Diriyah Company partners with Golf Saudi to operate Wadi Safar Golf Course, Royal Golf Club

Diriyah Company signed a landmark agreement with Golf Saudi on Sunday to operate the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and the Royal Golf Club, set to become key sites within the expansive Diriyah development near Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Diriyah Company signed a landmark agreement with Golf Saudi on Sunday to operate the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and the Royal Golf Club, set to become key sites within the expansive Diriyah development near Riyadh. (Supplied)
Diriyah Company signed a landmark agreement with Golf Saudi on Sunday to operate the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and the Royal Golf Club, set to become key sites within the expansive Diriyah development near Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Diriyah Company signed a landmark agreement with Golf Saudi on Sunday to operate the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and the Royal Golf Club, set to become key sites within the expansive Diriyah development near Riyadh. (Supplied)
Diriyah Company signed a landmark agreement with Golf Saudi on Sunday to operate the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and the Royal Golf Club, set to become key sites within the expansive Diriyah development near Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Diriyah Company signed a landmark agreement with Golf Saudi on Sunday to operate the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and the Royal Golf Club, set to become key sites within the expansive Diriyah development near Riyadh. (Supplied)
Diriyah Company signed a landmark agreement with Golf Saudi on Sunday to operate the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and the Royal Golf Club, set to become key sites within the expansive Diriyah development near Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Diriyah Company signed a landmark agreement with Golf Saudi on Sunday to operate the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and the Royal Golf Club, set to become key sites within the expansive Diriyah development near Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Diriyah Company partners with Golf Saudi to operate Wadi Safar Golf Course, Royal Golf Club

Diriyah Company partners with Golf Saudi to operate Wadi Safar Golf Course, Royal Golf Club
  • Signing witnessed by officials, professional players, Golf Saudi ambassadors, select media

DIRIYAH: Diriyah Company signed a landmark agreement with Golf Saudi on Sunday to operate the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and the Royal Golf Club, set to become key sites within the expansive Diriyah development near Riyadh.

The signing ceremony, which was held at the Wadi Safar Experience Center and on the golf course, was witnessed by officials, professional players, Golf Saudi ambassadors, and select media.

Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company, and Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi, spoke of the collaboration’s transformative potential in their remarks at the event.

Inzerillo said: “This partnership with Golf Saudi marks an exciting chapter in Diriyah’s journey to becoming a global cultural and lifestyle destination.

“The Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and Royal Golf Club embody our vision of blending world-class experiences with the heritage and natural beauty of Diriyah. Together, we are elevating golf tourism while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions to lead in sustainable and inclusive developments.”

Golf Saudi will oversee operations at Wadi Safar, aiming to attract both regional and international audiences.

Alireza said: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Diriyah Company on this landmark project.

“Wadi Safar represents an extraordinary addition to the Kingdom’s golfing venues. Together, we are setting a new standard for golf tourism, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s profile in the global sports and leisure market while championing sustainability and cultural heritage.”

The Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course, which was designed by golf legend Greg Norman, covers 630,000 sq. meters and was recently completed.

The facility includes an 18-hole championship course, a nine-hole academy course, a driving range, and short-game practice areas. It is just minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif.


Tabuk Tigers win second season of NEOM community cricket program 

Tabuk Tigers win second season of NEOM community cricket program 
Updated 54 min 55 sec ago
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Tabuk Tigers win second season of NEOM community cricket program 

Tabuk Tigers win second season of NEOM community cricket program 
  • Participation surged by 85 percent compared to the inaugural season in 2023, with 84 teams representing more than 150 companies

NEOM: The Tabuk Tigers edged out NESMA Fighters to take the honors in the second season of the NEOM cricket program, held in partnership with Indian Premier League team Rajasthan Royals.

The final, played in front of a 2,000-strong audience that included cricketing icons Rahul Dravid and Kumar Sangakkara, marked the end of a six-month competition featuring 146 matches. The day also featured an exhibition match between two all-female teams.

