Qiddiya announces cutting-edge motorsport circuit

Qiddiya announces cutting-edge motorsport circuit
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The configurable Speed Park Track will be located in the center of Qiddiya City, the board of directors of the Qiddiya Investment Co. announced on Tuesday. (SPA)
Qiddiya announces cutting-edge motorsport circuit
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The configurable Speed Park Track will be located in the center of Qiddiya City, the board of directors of the Qiddiya Investment Co. announced on Tuesday. (SPA)
Qiddiya announces cutting-edge motorsport circuit
3 / 4
The configurable Speed Park Track will be located in the center of Qiddiya City, the board of directors of the Qiddiya Investment Co. announced on Tuesday. (SPA)
Qiddiya announces cutting-edge motorsport circuit
4 / 4
The configurable Speed Park Track will be located in the center of Qiddiya City, the board of directors of the Qiddiya Investment Co. announced on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Updated 06 March 2024
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Qiddiya announces cutting-edge motorsport circuit

Qiddiya announces cutting-edge motorsport circuit
  • The configurable Speed Park Track will be located in the center of Qiddiya City
  • The track will blend functionality with state-of-the-art technology as part of plans to host some of the world’s most prestigious racing events

RIYADH: The Qiddiya megaproject in Riyadh is set to build one of the world’s most innovative motorsport tracks in a bid to make the Kingdom a top global racing destination.

The configurable Speed Park Track will be located in the center of Qiddiya City, the board of directors of the Qiddiya Investment Co. announced on Tuesday.

It will blend functionality with state-of-the-art technology as part of plans to host some of the world’s most prestigious racing events, a press release said.

The track will also boast some of motorsport’s most recognizable track design features. Its centerpiece will be the pioneering “Blade” at turn one — an elevated section that rises more than 20 stories above the ground.

Abdullah Al-Dawood, managing director of the Qiddiya Investment Co., said: “The Speed Park Track will be a true embodiment of Qiddiya’s power of play philosophy and will position Qiddiya City as the home of Saudi motorsport and one of the world’s leading motorsport venues.

“Visitors and spectators will be treated to one of the most unique and immersive race experiences in the world with this pioneering track, designed by race drivers, for race drivers, ready to host some of the world’s biggest motorsport events.”

The fast-flowing track is designed by Austrian former Formula One driver Alex Wurz and German circuit designer Hermann Tilke. It includes 21 corners and utilizes Qiddiya City’s dramatic landscape to create more than 108 meters of elevation gain per lap.

The circuit features street circuit and fast open track sections that are fully integrated into Qiddiya’s neighboring attractions.

Multiple vantage points for fans and viewing terraces will be constructed around the track.

The circuit will be integrated with surrounding attractions, with the “Blade” turn rising above a music venue below and drivers racing alongside Falcon’s flight, a record-breaking rollercoaster located at the neighboring Six Flags Qiddiya City. Sections of the track will also run alongside a water park.

A rendering of the track was released as part of the press release. It follows other construction announcements by the megaproject, including the Qiddiya Gaming & Esports District and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium.

Further details about the Speed Park Track are expected in the coming weeks.


Saudi universities unite at Darah event to innovate heritage preservation

Saudi universities unite at Darah event to innovate heritage preservation
Updated 25 sec ago
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Saudi universities unite at Darah event to innovate heritage preservation

Saudi universities unite at Darah event to innovate heritage preservation
  • Al-Jouf University took first place with its innovative project to preserve Saudi heritage through an online platform promoting historical sites across the Kingdom
  • Aligned with Vision 2030, the National History Lab gave youth and organizations passionate about preserving Saudi heritage a platform to collaborate and compete

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Public Foundation for Research and Archives, Darah, concluded its three-day National History Lab on Tuesday at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, showing ways to preserve and celebrate Saudi history. 

Themed “History in the Eyes of the Future,” the event brought together 30 Saudi universities and 15 national and international organizations to inspire innovative approaches to documenting and sharing Saudi history.

The initiative featured two streams: the digital innovation track, which focused on developing technical solutions for documenting and sharing history; and the social impact track, designed to create initiatives that strengthen community connections to history. 

A panel of 13 judges evaluated the submissions, supported by more than 20 facilitators who guided participants in refining their ideas.

Al-Jouf University took first place with its innovative project to preserve Saudi heritage through an online platform promoting historical sites across the Kingdom.

Wajd Al-Huzaim, a student from the winning team, explained the concept: “Al-Majlis is a Saudi social media app connecting the Kingdom’s regions through communities. Each region is represented as a ‘majlis,’ such as Majlis Al-Jouf, Majlis Riyadh, and so on.

“People share posts about historical sites, their homes, and interact through likes and comments.”

She said that the app awards badges for visiting historical sites where users can check in at these locations to earn badges. “Once they collect a certain number, they achieve the title of ‘guide.’” 

Al-Huzaim emphasized the app’s impact, saying: “It connects people to local landmarks and encourages citizens to promote their region’s history. By turning Saudi heritage into a trend, it appeals to the younger generation, making history relevant and engaging.” 

The event included workshops, exhibitions, and talks by various experts. At one of the booths by Darah, visitors were able to learn how colors and inks were traditionally extracted from plants.

