JAKARTA, Indonesia: A strong, shallow earthquake rocked Indonesia’s central Sulawesi province Monday evening, injuring at least three people and damaging some buildings and houses.
The US Geological Survey said the magnitude-6.8 quake was centered in a thinly populated area 79 kilometers (49 miles) southeast of the provincial capital, Palu, at a depth of 9.1 kilometers (6 miles).
The National Disaster Management Agency said buildings were damaged in Poso, a city to the southeast of the epicenter, and a number of houses and churches were damaged in nearby villages.
At least three villagers were hospitalized for head wounds, it said.
The agency posted photos of damage in Poso on Twitter. One showed a collapsed building and another showed a convenience store with goods strewn on its floor but otherwise intact.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency recorded 14 aftershocks of up to magnitude-5.2, also at a shallow depth. Shallow earthquakes tend to cause more damage on the Earth’s surface.
It said the land-based quake didn’t have any potential to cause a tsunami.
Indonesia is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” A powerful Indian Ocean quake and tsunami in 2004 killed a total of 230,000 people in a dozen countries, most of them in Indonesia.
Strong Indonesia earthquake damages buildings, hurts some
Strong Indonesia earthquake damages buildings, hurts some
Liverpool’s Slot says Man Utd ‘much better’ than league table shows
- Arne Slot says crisis-hit Manchester United are “much, much better” than their shocking position in the Premier League suggests
LIVERPOOL: Arne Slot says crisis-hit Manchester United are “much, much better” than their shocking position in the Premier League suggests as he prepares his Liverpool team for a clash against their fierce rivals on Sunday.
Liverpool are six points clear at the top of the Premier League table — and are hot favorites to land a 20th English top-flight crown, which would pull them level with record-holders United.
United, by contrast, are 14th in the table after five defeats in their past six league games under new manager Ruben Amorim.
But Slot, also in his first campaign in England, is adamant he will not take his opponents lightly at Anfield, when asked if he might rest players at Friday’s pre-match press conference.
“No, of course I’m not going to plan to rest any player because it’s a big game and I think it’s for me I said it before the first fixture (a 3-0 win at Old Trafford) and I can say it one more time, that they have much better players in my opinion than maybe the league table shows at the moment.
“I think it’s going to take a while maybe for Ruben Amorim to bring this out of the players... but they will definitely go up and they are much, much, much better than the league table shows at the moment.”
The Dutchman said he had sympathy with his rival in the Old Trafford hot seat, who joined United from Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon in November.
“I think every manager sympathizes with every other manager, because we all know how much pressure this job brings,” said Slot.
“That’s not different for him than for me, or for any other manager that works in the Premier League, or somewhere else around the world.”
Slot was asked whether he could categorically state that Liverpool would not let Trent Alexander-Arnold leave in the January transfer window, with the defender heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk are all out of contract at the end of the season and can now talk to foreign clubs.
Slot said Alexander-Arnold was “fully committed” to Liverpool and would be playing on Sunday.
“Hopefully he brings the same performances as he brought in for the last half-year, because I think everybody saw how great a first half of the season he had, how much he is here, how much he wants to win here,” said Slot.”
Inter’s Denzel Dumfries delighted with Riyadh double but calls for ‘focus’
- Inter’s 2-0 win over Atalanta in the EA Sports FC Super Cup semifinal means on Monday they can now win their third Super Cup in a row in Riyadh
- Dumfries: ‘This is the first time I’ve scored two goals in my career; I’m very happy about it’
RIYADH: Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries revealed his delight at netting the first double of his career as Inter Milan beat Atalanta 2-0 in Riyadh to earn a place in the EA Sports FC Italian Super Cup final.
The right wing-back’s first goal at Al-Awwal Park came just after half-time when he chested the ball in the air with his back to goal before acrobatically swiveling and volleying into the goal. The second arrived on the hour mark from the edge of the box when he expertly sidefooted into the net off the underside of the bar from Federico Dimarco’s through pass.
