Beyond the pitch: Star quality, strategic vision put Saudi Pro League on global stage

Beyond the pitch: Star quality, strategic vision put Saudi Pro League on global stage
Nassr's Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo kicks the ball during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh on May 27, 2024. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP)
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Updated 22 September 2024
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Beyond the pitch: Star quality, strategic vision put Saudi Pro League on global stage

Beyond the pitch: Star quality, strategic vision put Saudi Pro League on global stage

RIYADH: In recent years, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a major player in the global football arena, and the country’s investment in the Saudi Pro League has become a focal point for discussions around the future of the sport.

With significant financial backing and a strategic vision, the Kingdom is making headlines by attracting some of football’s biggest names, enhancing tourism, expanding international broadcasting, and capturing the attention of global media.

One of the most visible indicators of the SPL’s rising profile is the influx of international football stars. High-profile transfers in recent years have not only enhanced the league’s competitive edge, but also spotlighted its growing prestige.

These marquee signings are more than just players; they are global icons whose presence in the SPL serves as a powerful endorsement of the league’s quality and ambition.

 

Present:

When Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr shortly after the 2022 World Cup, he changed the course of football in the Kingdom forever. He opened the door for some of the world’s finest players who rushed to join him soon afterwards.

After Ronaldo’s era-defining move to the Kingdom, Karim Benzema became the Saudi Pro League’s second high-profile arrival the following year. The SPL set its sights high by signing the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner from arguably the world’s most famous club, Real Madrid.

Popular Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez joined Al-Ahli in a 2023 statement signing, fresh from winning the UEFA Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup treble with Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Manchester City team.




Riyadh Mahrez. (Twitter)

After a season in Bavaria, Senegalese star Sadio Mane packed his bags for Riyadh to play alongside Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in 2023.

Mane had enjoyed six successful years playing for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool before moving to German giants Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022.

Few foreign players have proven to be as successful in Saudi Arabia as Serbian forward Aleksandar Mitrovic. After joining Al-Hilal from English Premier League club Fulham last summer, he tore up defenses across the Kingdom, scoring 28 goals as Al-Hilal cruised to a record 19th Saudi Pro League championship.




Bafetimbi Gomis of Al Hilal (R) runs with the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup Semi-Final match between CR Flamengo and Al Hilal FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

 

Past:

While recent years have seen an influx of high-profile stars, Saudi football has long been home to some outstanding international talent.

A member of the legendary 1970 World Cup-winning Brazil team alongside the likes of Pele, Carlos Alberto and Jairzinho, Roberto Rivelino joined Al-Hilal in 1978. He proceeded to win the Saudi league in his first season and score 26 goals across three campaigns.

Omar Al-Somah is another Arab superstar who made his name in Saudi Arabia. The Syrian forward joined Al-Ahli in 2014 and went on to have a sensational career, scoring 144 goals in 180 matches for the Jeddah giants, claiming the Saudi Pro League title in 2015-16.




Omar Al-Somah

French forward Bafetimbi Gomis joined Al-Hilal from Galatasaray in 2018, just in time to play a major part in one of the club’s greatest eras. In four glorious seasons at the club, he won two Saudi Pro League and two AFC Champions League titles, scoring 116 goals across all competitions. His stellar record propelled him to hero status in Riyadh and beyond.

Brazilian goal poacher Romarinho was beloved by Al-Ittihad fans from the time he joined from the UAE’s Al-Jazira in 2018 until his departure this summer. His goals helped Al-Ittihad end a 14-year drought to win the 2022-2023 SPL title.

Controversial, but never less than enthralling, and deadly in front of the goal, Moroccan forward Abderrazak Hamdallah scored an astonishing 77 goals in 74 matches for Al-Nassr between 2018 and 2021, winning the SPL in 2018-19 and twice claiming the league top scorer award. Like Romarinho, Hamdallah played a major part in bringing the SPL title to Jeddah in 2023.