Participation surged by 85 percent compared to the inaugural season in 2023, with 84 teams representing more than 150 companies competing in a fast-paced T10 format.

Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, emphasized the broader significance of the program.

“By developing a vibrant cricket community, we aim to inspire widespread participation and further establish cricket as a key contributor to the Kingdom’s sports ambitions,” he said.

Jan Paterson, managing director of NEOM Sport, added: “This partnership with the Rajasthan Royals underscores our commitment to fostering an inclusive community and using sport as a platform for growth and opportunity.

“By creating pathways for men, women and young people to engage in cricket, we’re strengthening community ties and advancing NEOM’s vision of a physically active society.”

Manoj Badale, owner of the Rajasthan Royals, said: “This collaboration is about more than cricket, it’s about fostering participation, inclusivity and active lifestyles. Cricket has the power to inspire communities, and we’re proud to be part of an initiative that has brought NEOM’s residents closer.”

With 84 teams and a growing community of players, NEOM’s cricket program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s national sports strategy, which aims to promote sporting participation and enhance quality of life.


‘The pride I felt winning for my country was unparalleled’: Saudi Rocket League FIFAe World Cup winners share joy of victory

‘The pride I felt winning for my country was unparalleled’: Saudi Rocket League FIFAe World Cup winners share joy of victory
Updated 15 December 2024
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‘The pride I felt winning for my country was unparalleled’: Saudi Rocket League FIFAe World Cup winners share joy of victory

‘The pride I felt winning for my country was unparalleled’: Saudi Rocket League FIFAe World Cup winners share joy of victory
  • Saudi stars reveal how it felt to become first-ever FIFAe World Cup winners on home soil
  • Saudi Arabia crowned first-ever FIFAe Rocket League world champions on home soil

RIYADH: The victorious Saudi Arabia team, who claimed victory on Dec. 8 in the inaugural FIFAe World Cup, featuring Rocket League, have been sharing their pride at securing the crown.

Cheered on by a raucous home crowd, they delivered a commanding performance to secure the title at the SEF Arena in Boulevard Riyadh City last Sunday.

Team captain Mohammed Al-Otaibi, known as TrK511, reflected on the triumph and said: “It’s an indescribable feeling to finally become world champions, winning the FIFAe Rocket League World Cup in our homeland, with our fans behind us every step of the way, makes the achievement unforgettable.”

Saudi Arabia dominated their opponents, topping the group stages before defeating Chile 4-0 in the quarter-finals, Brazil 4-0 in the semifinals and France 4-1 in the final.

Yazid Abdullah Bakhashwin, known as “Kiileerrz,” described the pride of representing Saudi Arabia on a global stage.

“This is the greatest achievement of my career,” he said. “What makes it even more significant is that it was the first Rocket League tournament for FIFAe, held here at home. The energy from the fans inside the SEF Arena was electrifying. Their cheers after every match and goal pushed us to perform at our peak.”

For coach Abdulrahman Al-Saad, the victory was the culmination of relentless preparation.

Mohammed Khalid Alotaibi (trk511) of Team Saudi Arabia celebrates against Team France during the Final of the FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League at SEF Arena on Dec. 8, in Riyadh. (FIFA via Getty Images)

“We’ve been working towards this tournament for so long,” he said. “Being the first of its kind and hosted in our homeland made it even more meaningful. It marked the end of a long year of tournaments — around 10 in total — where we learned from every match and improved on our mistakes, especially in international competitions.”

The victory was particularly sweet for the Saudi team, who had often come close in previous tournaments without taking the top prize.

“Reaching the finals and semifinals only to fall short was tough,” said Saleh Abdullah “Rw9” Bakhashwin. “But my family and friends never stopped believing in us. This win feels like the perfect reward for all our efforts, and I’m proud to have made them proud,” he added.