Dumfries said: “Yes, this is the first time I’ve scored two goals in my career. I’m very happy about it, but it’s not my best night. We will now focus, and we will do our best during the next game in the final. We will see tomorrow who we face in the final. It’s not our game. We lost against Milan, we drew against Juventus, but they are both important teams.”
Inter can now win their third Super Cup in a row in Riyadh. Having beaten city rivals AC Milan 3-0 in 2022 and Napoli 1-0 last year in Riyadh, Inter face either Juventus or AC Milan in Monday’s final at Al-Awwal Park. The other finalists will be decided at the same venue on Friday. Another Italian Super Cup victory would equal a record four in succession for Inter, having beaten Juventus in Italy in 2021.
Simone Inzaghi, the Inter Milan manager, praised the performance of his team on a night when they could have scored more than two.
“We got a great approach in the game,” he said. “Excellent motivation, right mindset, and I praised the whole team. We have taken just one step, and we will wait (for) the next game on Monday. Winning the Super Cup is getting hard as we play two games within three to four days. I did many finals thanks to those guys. Tomorrow, whoever deserves it more will play against us.”
Gian Piero Gasperini, the Atalanta manager, said: “Inter is strong, the strongest at the moment. We were close, and at the league, we will be even closer. I’m satisfied because it has been a chance to try different players. We created many chances in the second half.”
Bereaved orca seen carrying another dead calf in US waters
- Scientists say whales are among the world’s most intelligent animals, exhibiting complex social behavior including self-awareness and suffering
Washington, USA: A bereaved female killer whale who carried her dead calf for more than two weeks in 2018 has again lost a newborn and is bearing its body, US marine researchers said.
Scientists say whales are among the world’s most intelligent animals, exhibiting complex social behavior including self-awareness and suffering.
The Washington state-based Center for Whale Research said the endangered orca named Tahlequah, also known as J35, was spotted carrying her deceased calf in Puget Sound off Seattle on New Year’s Day.
“J35 has been seen carrying the body of the deceased calf,” the center said in an Instagram post Thursday.
“This behavior was seen previously by J35 in 2018 when she carried the body of her deceased calf for 17 days,” it said.
When Tahlequah was carrying her previous deceased newborn seven years ago she was seen sometimes nudging its body with her nose and sometimes gripping it with her mouth, US media reported.
“It’s a very tragic tour of grief,” Center for Whale Research founder Ken Balcomb told public broadcaster NPR at the time.
The center said the loss of the latest female newborn was “particularly devastating” because Tahlequah has now lost two of her four documented calves.
“We hope to have more information on the situation through further observation,” the post said.
The center also said Tahlequah’s pod had been joined by another newborn. “The calf’s sex is not yet known but the team reports that the calf appeared physically and behaviorally normal,” the center said.
Tahlequah and her pod mates are Southern Resident Killer Whales, a population listed as endangered in the United States.
There are only three pods in the population, numbering around 70 whales. They spend several weeks of each spring and fall in the waters of Puget Sound.
Their numbers are dwindling owing to a combination of factors, including a reduction in their prey and the noise and disturbance caused by ships and boats, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Saudi aviation sector soaring after record growth, major expansions
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector reached new heights over the past 12 months, marked by a surge in passenger numbers, a fleet expansion with new jet acquisitions, and strategic global partnerships.
These advancements are part of a broader vision to establish the Kingdom as a global aviation hub and a top-tier destination for travelers worldwide.
Saudi Arabia is investing billions of dollars as part of its Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels, boosting its private sector, and enhancing connectivity, as well as solidifying its role in the global aviation industry.
As part of this plan, aviation goals for the Kingdom include delivering seamless experiences to 330 million passengers across over 250 destinations, and the transportation of 4.5 million tons of air cargo by 2030.