Hilal's Brazilian forward #10 Neymar stands for the national anthem during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab at Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium in Riyadh on September 29, 2023. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP)

Stadiums across Saudi Arabia attract fans from around the world. The enhanced match-day experience, coupled with the opportunity to see global stars in action, has turned major football fixtures into significant tourism events. This surge in visitors is beneficial not only for the hospitality sector, but also for local businesses and the broader economy.

Aside from tourism, the SPL is expanding its broadcasting to new territories and languages for the first time. Previously confined to regional viewership, the league has secured broadcasting deals that span multiple continents. Networks in Europe, Asia, and the Americas are now showing SPL matches, providing a global audience with unprecedented access to Saudi football.

Saudi Arabia’s investment in football is part of a long-term vision. By attracting top talent, boosting tourism, expanding broadcasting reach, and capturing media attention, the SPL is positioning itself as a major player in international football, and a cornerstone of the country’s sports and cultural diplomacy.




Aleksander Mitrovic of Al Hilal looks on prior the Saudi Pro League match between Al Hilal and Damac at Prince Faisal Bin Fahad on August 28, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

The influx of international stars and the subsequent growth in tourism are just the beginning. The Kingdom aims to leverage this momentum to drive further investments in infrastructure, grassroots development, and community engagement, with the goal of creating a sustainable football ecosystem that benefits all levels of the sport, and contributes to the country’s broader economic and social objectives.

This spotlight boosts the league’s visibility, and helps to shape global perceptions of Saudi football as a serious and competitive force.

Meanwhile, the Kingdom’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup adds another layer to its footballing ambitions. The country’s significant investments in the SPL and its infrastructure are part of a strategic push to demonstrate its capability to host major international sporting events. Securing the World Cup would not only solidify Saudi Arabia’s status on the global football stage, but also align with its Vision 2030 goals by showcasing its evolving sports infrastructure and organizational prowess.

As the SPL continues to grow, it will be interesting to observe how this investment reshapes global football dynamics. The league’s success in attracting big names and expanding its international footprint could potentially inspire other regions to follow suit, leading to a more diverse and globally interconnected football landscape. 


Saudi, Bahraini officials review King Fahd Causeway expansion plans

Saudi, Bahraini officials review King Fahd Causeway expansion plans
Updated 11 sec ago
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Saudi, Bahraini officials review King Fahd Causeway expansion plans

Saudi, Bahraini officials review King Fahd Causeway expansion plans

MANAMA: Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef and his Bahraini counterpart, Lt-Gen. Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa, conducted a joint inspection on Thursday of the King Fahd Causeway connecting the two kingdoms.

The officials were welcomed by Eastern Province Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Bandar and Suhail Abanmi, who heads both the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority and the causeway’s board of directors.

During the tour, Prince Abdulaziz and Sheikh Rashid reviewed ongoing development projects, focusing on expanded processing facilities and increased capacity measures designed to enhance cross-border travel efficiency, in line with Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council guidelines.

The 25-km long King Fahd Causeway is a series of bridges and causeways connecting AlKhobar in eastern Saudi Arabia and Al Jasra island in Bahrain. It was constructed in 1981 and opened to traffic in April 1985.

 


First AlUla World Archaeology Summit Symposium 2024 unearths past for the present and future

First AlUla World Archaeology Summit Symposium 2024 unearths past for the present and future
Updated 01 November 2024
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First AlUla World Archaeology Summit Symposium 2024 unearths past for the present and future

First AlUla World Archaeology Summit Symposium 2024 unearths past for the present and future

ALULA: Antiquity came alive here at the first AlUla World Archaeology Summit Symposium 2024 titled “Moving Forward: Past, Present and Future in the Archaeology and Heritage of Mobile Communities.”

Held on Oct. 30 and 31, it was organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla and is a part of the new biennial series aimed at fostering global dialogue among experts in archeology and cultural heritage.

This year’s symposium provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the interactions between mobile and settled communities, with participants sharing global research, case studies and best practices.

The event took place at Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building, which has 9,740 glass panels reflecting AlUla’s desert and landscape.

Built in 2019, Maraya has become an iconic part of AlUla’s cultural scene, hosting concerts, exhibitions and events that showcase both modern and traditional Saudi Arabia culture.

