Saudi Arabia’s 5 host cities will offer plenty of off-the-pitch action for World Cup visitors

Saudi Arabia’s 5 host cities will offer plenty of off-the-pitch action for World Cup visitors
Sindalah Luxury Resort in NEOM promises to offer world-class accommodation and entertainment options for visitors, setting a new standard for hospitality in the region. (NEOM)
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Updated 22 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s 5 host cities will offer plenty of off-the-pitch action for World Cup visitors

Saudi Arabia’s 5 host cities will offer plenty of off-the-pitch action for World Cup visitors

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup is not only a demonstration of the country’s passion for football, it also represents a major opportunity to showcase its rich culture and renowned hospitality to a global audience.

As it was the only nation to submit a bid to FIFA before the deadline at the end of October last year, the Kingdom looks set to host what would be the largest staging of the tournament in a single country to date, with matches being played in five cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, NEOM and Alkhobar.

But in addition to the action and excitement on the pitch, Saudi Arabia has plenty more to offer World Cup visitors.

Riyadh:

One place in Riyadh that is sure to be worth exploring is Qiddiya City, a futuristic entertainment hub that is under construction and expected to be a major tourist attraction when it is up and running.

Of particular interest to football fans, the 360-square-kilometer development will include the state-of-the-art Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, with a planned capacity of 46,979.

In the immediate vicinity of the stadium, fans will be able to explore a 50,000-square-meters area bustling with shops, restaurants, cultural attractions and entertainment spaces. There will also be a wide range of other attractions nearby, including a gaming and esports district, a racetrack, theme parks, and a center for the performing arts, Qiddiya City spokesperson Majed Al-Dusaimani told Arab News.




MBS Stadium will be surrounded by a bustling area with 50,000 square meters of shopping, dining, cultural and entertainment spaces. (Supplied)

Accommodation options will be provided to suit all pockets, from the most luxurious hotels and serviced apartments to more budget-friendly offerings.

Elsewhere, Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered the heart of Riyadh and the historical birthplace of the Kingdom. It offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the carefully preserved history of Saudi culture, spanning more than six centuries, alongside the chance to shop and dine in style. This sensitive juxtapositioning of past and present is sure to make Diriyah a must-visit destination for football fans with an interest in the cultural history of the host nation.

Masmak Fortress in Riyadh’s Al-Dirah neighborhood offers another glimpse into the Kingdom's storied past.

Meanwhile, an expansive Royal Arts Complex is planned for the under-construction King Salman Park, which will be one of the world’s largest urban parks when complete. The design of the complex, by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, aims to combine modern and traditional Salmani architecture to ensure a memorable visitor experience.




Diriyah, known as the heart of Riyadh and the birthplace of the Kingdom, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. (AN photo)

The Royal Arts Complex will also include a Museum of World Cultures, a National Theater, and the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts.

Visitors will be able to marvel at the Mukaab futuristic structure in the new Riyadh downtown: New Murabaa.

The cubic structure will stand at a height of 400m, and is set to be the tallest building in the city. 

Inside, it will boast numerous cutting-edge entertainment venues, high-end dining and retail offerings, and a vast public art program. 




Al-Murabba is set to become the biggest urban structure globally, with enough space to accommodate 20 Empire State Buildings within its walls. (Supplied)

 

Jeddah:

The Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah is home to bustling markets, stunning waterfront views and a thriving art scene.

Its Historic District, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, contains vibrant marketplaces and more than 600 historic structures in distinctive traditional architectural styles, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of the city’s inhabitants through the years.

Jeddah Central is under development as a top-tier entertainment zone featuring four prominent attractions: a museum, opera house, stadium and oceanarium.




Jeddah Central is a top-tier entertainment zone featuring four prominent attractions: a museum, opera house, stadium, and the Oceanarium. (Supplied)

Abha:

Abha, in southwestern Saudi Arabia, offers a refreshing change of scenery, thanks to a cooler climate and particularly picturesque landscapes.

The Soudah Peaks, which include the highest point in the country, are characterized by lush greenery and stunning views that provide the perfect backdrop for fans of the great outdoors, whether they are interested in an activity holiday or simply want to relax.

Visitors also have plenty of options for exploring the city’s rich heritage and traditional architecture.




Soudah Peaks luxury mountain tourism destination in Abha is situated 3,015 meters above sea level. (Soudah.sa) 

NEOM:

This futuristic megacity that is under development in northwestern Saudi Arabia has been designed to be a showcase of the Kingdom’s vision for more sustainable development and urban innovation.

But that does not mean it will be short of attractions for visitors; quite the contrary. The proposed Sindalah luxury resort, for example, promises to offer world-class accommodation and entertainment options.

NEOM will also be home to Trojena, a mountain ski village featuring luxury resorts and a plethora of retail and dining offerings.




Sindalah Luxury Resort in NEOM promises to offer world-class accommodation and entertainment options for visitors, setting a new standard for hospitality in the region. (NEOM) 

Alkhobar:

Visitors to Alkhobar can explore the architectural marvel that is the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, also known as Ithra, which was built by Saudi Aramco. It was inaugurated in 2016 and is considered a pioneering force in the Kingdom’s artistic and cultural scenes.