“This transformative strategy offers lucrative opportunities for the private sector to contribute to the realization of the country’s ambitions,” said President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej.
He added that among these opportunities are the privatization potential of 27 airports, which are currently in preparation for transfer to private ownership.
“Moreover, numerous aircraft requests and destination openings have been approved, providing further avenues for private sector involvement in the sector’s growth and development.” Al-Duailej added.
Passenger numbers and air freight volume surges
Between January and September, Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector achieved record growth, with passenger numbers reaching 94 million, accounting for a 15 percent increase.
The number of flights also saw a 10 percent rise compared to 2023, while air freight volumes approached 1 million tonnes, reflecting a 52 percent increase.
These achievements were announced at GACA’s 14th Steering Committee Meeting for activating the National Strategy for the Aviation Sector, held in October in Dammam.
GACA President Abdulaziz bin Al-Duailej highlighted the expansion of air connectivity during this period, with flights departing to over 150 destinations weekly.
Saudi business aviation soars with Vision 2030 growth
Saudi Arabia’s business aviation sector is booming, driven by the Kingdom’s expanding economy, major government infrastructure investments, and a rising influx of high-net-worth individuals.
Valued at $1.2 billion in 2023, the sector is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 8.88 percent from 2025 to 2029.
The growth was highlighted in the GACA’s roadmap, unveiled at Riyadh’s Future Aviation Forum in May.
Global firms tapped for King Salman Airport expansion
In 2024, global firms such as Foster & Partners, Jacobs Engineering, Mace, and Nera were selected for the next phase of King Salman International Airport’s development in Riyadh.
Led by the King Salman International Airport Development Co., a subsidiary of the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, the collaborations will support the airport’s expansion, positioning it as a key hub for tourism and transportation.
Riyadh Air expands fleet, partnerships ahead of 2025 launch
In October, Riyadh Air signed an agreement to purchase 60 Airbus A321neo single-aisle aircraft as it plans to commence its operations in 2025.
The deal was signed at the 8th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh.
In the same month the company said that it had plans to order wide-body aircraft capable of seating more than 300 passengers in 2025.
In August, the new airline announced it had secured a multi-year agreement to become the official airline partner of Concacaf, the FIFA Confederation for North, Central America, and the Caribbean.
The deal aims to enhance the airline’s presence in global sports and support Concacaf’s national and club competitions across the Americas.
In June, Riyadh Air signed agreements with Singapore Airlines and Air China, to establish strategic partnerships and expand its global network.
The agreements focus on interline connectivity, codeshare, frequent flyer programs, cargo services, customer experience, and digital innovation.
The company partnered with China Eastern Airlines to enhance connectivity and digital transformation and with Delta Air Lines to expand North American routes.
In April, the carrier announced a partnership with Artefact to build a data analytics platform and develop AI solutions, enabling hyper-personalization, improved guest experiences, and optimized operations.
The collaboration aims to revolutionize Saudi aviation through advanced artificial intelligence applications.
“Through AI integration, we aim to redefine travel standards, offering personalized, seamless digital-first experience to our guests ahead of our maiden flight in 2025,” Abe Dev, the airline’s vice president of digital and innovation said.
In May, the airline said it had plans to bolster its aircraft lineup through additional orders, as it requires “a very large fleet” to establish itself alongside regional giants, according to its CEO Tony Douglas.
This move comes as the Kingdom’s second flag carrier ordered 39 Boeing 787-9 jets in 2023, with options for 33 more. “We’re going to make a number of additional orders,” Douglas said.
The airline’s initial destinations will include major cities in Europe, the US East Coast, and Canada, with the inaugural flight scheduled to depart by June 2025.
Saudia boosts aviation with key partnerships, fleet growth
In December, Saudia entered a strategic partnership with Air France-KLM to expand and localize its maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities. This collaboration aims to enhance the Kingdom’s aviation infrastructure and contribute to its economic growth.
