Discovering hidden gems: motorcycle adventures in Saudi Arabia

Established in 2013 by Saleh Al-Ghamdi, the Baha Riders have 74 members and are approved by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. (Supplied)
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Established in 2013 by Saleh Al-Ghamdi, the Baha Riders have 74 members and are approved by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. (Supplied)
Discovering hidden gems: motorcycle adventures in Saudi Arabia
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The Baha Riders motorcycle club offers tourists a unique perspective of Baha city by turning their passion into a profitable business. (Supplied)
Discovering hidden gems: motorcycle adventures in Saudi Arabia
3 / 3
The Baha Riders motorcycle club offers tourists a unique perspective of Baha city by turning their passion into a profitable business. (Supplied)
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Updated 13 April 2024
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Discovering hidden gems: motorcycle adventures in Saudi Arabia

Discovering hidden gems: motorcycle adventures in Saudi Arabia
  • Baha Riders are committed to presenting the beauty of Baha while in the saddle

RIYADH: The Baha Riders motorcycle club offers tourists a unique perspective of Baha city by turning their passion into a profitable business.  

A group of professional motorcyclists from the city, the Baha Riders are committed to presenting the beauty of Baha whilst in the saddle.




Established in 2013 by Saleh Al-Ghamdi, the Baha Riders have 74 members and are approved by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. (Supplied)

Baha is a raw and organic region, according to Shaiq bin Ali, a spokeswoman for the Baha Riders, “where most of the area has remained unchanged for decades, making it an excellent destination for travelers to witness the beauty of unspoiled nature.”

Situated in the Sarawat Mountains of southwest Saudi Arabia, Baha is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Kingdom, with a nice climate and bountiful woodlands all around it.

SPEEDREAD

• Baha is a raw and organic region, according to Shaiq bin Ali, a spokeswoman for the Baha Riders, ‘where most of the area has remained unchanged for decades, making it an excellent destination for travelers to witness the beauty of unspoiled nature.’

• Situated in the Sarawat Mountains of southwest Saudi Arabia, Baha is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Kingdom, with a nice climate and bountiful woodlands all around it. 

• Baha Riders made the decision to transition from being merely motorcycle enthusiasts to turning their pastime into a business by working with the Hyyak platform to market the opportunity for individuals to visit Baha while riding a motorbike.

Baha Riders made the decision to transition from being merely motorcycle enthusiasts to turning their pastime into a business by working with the Hyyak platform to market the opportunity for individuals to visit Baha while riding a motorbike.




Established in 2013 by Saleh Al-Ghamdi, the Baha Riders have 74 members and are approved by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. (Supplied)

“Many tourists purchase the experience of riding a motorcycle because it is a liberating and freeing experience,” Bin Ali told Arab News.

Established in 2013 by Saleh Al-Ghamdi, the Baha Riders have 74 members and are approved by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.

“Many tourists purchase the experience of riding a motorcycle because it is a liberating and freeing experience”

Shaiq bin Ali, spokeswoman for the Baha Riders

The group has accomplished a great deal since its founding and taken part in a range of activities. For example, the team competes in official local events, national and local contests, religious festivals, regional and national competitions, and other official local events.  

Members include medical professionals, engineers, students, retirees, and a wide range of enthusiasts.  




Established in 2013 by Saleh Al-Ghamdi, the Baha Riders have 74 members and are approved by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. (Supplied)

They have also competed internationally; the most recent was in 2023, when the team went to India’s Himalayan region and reached the world’s highest mountain, Everest.

The last foreign trip was an 8,000 km rotation through Jordan, Saudi Arabia and several other Gulf countries.   

“In the last four years, the team has officially and annually organized an event in which it brings together riders from the Arab world in the Baha region. This gathering aims to highlight the Baha region in terms of its historical, archaeological and tourist attractions. This is a belief on the part of the team in its societal role in highlighting Baha and attracting tourists,” Bin Ali said.  

“(Motorcycling) has a great, unique feel because there is no roof over your head, no windows that obstruct the view, and you can enjoy a 180-degree surrounding.”

Bin Ali said that life is only meant to be experienced once and encouraged everyone to do so by taking precautions, donning protective gear, and riding the appropriate bike with the appropriate person. He also noted that although motorcycle culture is relatively new to the community and may still be perceived negatively, it is a unique, enjoyable, and lightweight mode of transportation.

He also stated that the goal of Vision 2030 included focusing on individual sports, observing what benefits young Saudis, and what channels their enthusiasm towards beneficial endeavors.

 

 


Saudi crown prince receives phone call from Canadian PM

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 13 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince receives phone call from Canadian PM

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (File/SPA/AFP)
  • During the call, Prince Mohammed and Trudeau discussed developments in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories and developments in Syria

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During the call, Prince Mohammed and Trudeau reviewed aspects of relations between their countries and ways to enhance them in a number of areas.

They also discussed developments in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, developments in Syria, and topics of common interest.

The need to support efforts aimed at reducing escalation and achieving security, peace, and stability in the region was also discussed. 