It was the perfect place to quite literally reflect on the past, while living in the present and looking to the future.

Reflecting on the symposium’s theme of mobility, organizers also addressed the global experience of halted movement during the recent COVID-19 global pandemic.

The theme of this year’s symposium encouraged critical examination of past and present mobility, from prehistory onward, as people have moved for various reasons; to access scarce resources, adapt to environmental pressures and respond to socio-political instability.

Speakers from six continents gathered to discuss topics including trade, commerce, climate change and conflict — all of which have shaped mobile communities throughout history.

The symposium highlights included keynote addresses by Willeke Wendrich from the University of California, Los Angeles, Stefano Biagetti from Pompeu Fabra University, UNESCO’s Peter DeBrine, and Khalid Alasmari from King Saud University.

Attendees visited archeological sites in Khaybar and Tayma and participated in panels and workshops focused on Saudi Arabia’s expanding role in archaeology.

Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani, vice president of culture at the RCU, spoke about AlUla’s unique heritage in light of the symposium, describing itas‘a crossroads for connection, cultural and knowledge exchange.’ (Supplied)



In addition, the symposium program featured a new, specially-curated showcase of recent archaeological discoveries in AlUla, along with a preview of a world-first exhibition that will include artifacts from the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli in Italy.

Ekhlass Al-Qananweh, who holds a doctorate in Northwest Semitic epigraphy, expressed delight at attending the symposium.

“I have a deep interest in antiquities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and journeyed here from Jordan to the architectural marvel that is Maraya to attend this gathering of the sharpest minds in the world of archaeology,” she told Arab News.

“In addition to the talks, I look with keen interest at the extremely qualified upcoming generation of archeologists — many of whom are in attendance — and I’m particularly interested in the vital participation of Saudi women in the field of archeological studies and in managing heritage and preserving it.”

During an Arab News interview, Adam Ford, cultural-heritage content expert at the royal commission, emphasized AlUla’s global significance and why it was chosen as host of the symposium.

“It is the World Archaeology Summit — it’s not an AlUla Summit. We want the world to come to us to discuss the world,” he said.

“The local community should be regarded as research partners with us,” he said, reiterating the RCU’s commitment to involving indigenous populations in preserving their heritage and amplifying it worldwide.

Ford also shared personal insights on the continuity of human experience across millennia. “We stand on the shoulders of giants … millions of actions and decisions and mistakes made by people of the past all culminate to now.”

He said that “although we will never meet these people,” their stories and choices continue to shape humanity’s present, emphasizing a universal pattern to endure, overcome challenges and pass on knowledge to future generations.

Certainly, if the lands could speak, they would echo stories that date back thousands of years when Lihyanite and Nabataean kingdoms reigned.

Today, AlUla contains lush oases, mountains and ancient heritage sites — as well as a thriving modern society. The best-known location in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A 52-hectare ancient settlement, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean kingdom. It comprises more than 100 well-preserved tombs, many with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement.

In addition, AlUla is home to ancient Dadan, the capital of the kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan, which is considered to be one of the most developed cities of the first millennium B.C.E. in the Arabian Peninsula.

There is also Jabal Ikmah, an open-air library with hundreds of inscriptions and writings, which has been listed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.

AlUla Old Town, a hodgepodge, labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes, dotted with small businesses developed from at least the 12th century, was selected as one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages in 2022 by UN Tourism.

Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani, vice president of culture at the RCU, spoke about AlUla’s unique heritage in light of the symposium, describing it as “a crossroads for connection, cultural and knowledge exchange.”

“Today, AlUla is one of the world’s most active areas for archeological exploration, with over 30,000 areas of archeological interest identified and more than a dozen active research projects,” he said.

“We established this event to become a progressive and leading platform for dialogue and collaboration, holding the first gathering in 2023 with an alternate format of symposium one year and summit the next.

“We are already laying the groundwork to build on the momentum of this event and for AWAS 2025.”