Munirah Al-Qahtani, a researcher at Darah, said: “In the past, our ancestors used these natural methods to color doors, windows, and houses where they would dissolve gum arabic to create a liquid substance that was mixed with the colors. This process ensured the durability of the piece and preserved its quality, preventing it from deteriorating over time.” 

Aligned with Vision 2030, the National History Lab gave youth and organizations passionate about preserving Saudi heritage a platform to collaborate and compete, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 


King of Bahrain arrives in Riyadh

Bahrain’s King Hamad is greeted on arrival in Riyadh by the governor of Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Bandar on Wednesday. SPA
Bahrain’s King Hamad is greeted on arrival in Riyadh by the governor of Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Bandar on Wednesday. SPA
Updated 46 sec ago
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King of Bahrain arrives in Riyadh

Bahrain’s King Hamad is greeted on arrival in Riyadh by the governor of Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Bandar on Wednesday. SPA
  • Bahrain’s King Hamad was greeted on arrival at King Khalid International Airport by the governor of Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Bandar

RIYADH: Bahrain’s King Hamad arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

He was greeted on arrival at King Khalid International Airport by the governor of Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Bandar and other officials. 

The king visited Muscat on Tuesday where he met with the Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq. 


Bangladesh committed to meet demand for skilled workers in Saudi Arabia, top official says

Bangladesh committed to meet demand for skilled workers in Saudi Arabia, top official says
Updated 29 January 2025
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Bangladesh committed to meet demand for skilled workers in Saudi Arabia, top official says

Bangladesh committed to meet demand for skilled workers in Saudi Arabia, top official says
  • Bangladesh government exploring options to facilitate expatriate participation, voting in national election

RIYADH: Bangladesh is committed to meeting demand for skilled workers in Saudi Arabia, said Asif Nazrul, adviser to the Bangladeshi Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, as well as the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.

Speaking at a discussion organized at the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh with owners and senior officials of Saudi companies, Nazrul said that there were significant opportunities for Bangladesh to send skilled and semi-skilled workers, including doctors, engineers, nurses and technicians.

Nazrul, who is in Riyadh at the invitation of the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to attend the Global Labor Market Conference (Wednesday-Thursday), emphasized the need for qualitative changes in Bangladesh’s labor market in Saudi Arabia.

He highlighted the many employment prospects emerging from Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives, including mega projects such as NEOM, Red Sea, Qiddiya, Green Riyadh, Amala, Diriyah and Roshan, alongside major global events such as the AFC Asian Cup (2027), Winter Asian Olympics (2029), World Expo (2030) and FIFA World Cup (2034).

He sought the cooperation of Saudi recruitment companies, who acknowledged the presence of skilled professionals in Bangladesh but pointed out challenges such as inadequate information, marketing, networking, visa delays, language barriers and a lack of pre-boarding orientation.

Nazrul assured them of resolving these issues and emphasized strengthening ties through labor fairs, seminars and regular communication with company officials.

He also inaugurated the embassy’s e-demand attestation system, enabling Saudi companies to easily register online and attest worker demand letters without visiting the embassy, a key initiative for promoting transparency and efficiency.

Nazrul also distributed prizes to winners of competitions organized as part of the embassy’s “Festival of Youth 2025” on Wednesday.

Bangladesh’s new ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Delwar Hossain, welcomed the Saudi delegates at the interactive session.

Later, Nazrul interacted with Bangladeshi expatriates, listening to their concerns, including high airfare costs and excessive fees charged by recruiting agencies, and assured them of solutions and encouraged them to maintain close contact with the embassy through social media and its website. 

Appreciating their role in sending remittances, he assured the government’s continued welfare initiatives for expatriates and urged compliance with Saudi laws and culture to avoid legal complications.

On the issue of voting in national elections, he said that the government was exploring viable options to facilitate expatriate participation.


Saudi crown prince receives former US President Clinton

Saudi crown prince receives former US President Clinton
Updated 29 January 2025
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Saudi crown prince receives former US President Clinton

Saudi crown prince receives former US President Clinton

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received in Riyadh on Wednesday former US President Bill Clinton. 

A friendly conversation took place during the reception held at the crown prince’s office, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The reception was also attended by Princess Reema bint Bandar, the Saudi Ambassador to the United States; Minister of State, Cabinet Member and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban and the delegation accompanying the former US President. 


British explorer reaches AlUla on historic trek

British explorer reaches AlUla on historic trek
Updated 29 January 2025
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British explorer reaches AlUla on historic trek

British explorer reaches AlUla on historic trek

RIYADH:  British explorer and television presenter Alice Morrison, who is embarking on a historic adventure to cross the Kingdom on foot from the far north to the far south, has arrived in AlUla.

This leg of the trip marks the halfway point of the first phase of her five-month journey, which began on Jan. 1, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

She will travel 2,500 km with local guides and camels, traversing the Kingdom’s vast deserts, lush oases and towering mountains.

During her trip, Morrison visited AlUla Old Town, toured its historic alleys and explored its time-honored stories, the SPA reported.

She expressed her deep admiration for AlUla’s charm, describing it as an exceptional place that combines nature with ancient history, making it one of the world’s most important destinations for discovery.

Morrison said that she enjoyed acquiring various handicraft items that reflect Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, according to the SPA.

Local crafts embody the creativity of artisans and represent the authenticity of Saudi culture, she added.