In July, the Saudia Group and German aerospace company Lilium NV, developer of fully electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, entered into an agreement to purchase 50 confirmed Lilium Jets, with an option for an additional 50 aircraft. The deal will make the Saudi carrier the first airline in the region to invest in sustainable air mobility.
In May, Saudia and Riyadh Air signed an agreement during the Future Aviation Forum to collaborate on training aviation professionals.
During the same event, Saudia Group announced a $19 billion order for 105 A320neo family aircraft, the largest Airbus deal in Saudi history. The planes, including A320neo and A321neo models, will be split between Saudia and its low-cost carrier flyadeal, with deliveries starting in early 2026.
Flyadeal receives first owned plane, aims for 100 by 2030
In 2024, Saudia’s low-cost airline flyadeal took delivery of its first wholly-owned aircraft, an Airbus A320neo.
Announcing the milestone in June, the airline revealed plans to expand its fleet to around 50 aircraft by the end of 2025, doubling to 100 by 2030. As part of its growth strategy, flyadeal also launched seven weekly flights between Riyadh and Sarajevo, utilizing an Airbus A320.
Looking ahead, the airline announced the addition of three new domestic routes starting January. Services from Dammam to Najran and four weekly flights to Tabuk commenced on Jan. 1, followed by three weekly flights to Yanbu starting from Jan. 2.
Flynas secures 280-aircraft deal amid record growth
Flynas, named the Best Low-Cost Airline in the Middle East for the seventh consecutive year, reported a 47 percent rise in passenger numbers, exceeding 7 million in the first half of 2024.
In November, the airline announced new African routes, with flights from Riyadh to Entebbe, Uganda, and Jeddah to Djibouti starting Jan. 8, 2025, under its “We Connect the World to the Kingdom” initiative.
In July, Flynas signed a deal at the Farnborough Airshow to purchase 160 Airbus aircraft, doubling its orders to 280 planes, including 30 wide-body A330neo and 130 narrow-body A320 models. The carrier also celebrated receiving its 53rd A320neo as part of a SR32 billion ($8.5 billion) order for 120 planes.
UAE national team at crossroads after a mixed year
- An improving 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign was followed by a disappointing 2024 Arabian Gulf Cup exit for Paulo Bento’s team
DUBAI: A mixed 2024 for Paulo Bento’s UAE ended with ample Arabian Gulf Cup angst, but signs are still apparent for a glittering 2025.
Al-Wasl talisman Fabio De Lima’s 95th-minute penalty miss versus Oman sealed Group A-elimination in Kuwait and made it two successive regional editions without victory. Quite the comedown for an improving side that was tipped for glory at the 26th running of the cup.
Winter success, though, was never the true target. A rampant November in qualifying made hopes real of earning a World Cup return for the first time since 1990.
Arab News assesses the highs and lows of this intriguing calendar year, plus looks to the future.
Story of 2024
With feet firmly through the door after his July 2023 arrival, Bento could be under no illusions about what a first full year at the helm had to produce.
The ex-Portugal and South Korea supremo had several core tasks. He was asked to inspire an assault on last winter’s Asian Cup and guide the UAE through a generous second-round group in World Cup 2026 qualifying.
In addition, he had to lay the foundation for a sustained charge at automatic entry via the third round and succeed where recent predecessors had failed in the Arabian Gulf Cup.
Supplementary objectives involved further defining a style of play, continuing generational change and successful integration of a growing stream of naturalized options.
However, tournament failures would bookend the year for the team. Asian Cup debutants Tajikistan dumped the UAE out in a frustrating round-of-16 penalty shootout, while they followed rivals Qatar onto an early flight home at the Arabian Gulf Cup.
In contrast, serene second-round progress in World Cup 2026 qualifying came as Group G winners, with a plus-14 goal difference.
Their confidence then ballooned when the third round began with a redemptive 3-1 victory at double Asian Cup kings Qatar. This would deflate during a subsequent three-match winless run, including a demoralizing 1-1 home draw to Group A’s bottom-placed North Korea.
