‘A factory of Saudi players’: how Kingdom is nurturing new generation of stars

‘A factory of Saudi players’: how Kingdom is nurturing new generation of stars
Saudi Arabia's players react at the end of the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup football match between Saudi Arabia and South Korea at Education City Stadium in al-Rayyan, west of Doha, on January 30. (Supplied)
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Updated 22 September 2024
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‘A factory of Saudi players’: how Kingdom is nurturing new generation of stars

‘A factory of Saudi players’: how Kingdom is nurturing new generation of stars

RIYADH: With Saudi Arabia the only nation in the running to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, the Kingdom is stepping up efforts to develop the next generation of footballing talent. 

Capitalizing on one of its strongest assets — its large youth population — the Kingdom has made significant strides in developing sporting talent, aiming to transform the country into a global football powerhouse. 

The Future Falcons talent program, under the national governing body the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, was established in 2019. The program has led to young Saudi players being picked for European club teams, including recent transfers to Croatia’s NK Jadran Porec and Greece’s Kavala FC. 




Romeo Jozak, Technical Director Future Falcons Program - Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF)

Leading coach Romeo Jozak, the program’s technical director, told Arab News: “Saudi Arabian talent is enormous. It’s a huge country and there’s a lot of skills, football quality... I think the program is amazing to actually take the football talent of Saudi Arabia, bring it to Europe, and then get it into the competitive level.”

The program hosts a number of players selected by the federation and other national football teams. Originally focused on 18 to 20-year-olds, it recently expanded to include under-16s. 

The under-16 national team will receive professional training for two consecutive seasons in Salou, Spain, beginning this year, with the goal of fostering their development as they start their professional football careers. 

Jozak said that he hoped the inclusion of under-16 players will “open the door for the next year (and the years to follow) … to making it a little factory for the production of Saudi players, together with education.” 

Collaborations with football academies and teams from around the world will provide Saudi players with opportunities for international training stints and exposure to different playing styles. These partnerships not only develop young players’ skills, but also broaden their footballing perspectives. 




The country’s commitment to youth development is also evident in the partnerships with international clubs and football organizations showcased through the Future Falcons program. (Supplied)

Yazan Madani, 19, is one of the Future Falcons program players this past season that Al-Ahli have developed and helped to sign a professional contract for two years with FK Egnatia, current Albanian league champions.


Speaking to Arab News, Madani explained the reasons for wanting to pursue this career. “It all started when I was nearly five years old and expressed my passion for the sport. It became a key component of my life in general and my daily life in particular. I also expressed great passion for achieving all the goals I ever dreamed of turning into reality one day.”


Madani was familiar with the program for two years before joining, and had been eagerly waiting to be selected. “I finally managed to join a European club through the program.”


“I gained a lot of experience and skills at all levels. Playing against the best European and international clubs and being a tough opponent requires the players, along with the technical, administrative and medical teams, to exert great efforts and put in a lot of work on a daily basis. The preparation was conducted under the leadership of the general director of the program, Ghassan Felemban. I would also like to thank Al-Ahli club and its academy director, Qassem Al-Tayeb, for providing me with the support and cooperation I needed to achieve these goals in my sporting career,” Madani said.

Jozak said that in 27 years of involvement with football, he has yet to see an elite program to match the Saudi government’s initiative.

“Taking the national team to Europe, to the center of the football world, giving them everything, and also assuring the education for the young players. This is something that is truly amazing,” he said.




Yazan Madani, 19, is one of the Future Falcons program players who signed a professional contract for two years with FK Egnatia, current Albanian league champions. (Supplied)

This grassroots approach ensures that talent is spotted early and given the opportunity to develop through rigorous training programs that prepare players for the top level of international competition. A focus on scouting has already yielded results, with several young players making their mark in domestic and international competition.

Saudi youth players continue to make international headlines and compete in some of the biggest stadiums. While the Saudi under-23 team failed to reach the Paris Olympics earlier this year, they still showcased their skills, including a 5-0 victory over Thailand at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup.

