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Gruelling Dakar Rally route through Saudi Arabia’s ‘captivating’ deserts revealed by Sports Authority

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It was announced earlier this month that the race would be held in Saudi Arabia, and for the first time in the Middle East. (Twitter/Dakar Rally)
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It was announced earlier this month that the race would be held in Saudi Arabia, and for the first time in the Middle East. (AFP/File Photo)
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Updated 25 April 2019
Arab News
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Gruelling Dakar Rally route through Saudi Arabia’s ‘captivating’ deserts revealed by Sports Authority

Updated 25 April 2019
Arab News

AL-QADDIYA: More details about the Dakar Rally expected to take place in January 2020 in Saudi Arabia were released on Thursday by the Kingdom's General Sports Authority at an event in Al-Qaddiya.

The race starts on Jan. 5 in Jeddah, with the drivers set to race through Al-Madinah, Tabuk and Ha’il regions before a having a rest day in Riyadh. From the capital, the route winds its way back toward the coast through the Asir region and ends in the city of Al-Qaddiya on Jan. 12.

Speaking at the event, the chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA) Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal announced a 10-year partnership with the Dakar Rally, saying: "We want the world to see the captivating desert of Saudi Arabia and to get to know the good and hospitable people of the Kingdom that looks forward to receiving the world.

“Our country is extremely passionate about sport and our strategic goal is to feed that appetite as we move further towards achieving Vision 2030 of which sport is a basic pillar.

“In hosting Dakar Rally we aim to produce an unbelievable and unforgettable experience for drivers as they discover the beauty of Saudi nature and a unique spectacle for motorsport fans not only in Saudi Arabia but also in the region and around the world.”

It was announced earlier this month that the race would be held in Saudi Arabia, and for the first time in the Middle East.

The Dakar has been held in South America since 2009. The gruelling multi-stage rally was previously held in Africa but was relocated after terrorist threats in Mauritania in 2008.

Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation, said when the race announcement was made: “I have always wanted to participate in Dakar Rally, while I wasn’t fortunate to achieve that ambition, I’m now part of achieving a much bigger dream for my country as Dakar comes to the Middle East region for the first time ever.”

CEO of Qiddiya project Michael Reininger said: "Qiddiya will soon become the centre of the motorsports world by virtue of an unparalleled collection of on track and off road facilities and a set of experiences and events that have never been assembled in one place before.”

The CEO of the rally's organizing company, Amaury Sport Organization, Yann Le Moenner thanked the princes for their commitment to bringing the rally to Saudi Arabia, adding: “Crossing the best deserts of the world has always been in the DNA of the Dakar, to discover and share.”

Dakar Rally director David Castera said: “Following 30 years of discoveries, fateful encounters, and exploits, Étienne Lavigne rose to a new challenge when he took the rally across the Atlantic to South America and brought Dakar fever to a new continent. Now, the time has come to set a new course and enter uncharted territory with the next destination of the Dakar and its competitors in Saudi Arabia.”

Meanwhile, the drivers involved in the rally have been in Saudi Arabia soaking up local culture and experiencing some of the desert landscapes they will drive through in January.

Topics: Saudi Arabia sport Motorsport Dakar Rally Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia

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Directorate imposes new exit visa requirement

Updated 16 sec ago
Arab News
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Directorate imposes new exit visa requirement

  • Directorate addressed employers, stating that if a resident identity is valid for fewer than 30 days, the final exit visa may not be issued
  • Resident identity must be renewed for the issuance of the final exit visa
Updated 16 sec ago
Arab News

RIYADH: The Saudi General Directorate of Passports has said that resident identities must be valid for at least 30 days when applying for a final exit visa.

The directorate addressed employers, stating that if a resident identity is valid for fewer than 30 days, the final exit visa may not be issued. In that case, the resident identity must be renewed for the issuance of the final exit visa.

It noted that if a resident identity is valid for more than 30 days and fewer than 60 days, a final exit visa may be issued for the resident identity’s remaining period.

If the resident identity is valid for 60 days or more, the final exit visa may be issued for 60 days only.

The directorate noted that employers may issue final exit visas for their sponsored workers or affiliated family members through the Ministry of Interior’s Absher Business platform, and the Muqeem portal.

Topics: Saudi General Directorate of Passports (GDP) Saudi Ministry of Interior (MOI)

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Saudi king and crown prince congratulate Joseph Aoun on being elected president of Lebanon

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 15 min 3 sec ago
Arab News
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Saudi king and crown prince congratulate Joseph Aoun on being elected president of Lebanon

  • In a congratulatory cable, King Salman wished Aoun success and the Lebanese people further progress and prosperity
Updated 15 min 3 sec ago
Arab News

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Joseph Aoun on being elected president of Lebanon on Thursday.

In a congratulatory cable, King Salman wished Aoun success and the Lebanese people further progress and prosperity.The crown prince sent a similar cable.

Lebanon’s parliament voted Thursday to elect the country’s army commander, Joseph Aoun, as head of state, filling a more than two-year-long presidential vacuum.

Thursday’s session was the 13th attempt to elect a successor to Michel Aoun, whose term ended in October 2022.