How AI and fintech are redefining the banking landscape in Saudi Arabia

How AI and fintech are redefining the banking landscape in Saudi Arabia
Updated 31 October 2024
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How AI and fintech are redefining the banking landscape in Saudi Arabia

How AI and fintech are redefining the banking landscape in Saudi Arabia
  • Generative AI in banking is enabling personalized services, predictive analytics, and faster customer support
  • Saudi fintech leader MOZN is driving the financial AI transformation through its platforms FOCAL and OSOS

RIYADH: The financial industry is undergoing a seismic transformation, with artificial intelligence and fintech reshaping everything from regulatory compliance and customer experience to counter-fraud measures.

Across the globe, banks are adopting generative AI and machine learning to drive innovation, reduce costs, and enhance security. Saudi Arabia is emerging as a key player, with local tech companies like MOZN spearheading change.

Speaking to Arab News, Mohammed Alhussein, MOZN’s founder and CEO, highlighted the “enormous improvements in how financial institutions offer their services to customers” over the last decade.

“There are more products that reach more people. Those products are better, faster, and are being offered online,” he said. At the same time, however, the growth of online banking services has also “opened the door for fraudsters.”

Banks are rapidly integrating AI for a host of benefits, including predictive analytics, automated compliance, and fraud detection.

A key driver is the need for real-time, data-driven insights. The ability of AI to analyze vast amounts of data quickly is transforming how banks assess risk, manage assets, and engage with customers.

For instance, AI has enabled high-speed trading and personalized customer services by leveraging machine learning to identify individual preferences and optimize service offerings.

Shutterstock illustration image

AI’s predictive capabilities also allow for better risk assessment, making it easier for banks to anticipate and mitigate potential financial risks.

Generative AI is also playing a significant role in areas like customer service and product development.

In the banking sector, it powers “intelligent banking” systems that enhance customer experience by summarizing customer conversations and improving support agent responses.

It also assists advisers in retrieving essential product information quickly, thereby reducing the response time and elevating service quality for clients.

Furthermore, AI-driven tools are automating compliance processes, making it easier for banks to adhere to evolving regulatory standards, potentially saving financial institutions from costly penalties and reputational damage.

DID YOUKNOW?

• Saudi fintech leader MOZN has driven financial AI transformation through its platforms FOCAL and OSOS.

• Generative AI in banking is enabling personalized services, predictive analytics, and faster customer support.

• Banks leverage AI-driven fraud detection systems, identifying transactional anomalies in real time.

• MOZN was recently listed among the Top 250 Fintech Companies globally by CNBC and Statista.

With online banking services expanding, banks face an increased risk of fraud. AI is essential in developing sophisticated fraud detection systems that can identify anomalies in real time.

For example, fintech platforms now monitor large volumes of transaction data to identify potentially fraudulent activity instantaneously, helping mitigate risks before they escalate.

“Everything is digital. This means that financial institutions must now make identity-related decisions in real-time,” said Alhussein. “AI is really good at identifying anomalous behavior analysis patterns and doing it really quickly.”

MOZN founder and CEO Mohammed Alhussein highlighted the “enormous improvements in how financial institutions offer their services to customers” over the last decade. (AN photo/by Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)

Advanced AI-driven compliance systems are also evolving. These systems are designed to constantly adapt to regulatory changes and identify emerging threats.

The automation of regulatory compliance processes allows banks to operate more efficiently, focusing on growth without compromising security.

Such systems are critical in Saudi Arabia, where financial institutions are expanding their services rapidly to keep up with the country’s Vision 2030 goals of a diversified, innovation-driven economy.

MOZN’s flagship compliance platform, FOCAL, is a prime example of AI in action, tailored to combat financial fraud through a unique blend of real-time identity verification and anomaly detection.

Mozn announced its FOCAL Anti-Fraud product at Saudi Arabia's LEAP 2023 tech conference at Riyadh Front Expo Center. (Supplied)

FOCAL actively screens and analyzes both customer and transactional data, immediately flagging suspicious activity that may indicate fraud or compliance breaches.

“We work with the financial sector specifically on one challenge, which is navigating and protecting against the risks of financial fraud,” said Alhussein.

“FOCAL is an AI-powered risk and compliance platform that financial institutions use to help protect their assets and their customers’ assets.”