The establishment of the Saudi Pro League Youth Academy, alongside various regional academies, is a cornerstone of the development initiative. Academies offer top-class facilities, professional coaching, and a structured training regimen, ensuring that young players receive the best possible start in their football careers.

One of the key elements of the strategy is an emphasis on scouting and recruitment. SAFF has developed a nationwide network to identify promising young players from local leagues and schools, including Mahd Academy.




The country’s commitment to youth development is also evident in the partnerships with international clubs and football organizations showcased through the Future Falcons program. (Supplied)

The academy was established in 2020 to develop young athletes in a variety of sports, and develop strategies to achieve sporting success regionally and internationally. Even though it was launched during the pandemic, more than 10,000 athletes registered with the academy through its online forum during its first year. 

Jozak said: “In the current squad, we have three players from Mahd Academy. We have a couple of players from Al-Nassr Club, a couple of players from Al-Fateh, the same way we are using the talent of Mahd Academy.

“Speaking to people from there, the goal of Mahd Academy is to produce players for the national team, the same as us. So, we all have and should have the same goal in Saudi Arabia, and that is to feed and filter the talent to the national team.”


GACA launches integrated digital platform, unveils new brand identity

GACA launches integrated digital platform, unveils new brand identity
Updated 31 min 34 sec ago
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GACA launches integrated digital platform, unveils new brand identity

GACA launches integrated digital platform, unveils new brand identity

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority launched an integrated digital platform and unveiled a new brand identity on Wednesday.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation made the announcements, which also included an updated website, at an event at its headquarters in Riyadh.

The new platform, known as “Ajwaa,” provides all civil aviation services, ensuring quick and efficient access for users and creates a fully digital environment for stakeholders, improving operational efficiency, transparency, and GACA’s regulatory role, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The event was attended by Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi transport minister and chairman of the board of directors of GACA; Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, president of GACA; and vice presidents, CEOs, as well as other officials.

Al-Duailej said the new identity, slogan “Together for New Horizons,” “Ajwaa” platform, and updated website mark a new era for GACA, shaping the future of aviation in Saudi Arabia with the leadership’s full support, SPA reported.


The geological wonders of Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve

The geological wonders of Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve
Updated 31 min 16 sec ago
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The geological wonders of Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve

The geological wonders of Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve
  • Rock formations hold geological records that reveal the environmental and climatic changes the region has experienced over time
  • Formerly known as the al-Thumamah Wildlife Park, the royal reserve is less than an hour's drive from Riyadh city center

RIYADH: The King Khalid Royal Reserve boasts rock formations shaped over thousands of years by natural erosion and fluctuating climatic conditions, sculpting its varied terrain into one of Saudi Arabia's most significant and captivating nature reserves.

Formerly known as the al-Thumamah Wildlife Park, the royal reserve located northeast of national capital is less than an hour's drive from the city center.

Among the main geological features in the reserve are the Al-Urumah mountains, known for their striking rock formations, including natural caves, rock columns, and stone bridges.

With the arrival of winter and cooler temperatures, the reserve becomes a perfect destination for ecotourism and outdoor adventure enthusiasts. (SPA)

Stretching over 700 kilometers, the dramatic landscape provides an ideal destination for photography and adventure enthusiasts, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Yet, these landscapes are not just an aesthetic marvel; within their layers, they hold a geological record that reveals the environmental and climatic changes the region has experienced over time.

With the arrival of winter and cooler temperatures, the reserve becomes a perfect destination for ecotourism and outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

Visitors can hike among towering rocks, enjoy picnics, cycle along scenic trails, stargaze on clear nights, and experience an exceptional environment for astronomical observation.

The preservation of these rock formations is crucial for protecting geological diversity and promoting environmental sustainability, while responsible practices contribute to the safeguarding of natural landmarks for future generations, SP said.