Topics: Saudi Arabia Lebanon Joseph Aoun

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King Abdulaziz Public Library launches Thara Saudi, Athar initiatives

The Thara Saudi and Athar initiatives are launched at the third Saudi Tourism Forum in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 09 January 2025
Rashid Hassan
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King Abdulaziz Public Library launches Thara Saudi, Athar initiatives

  • Through Thara Saudi the KAPL offers a number of programs that contribute to highlighting cultural tourism
  • Athar is an interactive platform inspired by one of the pioneering national documentation projects, “The Encyclopedia of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”
Updated 09 January 2025
Rashid Hassan

RIYADH: General Supervisor of the King Abdulaziz Public Library Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muammar launched the Thara Saudi and Athar initiatives at the third Saudi Tourism Forum in Riyadh.

Through Thara Saudi the KAPL offers a number of programs that contribute to highlighting cultural tourism, while Athar is an interactive platform inspired by one of the pioneering national documentation projects, “The Encyclopedia of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Speaking at the launch, Muammar said: “The Thara Saudi Arabia is the initiative through which the library seeks to provide a distinctive cultural tourism experience that reflects the rich and diverse history and culture of the Kingdom and aims to present a sustainable vision that contributes to enhancing local culture in global languages.

“It comes as an expression of the efforts of 40 years of cultural and cognitive work, which created a national legacy and a sustainable impact,” added Muammar.

He said the KAPL also launched the Athar initiative, which represents the historical monuments and landmarks mentioned in the encyclopedia of Saudi Arabia, enabling tourists to discover the Kingdom in an unprecedented way.

This project is designed to enhance the Kingdom’s position as a global destination for cultural tourism, and reflects the great diversity Saudi Arabia enjoys.

Through its pavilion at the Saudi Tourism Forum, which was held from Jan. 7-9 at the Riyadh Front, the KAPL seeks to enhance cultural awareness and provide knowledge content that contributes to highlighting the Saudi national heritage, and encourages the exploration of the Kingdom’s unique cultural destinations.

In November the KAPL launched an initiative to position Saudi Arabia as a top global destination for cultural tourism by attracting visitors worldwide to explore the library’s diverse branches.

This project aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by strengthening national identity, fostering cultural exchange, and supporting sustainable development.

Through its efforts, the KAPL seeks to showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, folk arts, and traditions, while deepening citizens’ connections to their cultural roots and contributing to economic diversification.

Topics: King Abdulaziz Library Thara Saudi Athar initiatives Saudi Tourism Forum

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Al-Baha almond season flourishes with vibrant blooms

Updated 09 January 2025
SPA
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Al-Baha almond season flourishes with vibrant blooms

Updated 09 January 2025
SPA

AL-BAHA: Saudi Arabia's southwestern region of Al-Baha transforms into a stunning landscape in winter, with gardens and parks adorned in shades of white and pink blossoms of almond trees. 

This year, the almond blossom season in the region is remarkable amid ideal weather conditions fostering dense, vibrant flowers. Local farmers are optimistic about the upcoming harvest, carefully tending to the trees to ensure optimal yield. 

Almond farming is a longstanding tradition in Al-Baha, playing a vital role in the local economy. (SPA)

Almond cultivation is a longstanding tradition in Al-Baha, playing a vital role in the local economy by creating job opportunities for farmers and promoting agricultural trade. The exquisite almond blossoms also attract tourists, advancing the growth of ecotourism in the region. 

The cultivation of almond trees is prevalent throughout the Sarawat Mountains in Al-Baha, as well as in the governorates of Baljurashi, Al Mandaq, and Bani Hassan. 

READ MORE: Saudis are still nuts about almonds amid revival in cultivation

A single almond tree can yield about 200 kilograms of nuts each season, farmers say. 

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Al-Baha has been instrumental in promoting almond tree cultivation by introducing investment opportunities and enhancing farmers' expertise through a range of informative workshops. 
 

 

Topics: Baha almonds Ministry of Environment Water & Agriculture (MEWA)

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Qaisariya Souq: Historic market in the heart of Al-Ahsa

Updated 09 January 2025
SPA
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Qaisariya Souq: Historic market in the heart of Al-Ahsa

  • Dating back to 1822, the 7,000-square-meter souq plays a vital economic role, reflecting Al-Ahsa's historical, cultural, and economic significance, alongside other heritage sites
Updated 09 January 2025
SPA

DAMMAM: Al-Qaisariya Souq, renowned for its historic architecture, narrow covered walkways, and diverse shops, remains a beloved destination for shoppers and heritage enthusiasts, standing as one of the most famous traditional markets in the Arabian Peninsula and a prominent landmark. 

Located in central Hofuf in Al-Ahsa Governorate, the market draws residents from across the region and Gulf countries, as well as tourists from around the world, attracted by its unique atmosphere and cultural significance. 

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recognized its importance by including the market on its World Heritage List in 2018. 

Dating back to 1822, the 7,000-square-meter souq plays a vital economic role, reflecting Al-Ahsa's historical, cultural, and economic significance, alongside other heritage sites. (SPA)

Dating back to 1822, the 7,000-square-meter souq features 14 gates and over 422 shops along open-air corridors. Its shops are adorned with carved wooden doors, the walkways are illuminated by lanterns, and the ceiling is crafted from stained wood, while vendors display their wares outside their shops. 

Visitors can find a wide variety of products, including clothing, fabrics, abayas, handbags, food, utensils, gold, and handicrafts. 

Al-Qaisariya Souq plays a vital economic role, reflecting Al-Ahsa's historical, cultural, and economic significance, alongside other heritage sites like ancient neighborhoods, palaces, towers, mosques, and other traditional markets. 

Located in central Hofuf in Al-Ahsa Governorate, the market draws residents from across the region and Gulf countries. (SPA)

 

Topics: Al-Ahsa Hofuf UNESCO Qaisariya Souq

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