Saudi, Malaysian foreign ministers chair cooperation meeting in Riyadh

Saudi, Malaysian foreign ministers chair cooperation meeting in Riyadh
Updated 10 December 2024
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Saudi, Malaysian foreign ministers chair cooperation meeting in Riyadh

Saudi, Malaysian foreign ministers chair cooperation meeting in Riyadh
  • Prince Faisal and Hasan signed a memorandum of understanding on mutual visa exemption
  • Prince Faisal and Hasan stressed the brotherly relations that connect Saudi Arabia and Malaysia

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Malaysian counterpart chaired the first meeting of the Saudi-Malaysian Coordination Council in Riyadh on Tuesday.

Following the meeting, Prince Faisal and Dato’ Seri Utama Hajji Mohamad bin Hajji Hasan, Malaysian minister of foreign affairs, signed a memorandum of understanding on mutual exemption from a short-stay visa for holders of diplomatic, private or official passports.

A second memorandum on social development was signed by Hasan and the Saudi deputy minister of human resources, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Saudi-Malaysian Coordination Council discussed aspects of cooperation in political, security, trade, investment, Islamic affairs and socio-cultural sectors.

Prince Faisal and Hasan stressed the brotherly relations that connect Saudi Arabia and Malaysia and pledged to continue their joint coordination and support for their mutual interests in bilateral, regional, and international issues.

Mesaad Al-Sulaim, Saudi ambassador to Kuala Lumpur, and several other senior Saudi and Malaysian aides and officials, attended the meeting.


Saudi Arabia showcases innovation in healthcare at Riyadh exhibition

Saudi Arabia showcases innovation in healthcare at Riyadh exhibition
Updated 10 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia showcases innovation in healthcare at Riyadh exhibition

Saudi Arabia showcases innovation in healthcare at Riyadh exhibition
  • Event, held from Dec. 10-12, brings together more than 400 exhibitors from 100 countries and over 150 speakers from the pharmaceutical industry
  • Aligns with the goals of the health sector transformation program, outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to foster a vibrant society with a healthy life

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Health is showcasing its latest projects in therapeutic and pharmaceutical healthcare at the CPHI Middle East exhibition in Riyadh.

The event, held from Dec. 10-12, brings together more than 400 exhibitors from 100 countries and over 150 speakers from the pharmaceutical industry.

It aligns with the goals of the health sector transformation program, outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to foster a vibrant society with a healthy life.

Among the key highlights are advancements in biotechnology, highlighting the ministry’s support for the national biotechnology strategy, which seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a regional and global biotechnology hub while enhancing self-sufficiency in the sector.

The pavilion also presents investment opportunities in biotechnology, aiming to enable sector growth and establish the Kingdom as a global leader, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Key initiatives include implementing strategic incentives to attract international companies, promoting sustainable marketing, enhancing financing capabilities, fostering joint investments and driving infrastructure investments.

Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel said: “Hosting the CPHI Middle East exhibition in the Kingdom underscores our dedication to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s role as a hub for pharmaceutical industry innovation in the region.

“This aligns with the Kingdom’s efforts to implement the National Biotechnology Strategy, which aims to contribute 3 percent to gross domestic product, totaling SR130 billion ($34.6 billion) annually by 2040.”

Al-Jalajel oversaw the signing of agreements worth SR10 billion and announced partnerships with major companies, including Vertex Pharmaceuticals for a project valued at around SR1 billion, and Tabuk Pharmaceuticals with an investment of SR100 million.

Vice Minister of Health for Planning and Development Abdulaziz Al-Ramaih praised the transformation of the healthcare sector and the expanding role of private industry in the pharmaceutical industry.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s goal to lead the biotechnology sector in the Middle East and North Africa by 2030 through the National Biotechnology Strategy, which aims to create numerous jobs by supporting research, innovation and integrated biomanufacturing, while boosting the sector’s growth and competitiveness.

Al-Ramaih noted the pivotal role of the pharmaceutical sector in enhancing public health, strengthening health security, fostering economic growth and bolstering the Kingdom’s global standing.


Emir of Kuwait receives Saudi Minister of State Prince Turki bin Mohammed

Emir of Kuwait receives Saudi Minister of State Prince Turki bin Mohammed
Updated 10 December 2024
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Emir of Kuwait receives Saudi Minister of State Prince Turki bin Mohammed

Emir of Kuwait receives Saudi Minister of State Prince Turki bin Mohammed

RIYADH: The Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah received on Tuesday Prince Turki bin Mohammed, the Saudi minister of state and Cabinet member, and his accompanying delegation.

Prince Turki conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the Kuwaiti leadership.

Sheikh Meshal, in turn, sent his greetings and appreciation to the king and crown prince, wishing them continued good health and well-being, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During their meeting at Bayan Palace, the two discussed relations between their respective countries and ways to develop them.

The Saudi delegation included Prince Sultan bin Saad bin Khalid, the Saudi ambassador to Kuwait, and Mohammed Al-Jadaan, the minister of finance, alongside senior Saudi and Kuwaiti aides. 

Prince Turki also met on Tuesday with the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.


Riyadh mayor receives English official

Riyadh mayor receives English official
Updated 10 December 2024
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Riyadh mayor receives English official

Riyadh mayor receives English official

RIYADH: Riyadh Mayor Faisal bin Ayyaf on Monday received the Mayor of North East England Kim McGuinness.

During their meeting the pair discussed ways to boost cooperation between Riyadh and the English region.

Ayyaf stressed the municipality’s keenness to establish international partnerships in various fields.

McGuinness praised the developments achieved by Riyadh and highlighted the importance of cooperation in areas of common interest.