 


Trump thanks Saudi crown prince for hosting Ukraine peace talks in Riyadh

Trump thanks Saudi crown prince for hosting Ukraine peace talks in Riyadh
Updated 20 February 2025
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Trump thanks Saudi crown prince for hosting Ukraine peace talks in Riyadh

Trump thanks Saudi crown prince for hosting Ukraine peace talks in Riyadh

RIYADH: US President Donald Trump said Saudi Arabia did a “great job” in hosting talks aimed at moving toward a resolution of the Russian-Ukraine war, and thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for facilitating the discussions in Riyadh.
Trump said on Wednesday that the conflict, which began three years ago this month, would have never started had he been president.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “talked the US into spending $350 billion to go into a war that that could not be won, that never had to start and never would have started if I was president,” said Trump, adding that Ukraine would never settle the war without US involvement.
Senior US and Russian officials attended a meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday to start working toward ending the war in Ukraine. The meeting was also attended by senior Saudis, but no Ukrainians.
Trump said that Zelenskyy could have attended the discussions in the Saudi capital had he wanted to.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the two sides agreed broadly to pursue three goals: to restore staffing at their respective embassies in Washington and Moscow, to create a high-level team to support Ukraine peace talks, and to explore closer relations and economic cooperation.
Trump, talking at the FII PRIORITY Miami event, which runs between Feb. 19-21, said he hopes that a ceasefire arrives soon.
The president’s speech was wide-ranging, touching on efforts to cut government waste, boosting energy production, and his foreign policy objectives.
Dignitaries included Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund; Elon Musk, the head of a new US federal entity — called DOGE — meant to cut government waste; and Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the US.


Digital Cooperation Organization signs multiple memorandums of understanding as fourth general assembly ends

Digital Cooperation Organization signs multiple memorandums of understanding as fourth general assembly ends
Updated 20 February 2025
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Digital Cooperation Organization signs multiple memorandums of understanding as fourth general assembly ends

Digital Cooperation Organization signs multiple memorandums of understanding as fourth general assembly ends
  • Secretary-general says event marked 4 years of progress

AMMAN: The Digital Cooperation Organization signed numerous memorandums of understanding during its fourth general assembly in Amman, which concluded on Wednesday.

The memorandums were signed between the DCO and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, Hewlett-Packard, the Agency for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Sultanate of Oman and 500 Global.

A statement of intent was also signed between the DCO and the UN Office for South-South Cooperation.

The signings came after a delegation from the DCO visited Jordan’s Prime Minister Jaafar Abdel Fattah Hassan.

Sami Smeirat, the Jordanian minister of digital economy and entrepreneurship, and the chairman of the DCO Council, said that Jordan’s presidency of the organization in 2024 had demonstrated the country’s ability to lead global efforts toward building an inclusive digital economy.

He said: “Throughout this year we have launched ambitious initiatives, strengthened public-private partnerships, and laid solid foundations to empower youth and women in the technology sector.”

Smeirat spoke of the 2025 presidency, which was handed to Kuwait.

He said: “We hand over the presidency to our brothers in the State of Kuwait. We reaffirm Jordan’s commitment to remaining an active partner in achieving the organization’s goals. We look forward to continuing our joint efforts to realize our shared vision: a digital world marked by prosperity and fairness for all.”

Deemah Al-Yahya, the secretary-general of the DCO, said that the general assembly marked four years of progress for the organization.

The secretary-general highlighted DCO’s upcoming ambitions, adding: “While we have achieved much over the past four years, there is still important work ahead to drive digital economic growth for all.”

Wednesday’s event featured panels and discussions with leading experts from across the world.

The DCO was founded in November 2020 and currently has 16 nations as members, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Pakistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh and Oman. It also has 39 observer and partner organizations.


Piece of Kaaba’s Kiswah gifted to Uzbekistan’s Center of Islamic Civilization

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. (SPA)
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. (SPA)
Updated 19 February 2025
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Piece of Kaaba’s Kiswah gifted to Uzbekistan’s Center of Islamic Civilization

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. (SPA)
  • Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah is currently on a visit to the Central Asian country
  • He handed over the piece of cloth to Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev

RIYADH: A piece of the holy Kaaba’s Kiswa was gifted by the Kingdom to the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, currently on a visit to the Central Asian country, handed over the piece of cloth to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the directive of King Salman.

Mirziyoyev commended the Kingdom’s efforts to develop Hajj and Umrah experiences and facilitate the journeys of Uzbek pilgrims to the Kingdom, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said.