The city is also a good base from which to explore Al-Ahsa city, only a 90-minute drive away, which is renowned for its ancient history and archaeological discoveries dating back more than five millennia.

Al-Ahsa is also the world’s largest oasis, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers an area of about 30,000 acres, sustained by more than 60 artesian springs.

Shoppers in search of a bargain can explore Al-Qaisariya Souq, a historic market established in 1822, where sellers offer a wide range of products, including handcrafted items, oils and perfumes.


Saudi Arabia condemns flare-up of violence in Sudan

Saudi Arabia condemns flare-up of violence in Sudan
Updated 37 min 45 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns flare-up of violence in Sudan

Saudi Arabia condemns flare-up of violence in Sudan
  • Kingdom concerned over the continued escalation of fighting in Sudan

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has condemned on Saturday the recent flare-up of violence in the eastern side of Sudan’s Al Jazeera State, which caused deaths among civilians.

The foreign ministry, in a statement, expressed the Kingdom’s concern over the continued escalation of fighting in Sudan that has impacted women and children, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi Arabia “condemns the recent [violence] in the eastern part of Al-Jazeera State, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries among civilians, as this constitutes a violation of international law and the principle of protecting civilians.”

The Kingdom has also “urged the warring parties to ceasefire, end the conflict and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to those affected. The Kingdom reaffirms its position in supporting the stability and unity of Sudan.”

Sudan plunged into conflict in mid-April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders broke out in the capital Khartoum and spread to other regions including western Darfur.

The war has killed more than 24,000 people so far, according to Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a group monitoring the conflict since it started.

Britain, which assumed the presidency on Friday of the Security Council for November, said the 15-member body would meet in Sudan on Nov. 12 to discuss “scaling up aid delivery and ensuring greater protection of civilians by all sides.”

“We will be shortly introducing a draft Security Council resolution ... to drive forward progress on this,” Britain’s UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward told a press conference.

She said the draft would focus on “developing a compliance mechanism for the warring parties’ commitments they made on the protection of civilians in Jeddah over a year ago in 2023 and ways to support mediation efforts to deliver a ceasefire, even if we start local ceasefires before moving to a national one.”

A resolution needs at least 9 votes in favor and no vetoes by the US, France, Britain, Russia or China to be adopted.

The move comes as a three-month approval given by Sudanese authorities for the UN and aid groups to use the Adre border crossing with Chad to reach Darfur with humanitarian assistance is due to expire in mid-November.

With agencies


Sports Boulevard Masterplan earns ActiveScore recognition

Sports Boulevard Masterplan earns ActiveScore recognition
Updated 02 November 2024
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Sports Boulevard Masterplan earns ActiveScore recognition

Sports Boulevard Masterplan earns ActiveScore recognition

RIYADH: The Sports Boulevard Foundation has received best-in-class recognition from active travel accreditation ActiveScore — awarded Platinum Communities Certification for the Sports Boulevard Masterplan and Platinum Certification for the Global Sports Tower.

The Sports Boulevard project will help revolutionize urban planning in Riyadh. 

It features more than 4.4 million square meters of green and open spaces, along with up to 50 multi-disciplinary sports facilities and integrated infrastructure. This project is dedicated to enhancing the city’s quality of life for residents and visitors, with features such as pathways, cycling tracks, and horse-riding trails.

The Global Sports Tower, the tallest sports tower in the world, is a key landmark of the project. It will feature more than 30 sports facilities, including the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall, at 98 meters.
 


Four falcons net almost $74,000 in Saudi club’s auction

Four falcons net almost $74,000 in Saudi club’s auction
Updated 02 November 2024
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Four falcons net almost $74,000 in Saudi club’s auction

Four falcons net almost $74,000 in Saudi club’s auction
  • Evening’s highest bid went to a Shaheen fledgling known as “Trah Amlaj Al-Hassi,” selling for SR79,000
  • Auction runs until Nov. 15, showcasing the club’s comprehensive support for the falconry community

RIYADH: The Saudi Falcon Club’s 2024 auction saw four prestigious birds change hands for a combined SR277,000 ($73,756) during its 13th night at the Malham headquarters north of Riyadh.

The evening’s highest bid went to a Shaheen fledgling known as “Trah Amlaj Al-Hassi,” owned by falconers Younis and Abdulrahman Al-Jahni, selling for SR79,000. Close behind was another Shaheen fledgling, “Trah Farasan,” from owners Ali Suhail and Ahmad Al-Aqili, which fetched SR77,000.

A third Shaheen, “Trah Dhulm,” owned by falconers Nader, Saud, and Fahad Al-Otaibi, commanded SR71,000, while “Trah Al-Sawarima,” a fledgling from Jazan region, rounded out the night’s sales at SR50,000.

The auction, which runs until Nov. 15, showcases the club’s comprehensive support for the falconry community. Regional teams across the Kingdom facilitate participation by providing accommodation and transportation for falcon owners, known as tawarih, to the auction venue.