MOZN has also developed OSOS, a generative AI platform specifically designed for Arabic language users.

MOZN's generative AI platform Osos is specifically designed for Arabic language users. (Supplied)

As Arabic content on the web grows, OSOS provides a culturally relevant solution, handling Arabic linguistic nuances and serving enterprises across the region.

Equipped with anti-hallucination features, OSOS minimizes bias and enhances accuracy by training on a diverse, balanced dataset. This feature is crucial as it ensures outputs are relevant and reliable, which is especially important for business and regulatory contexts.

“In developing OSOS, two of the main cornerstones of the values we are adding are minimizing both bias and hallucinations,” said Alhussein.

“OSOS has performed exceptionally well in different benchmarks that we’ve tested, and we’re very optimistic about where this is going.”

MOZN’s advancements have not gone unnoticed. The company was recently listed among the Top 250 Fintech Companies globally by CNBC and Statista — a testament to its influence in the fintech industry.

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This achievement underscores the company’s success not only in technology but also in meeting the specific needs of financial institutions in the region.

By achieving a 350 percent increase in customer acquisition since 2022, MOZN exemplifies the upward trajectory of Saudi fintech.

MOZN office in Riyadh. (AN photo/by Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)

Its success reflects a broader regional trend of fintech growth, as countries in the Middle East and North Africa increasingly embrace digital transformation in banking, and advances in AI across all sectors and industries.

“The future of AI in Saudi Arabia is extremely exciting,” said Alhussein.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to be a company born in Saudi Arabia and to witness the amazing transformation happening in the country, specifically regarding technology and artificial intelligence.”
 

 


King Salman, crown prince offer condolences to Spain following deadly flooding

King Salman, crown prince offer condolences to Spain following deadly flooding
Updated 31 October 2024
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King Salman, crown prince offer condolences to Spain following deadly flooding

King Salman, crown prince offer condolences to Spain following deadly flooding
  • The flash floods, which occurred late Tuesday and into Wednesday, have claimed at least 158 lives

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have extended their condolences to King Felipe VI of Spain in the aftermath of catastrophic flash floods that have ravaged the country’s southeastern region, resulting in extensive loss of life and leaving many unaccounted for.

In separate cables to the Spanish monarch, both Saudi leaders expressed heartfelt condolences and deep sympathy to the Spanish people, the families of the victims, and those affected, offering their hopes for the safe return of the missing.

The flash floods, which occurred late Tuesday and into Wednesday, have claimed at least 158 lives, with 155 fatalities recorded in the Valencia region alone.

Spain, which has endured nearly two years of drought, saw its hardened ground unable to absorb the intense rainfall, causing severe flash floods that left vehicles and buildings inundated.

Search and rescue operations continued on Thursday as crews combed through stranded cars and flooded homes for victims.

“Unfortunately, there are dead people inside some vehicles,” Spain’s Transport Minister Oscar Puente stated earlier, as the death toll spiked from 95 on Wednesday night.

Authorities warn that more victims may still be discovered as rescue efforts proceed.


Saudi and Bahraini interior ministers inspect upgrades on King Fahd Causeway

Saudi and Bahraini interior ministers inspect upgrades on King Fahd Causeway
Updated 31 October 2024
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Saudi and Bahraini interior ministers inspect upgrades on King Fahd Causeway

Saudi and Bahraini interior ministers inspect upgrades on King Fahd Causeway

RIYADH: The Saudi Minister of Interior and his Bahraini counterpart visited the King Fahd Causeway on Thursday to inspect ongoing developments aimed at improving transit efficiency between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

During the visit, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud and Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa received briefings on various projects by the King Fahd Causeway Authority, including plans to expand procedure zones and increase the crossing’s capacity, Saudi Press Agency reported.

These upgrades align with directives from the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council to streamline travel between the two nations.

Additionally, the ministers reviewed newly implemented passenger lounges for public transportation users and the prepaid toll routes, which have successfully reduced toll gate waiting times to under 15 seconds.

The improvements are part of broader efforts to enhance travel experiences for the growing number of people using the causeway.