ to promote traditional arts across Kingdom

‘Craftsman Bus’ to promote traditional arts across Kingdom
Updated 09 November 2024
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‘Craftsman Bus’ to promote traditional arts across Kingdom

‘Craftsman Bus’ to promote traditional arts across Kingdom

RIYADH: A platform on wheels has been rolled out to celebrate and promote traditional arts through a tour across the Kingdom’s regions.

The “Craftsman Bus,” an initiative of the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, will run until Nov. 23, offering cultural and creative experiences with live performances, interactive activities, parades, creative workshops and community art showcases.

Each weekend, the bus stops at King Faisal Park (Education Park) in Hafr Al-Batin governorate, the historic market in Dumat Al-Jandal governorate, and concludes its journey at the heritage village in Jazan.

The event features live demonstrations by skilled local craftsmen, showcasing traditional arts such as Sadu weaving, hand embroidery, wickerwork, leather tanning, incense making, stone carving and metal crafting to create ornaments and jewelry with a traditional flair.

It offers visitors the opportunity to learn traditional crafts and unleash their creativity through interactive artistic workshops.

The bus travels to selected locations, showcasing performances that highlight the unique cultural heritage of each region.

The journey begins with Samri art in Hafar Al-Batin governorate, continues with Dahha art in Dumat Al-Jandal governorate and concludes with the vibrant Azzawi art in Jazan, bringing traditional performing arts closer to communities.

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts is a pioneering institution dedicated to showcasing Saudi Arabia’s national identity and elevating traditional arts on both the local and global stages.

Its mission is to preserve the heritage of these arts, celebrate living treasures and pioneers, and recognize distinguished individuals in the field.

By supporting national talent and encouraging the mastery and development of traditional crafts, the institute is ensuring that the rich legacy of Saudi Arabia’s creative arts remains vibrant, innovative and celebrated for generations to come.