Each sale is broadcast live on television and social media platforms, allowing enthusiasts nationwide to witness these historic transactions, featuring competitive bidding in a fast-paced environment.
 

 

 


80-year-old Saudi tour guide welcomes foreign visitors to Najran with English tours

80-year-old Saudi tour guide welcomes foreign visitors to Najran with English tours
Updated 02 November 2024
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80-year-old Saudi tour guide welcomes foreign visitors to Najran with English tours

80-year-old Saudi tour guide welcomes foreign visitors to Najran with English tours
  • Europeans are drawn to the region because of its cultural significance, he says

MAKKAH: Clips of 80-year-old Saudi citizen Saeed bin Saleh have gone viral on social media, showing him fluently conversing in English with European tourists in the Najran region of southern Saudi Arabia.

Bin Saleh’s life has been a remarkable journey. Early on, he moved to the Eastern Province in search of work, driven by the need to support his mother after losing his father at a young age.

In Dhahran, he worked alongside Americans and Europeans, which marked a turning point in his life. This experience not only improved his living conditions but also allowed him to master English.

He told Arab News that he has developed a strong and enduring connection with Western tourists who regularly visit Najran. They praise the area for its rich history, abundant with ancient artifacts and remnants of past civilizations, including the renowned Al-Okhdood site and relics from the Paleolithic era, which date back thousands of years.

He noted that the tourists he speaks with are often impressed by his fluent English, particularly considering that he is over 80 years old, and admire the detailed answers they receive to their historical inquiries.

Their questions often center around significant sites like the Al-Okhdood ruins, the Hima wells, the unique rock formations, and the region’s wealth of archaeological inscriptions, Bin Saleh said.

Reflecting on his early experience with the English language, Bin Saleh explained that he left Najran as a young man in search of work in the Eastern Province, particularly in Dhahran.

After losing his father, he took on the responsibility of supporting his mother, determined to improve their situation. Bin Saleh eventually crossed paths with an American who offered him a job assisting with preparations on the golf courses that were popular in Dhahran at that time.

His close interaction with the American gave him the opportunity to learn English at a young age, which led to a 30-year career in the Eastern Province.

During this time, he worked with several companies, including Aramco and American Airlines, before transitioning to Indian Airlines, which further helped him refine his language skills.

After many years, he decided to return to Najran, where he continued his career with the Ministry of Health as an ambulance driver. Upon retiring, he chose to dedicate his time to being close to his children and grandchildren.

Bin Saleh explained that Europeans are drawn to Najran because of its deep historical and cultural significance. They are particularly captivated by the Arabic inscriptions in Kufic script from the early Islamic period and the ancient South Arabian Musnad script.

Najran is also renowned for its bustling heritage markets, where traditional crafts such as daggers, or jambiyas, and historically significant mosques built from stone and clay can be found. In addition to its rich Islamic history, the region is home to numerous monuments from the ancient civilizations of southern Arabia.

He said that, at his age, he is no longer a full-time tour guide but is always eager to help visitors and those interested in the heritage of the region.

Najran, a key stop on the ancient caravan routes connecting the southern and northern Arabian Peninsula, is renowned for its remarkable rock carvings, including depictions of hunting and grazing scenes and human figures, alongside inscriptions in Thamudic, Musnad, and Kufic scripts — some dating to 7,000 B.C.

Bin Saleh said that Najran has gained significant attention in the eyes of visitors, particularly following the inclusion of the Hima Cultural Area on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Ongoing archaeological discoveries, led by Saudi and international teams, continue to unveil the region’s rich historical legacy.

Bin Saleh urges Saudi youth interested in becoming tour guides to immerse themselves in the region’s history, while also mastering English.

He stressed the importance of representing the true beauty of Saudi Arabia and showcasing the country’s cultural and archaeological treasures, which make it a unique and historically vibrant destination.


Saudi Arabia to host global symposium for sea turtle conservation in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia to host global symposium for sea turtle conservation in Jeddah
Updated 02 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia to host global symposium for sea turtle conservation in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia to host global symposium for sea turtle conservation in Jeddah
  • Symposium organized by General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS)

JEDDAH: The Red Sea will take center stage in global marine conservation efforts as the first International Symposium for the Conservation of Sea Turtles is set to take place in Jeddah from Nov. 3 to 6.

The event will bring together an elite gathering of over 30 local and international experts and researchers focused on protecting endangered sea turtle species and preserving marine biodiversity, Saudi Press Agency reported Friday.

The symposium, organized by the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), will feature presentations and panel discussions on the latest scientific research, innovative solutions for sea turtle protection, and strategies for international collaboration.

In a statement, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture highlighred the importance of the symposium as a platform to drive effective conservation strategies and ensure the sustainable future of the Red Sea’s unique marine ecosystem.

SHAMS’ initiatives aim to develop advanced conservation policies and elevate environmental awareness around the Red Sea, particularly through innovation in marine protection.

According to the Ministry, this event will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s standing in the field of marine environmental protection while supporting the sustainable conservation of marine species and their natural habitats in the Red Sea.