His teammate and captain, TrK511, echoed the sentiment.

“After so many close calls, this victory feels especially meaningful. We’ve learned from our past experiences, practiced relentlessly, and stayed focused as a team,” he said.

Eighteen nations competed in the tournament, one of three in the FIFAe Finals 2024. The event was part of a growing number of competitions hosted in Saudi Arabia, which included the inaugural Esports World Cup earlier this year. With 23.5 million gamers — almost 70 percent of the population — the Kingdom is rapidly establishing itself as a global leader in esports.

“The esports industry in Saudi Arabia is expanding at an incredible pace,” said coach Al-Saad. “The Kingdom is investing heavily in infrastructure and nurturing young talent. This win reflects the passion our country has for gaming and esports.”

For Saudi Arabia’s world champions, this victory is just the beginning.

“We’re living in an era of esports, with tournaments happening year-round and so much support from our country,” said TrK511. “I’ve always wanted to achieve something for my family and my country, and now I’ve achieved the most important title of my career — but it won’t be the last.”


All set for Next Gen ATP in Jeddah

All set for Next Gen ATP in Jeddah
Updated 15 December 2024
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All set for Next Gen ATP in Jeddah

All set for Next Gen ATP in Jeddah

JEDDAH: The Next Gen ATP Finals begins in Jeddah on Wednesday, with the season’s top under-20 players competing for the championship title.

The tournament, in its second year in Saudi Arabia, will be organized by the Saudi Tennis Federation and the Association of Tennis Professionals, under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports, and sponsored by the Public Investment Fund.

Held on indoor hard courts at King Abdullah Sports City from Dec. 18-22, the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF features the eight best 20-and-under players on the ATP Tour.

This year’s lineup comprises Frenchman Arthur Fils, Alex Michelsen of the US, Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic, China’s Juncheng Shang, American Learner Tien, Luca Van Assche of France, American Nishesh Basavareddy and Brazil’s Joao Fonseca.

Defending champion Hamad Medjedovic cannot try to retain his title due to his age, meaning that a new winner will be crowned in Jeddah next week.

The new ambassador of the Saudi Tennis Federation, Rafa Nadal, one of the greatest sporting figures and tennis players of all time, will attend the semifinals and final to witness the new champion crowned for 2024.

The 2024 tournament has increased total prize money to a record $2.05 million.

Previous Next Gen ATP Finals winners were:

2017: Chung Hyeon

2018: Stefanos Tsitsipas

2019: Jannik Sinner

2020: Not held due to COVID-19 pandemic

2021: Carlos Alcaraz

2022: Brandon Nakashima

2023: Hamad Medjedovic


Al-Ain Club’s youngsters dominate Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Al-Ain Club’s youngsters dominate Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Updated 15 December 2024
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Al-Ain Club’s youngsters dominate Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Al-Ain Club’s youngsters dominate Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
  • Baniyas and Sharjah clubs finish 2nd and 3rd in 5th-round youth categories

ABU DHABI: Al-Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club topped the medal table on the second day of the fifth and final round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship, held at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Competitions for the U-14s and U-12s took center stage on Saturday, with Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club securing second place, followed by Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club in third.

Fahad Ali Al-Shamsi, secretary-general of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “The young athletes are the cornerstone of jiu-jitsu’s future in the UAE. Today they have shown great skill in representing their clubs and have demonstrated the core values of jiu-jitsu, such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

“Their exceptional performance reflects the hard work of clubs and academies in preparing them, coupled with the continuous support of our wise leadership. This championship also showcases the vital role of families in encouraging and supporting their children, further strengthening the community bond.”

One of the guests of honor, Dr Ebrahim Saeed Al-Hajri, president of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, highlighted the importance of the championship’s focus on nurturing young talent.

“What distinguishes Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship is its focus on younger age groups, which represent the future of the sport over the next decade. Watching these youngsters compete with enthusiasm and dedication reflects the growing popularity of jiu-jitsu among younger generations and helps build a strong foundation of talent for the future.”