November’s qualifiers had to deliver, and they did. An emphatic 3-0 victory versus Kyrgyzstan was followed by a riotous and unforgettable 5-0 thumping of Qatar, containing a super hat-trick for De Lima.
A three-point gap to Group A runners-up Uzbekistan with four fixtures to fulfil is tantalizing.
It now appears the foundations have been set for a second-ever World Cup appearance. How Bento handles the secondary challenges that appeared in 2024 will define 2025.
New leaders emerge
Discussions regarding Bento’s tenure have often devolved into arguments about who has not been selected, rather than on those representing their nation.
Record goalscorer Ali Mabkhout has not been seen since playing zero minutes at the 2023 Asian Cup. Fellow veterans Majed Hassan and Bandar Al-Ahbabi are among those enjoying evergreen campaigns for their clubs yet are still overlooked by the Whites.
And Wasl golden boy Ali Saleh was the surprise name absent from the recent Arabian Gulf Cup, after late injury ruled him out of November’s qualifiers.
Tweaks will surely be made for March’s key matches at Iran and North Korea. A return to peak match fitness after serious injury by Al-Jazira’s metronome midfielder Abdullah Ramadan is essential.
But the noise that surrounds these calls should not distract from the leaders who emerged in 2024.
De Lima netted six times in the calendar year, while maturing Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club flyer Yahya Al-Ghassani joined him on the same tally, with several efforts of sublime quality. And Sharjah fullback Khalid Ibrahim has proved his dependability.
Most pertinently, however, was the increasing torrent of naturalized selections who defined 2024, led by the versatile Marcus Meloni, Al-Ain center-back Kouame Autonne and Fleetwood Town’s Mackenzie Hunt.
New faces, new questions
A UAE Football Association naturalization plan of over five years in the making is bearing fruit.
The aforementioned trio, plus the likes of lively Ajman midfielder Isam Faiz and emerging Montpellier forward Junior Ndiaye, are changing the face of Emirati football.
Al-Wahda center-back Lucas Pimenta travelled to Kuwait, as did teenage Al-Ain midfielder Solomon Sosu. Many more will come online throughout the latter stages of World Cup 2026 qualifying.
This potentially includes Caio Canedo who has a formidable 11-goal contribution in 10 ADNOC Pro League runouts for Sharjah in 2024/2025.
It is now up to Bento to make the most of this harvest. Getting the blend right is critical.
Does defense need a facelift?
Only Iraq and omnipotent Japan have conceded fewer goals than the UAE in third-round qualifying.
So far, so solid. Yet, a fragility on display at the Arabian Gulf Cup is of concern.
Jazira center-back Khalifa Al-Hammadi erred in last month’s 2-1 Kuwait defeat, and international partner Autonne was also dismissed in that match.
Pimenta is now on board, with his hugely impressive Tunisia-born club-mate Alaeddine Zouhir a future naturalized option.
Returns for Shabab Al-Ahli full-backs Ahmad Jamil and Bader Nasser would be welcomed. And goalkeeper Hamad Al-Meqebaali, 21, is an enviable prospect who looks poised for senior action.
Mission to find another Mabkhout
Last year began with a change of the guard up top.
The 85-goal Mabkhout was watching in Qatar as an emergent Sultan Adil got among the Asian Cup scorers. The powerful latter-mentioned striker has, however, been unable to feature for Shabab Al-Ahli or his country this season.
The UAE have netted 12 times in the third round, equaling Iran and South Korea’s tallies while outscoring Qatar, Iraq, Australia and Saudi Arabia.
Seasoned Wasl campaigners De Lima and Caio Canedo still pack a punch but more is expected, however, from Jazira forward Bruno Conceicao, with Ndiaye’s international career also still to ignite.
Bento must surely want Adil involved for March’s seismic away trips.