Lee Chieh-Po wins LIV Golf Promotions in Riyadh, earns spot in 2025 league season

Lee Chieh-Po wins LIV Golf Promotions in Riyadh, earns spot in 2025 league season
Updated 15 December 2024
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Lee Chieh-Po wins LIV Golf Promotions in Riyadh, earns spot in 2025 league season

Lee Chieh-Po wins LIV Golf Promotions in Riyadh, earns spot in 2025 league season
  • The 30-year-old becomes the first player from Chinese Taipei to earn full-time status in LIV Golf after taking title by 2 strokes

RIYADH: Fueled by nine birdies in the morning and a clutch tee shot in the late afternoon, Lee Chieh-po won the grueling 36-hole LIV Golf Promotions finish on Saturday to claim a coveted spot in the league’s 2025 season.

The 30-year-old becomes the first player from Chinese Taipei to earn full-time status in LIV Golf and hopes his victory and presence in the league will inspire others from his country.

“It means a lot for our players,” said the Asian Tour regular, who won for the first time at this year’s International Series Thailand. “LIV Golf, I think, is many players’ dream. I go there and they will come.”

Lee — also known by his English name, Max — shot a two-round total of 10 under at Riyadh Golf Club to win by two strokes over Asian Tour player Taichi Kho and relegated LIV Golf player Branden Grace in the 20-player final-day field. A total of 92 players began the week.

All players finishing inside the top 10 will receive exemptions to all 10 tournaments on The International Series in 2025. Six players on the final leaderboard did not previously hold that status: American Ollie Schniederjans and Australians Brett Coletta and Jack Buchanan, who shared fourth at 5 under; Germany’s Max Rottluff, solo seventh at 4 under; and Korea’s Soomin Lee and England’s David Horsey, part of the four-way tie for eighth at 3 under.

They were all chasing Lee after he shot a 7-under 64 in his morning round that included nine birdies, with four in his final five holes. That gave him a two-shot lead over Schniederjans, who posted a bogey-free 66.

Lee remained in control throughout the afternoon, making the turn with a one-shot lead over Grace, who had just made his fourth birdie of the day at the 11th hole.

Lee seemed to be pulling away with a three-stroke lead late in the round, but a bad approach at the par-4 16th resulted in a bogey. “I hit it way poor to the left, and I was laughing, like, what am I doing?” Lee said.

When Grace and Kho finished with birdies at the 18th, his lead was reduced to a single shot going into the par-3 17th, the most difficult hole on the back nine this week.

But he stepped up and delivered the biggest shot of the day, his tee ball nearly rolling into the cup. After making birdie, he stayed away from trouble at the 18th to close it out.

“Just tried to reset my mind,” he said afterwards. “Hole No. 17, that shot is very important. I hit a very good tee shot.”

Grace was watching in the clubhouse as Lee finished his round. He was hoping to regain his spot with Stinger GC with a win this week, but the team could still make a business case for keeping him in the lineup.

“Played good, gave it everything,” Grace said. “Now I’ll go home and have a holiday.”

Schniederjans, the former top-ranked amateur who is playing his way back from injuries that slowed his career, was encouraged by being in the mix this week.

“I’m very confident about where everything is heading,” he said. “I had to hit a lot of cool putts and shots under pressure, so it was really nice to see that. It did give me even more confidence. But I have a lot of confidence in my future.”

As for Lee, his confidence is sky-high. A hip injury last year forced him into swing changes, but a consistent stretch of play this season that culminated in the victory in Thailand — when he rallied to overtake LIV Golf player Peter Uihlein — is an indication of his talent.

Now he’s ready to compete in LIV Golf and embrace everything the global league has to offer.

“On the LIV Tour, every player is very strong,” he said. “I think I can learn something. I will learn something.”