Wrestling fans witness first women’s WWE match in Saudi Arabia

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WWE wrestler Natalya is participating in the WWE wrestling show in the Kingdom for the second time. ( AN Ziyad Alarfaj )
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WWE wrestlers Natalya and Lacey Evans were the first ever female wrestlers to match in Saudi Arabia. ( AN Ziyad Alarfaj )
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Fans cheer as wrestler Lacey Evans appears on stage. ( AN Ziyad Alarfaj )
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Fans cheer for Natalya as she enters the ring. ( AN Ziyad Alarfaj )
Updated 01 November 2019
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Wrestling fans witness first women’s WWE match in Saudi Arabia

  • For WWE wrestler Natalya, Saudi Arabia is very clean, "the people are friendly and the food is amazing. I’ve had some of the best hummus of my life in Saudi Arabia.”

RIYADH: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Crown Jewel fans were ignited for a monumental evening.

The loaded card for Riyadh Season was not the only treat in store for attendees. It also marked the first women’s WWE match in Saudi Arabia, setting a precedent for fans in King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh as they cheered raucously for Natalya and Lacey Evans.

“This is my second time in Saudi Arabia and I’m so excited,” Natalya told Arab News before the match, which she won. Her first trip was to Jeddah a few months ago. “We’ve been really busy since we landed. We went to a children’s hospital, lots of media interviews and working out.”

She said she had a great time during her first trip, and it was a nice introduction to the Kingdom.

Photo Gallery of the show 

“I was just as excited then as I am now. I’d never been to Saudi Arabia before so I didn’t know what to expect … but now I feel so excited and ready to be here,” she added.

“One thing that stood out to me on both trips is the people. They’ve been so polite and respectful and nice to all of us. You feel so welcome,” Natalya said.

“Saudi Arabia is very clean, the people are friendly and the food is amazing. I’ve had some of the best hummus of my life in Saudi Arabia,” she added.

“To be here in Riyadh, this trip is more special because I’ll be part of the first ever women’s match in Saudi Arabia. I think that’s why it feels so different, so much more special than before,” she said.

“I feel like we’re opening new doors. We’re creating an even closer bond with Saudi Arabia. When you look back on WWE’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, we’ve been coming here for years. We’ve been coming to the Middle East since the 1990s,” she added. “I’m excited and grateful that the WWE universe and our fans in Saudi Arabia get to be part of this journey with us, and that our fans around the world get to experience this life-changing event. It’s very special,” Natalya said.

“This first ever women’s match … is bigger than me, bigger than Lacey, bigger than WWE … Sharing this journey with everybody makes it more special, knowing that WWE is in over 180 countries around the world, knowing that so many people will be with us,” she added.

“I couldn’t be more grateful, and I know it’s something I’ll never forget … I want to thank you all for welcoming us with open arms.”


Experience the horror house with a Saudi twist at Souq Al-Awaleen

Updated 05 January 2025
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Experience the horror house with a Saudi twist at Souq Al-Awaleen

  • Visitors are warmly welcomed by actors representing different regions of the Kingdom

RIYADH: From the northern to the eastern regions of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh’s Souq Al-Awaleen unites the diverse cultures of the Kingdom.

Visitors are greeted with warm welcomes from actors representing each region, allowing them to appreciate the variety of Saudi traditions and the distinct traditional outfits of every area.

Guests can explore the culture of coastal cities, like Jeddah, and mountainous regions such as Asir, experiencing a true melting pot of Saudi culture. They can don the flower headbands and traditional attire of the southern people, and take part in the Ardah dance from the central Najd region, brandishing Arabian swords.

The immersive experience continues as actors reenact everyday life, such as teaching in a classroom. Visitors can sit at school desks, use chalk to write on the blackboard, and take an Arabic language class that evokes nostalgic memories for many.

Additionally, guests can step into an old prison to imagine life behind bars, and browse a selection of nostalgic toys that offers a delightful trip down memory lane.

Each corner of the souq tells a unique story, offering authentic handicrafts, traditional attire and an array of spices that capture the essence of various regions. 

HIGHLIGHT

Visitors can sit at school desks, use chalk to write on the blackboard, and take an Arabic language class that evokes nostalgic memories for many.

One of the standout attractions in the souq is the horror house themed around Saudi folklore, known as Al-Sa’alawa. The chilling experience is inspired by tales of a mysterious creature that has captivated the imagination of many.

The Al-Sa’alwa tent offers a thrilling horror house experience that immerses visitors in the legends of Saudi folklore. Osama Al-Balawai, an actor in the tent, describes the creature Al-Sa’alwa, which has become the subject of various interpretations.

Some view it as a ghost, others as a male figure, while some believe it takes the form of a beautiful woman. Regardless of its form, caution is advised when encountering this enigmatic being.

“Join us at the Al-Sa’alwa tent for an unforgettable experience,” Al-Balawai told Arab News. “Will you emerge safe, or will you be captivated by the legend?

“We encourage you to visit Souq Al-Awaleen to partake in this thrilling adventure. We can’t wait to see you there!”

In addition to the horror experience, Arab News discovered Bin Ghaith Textiles, a fabric shop in the market. Owner Hassan passionately shared his love for textiles, highlighting their historical significance.

“My passion is textiles and the history behind them,” he said. “I collect organic fibers and enjoy exploring what people wore before the rise of synthetic materials. This gives me a chance to connect with history.”

Hassan said that his interest lies in the organic materials used in the past, such as linen, cotton, silk and wool, contrasting sharply with today’s disposable fashion culture.

“The market is the heart of any city,” he said. “It reflects the identity of the place, offering insights into its culture and history.”

This year marks Hassan’s second time at Souq Al-Awaleen, where he appreciates the diverse crowd that arrives to explore the rich tapestry of Saudi heritage.

“The younger generation is especially curious about what their ancestors wore and how textiles have evolved,” he said. “It’s essential to preserve this knowledge and tradition.”

The market, which offers free entry, also hosts handicrafts, folk art and live performances. Local artisans have a platform to showcase their work, and visitors can take part in workshops focusing on traditional Sadu weaving and pottery.

In addition to its artisanal offerings, Souq Al-Awaleen serves up a taste of authentic Saudi cuisine at Sufrat Al-Deira. The atmosphere evokes a bygone era, enhanced by cooking demonstrations and other cultural performances.

This year’s Riyadh Season runs until March 2025 and has already drawn more than 13 million attendees, according to the Saudi Press Agency.


Saudi Arabia’s first ‘recycled road’ built in Al-Ahsa

Updated 05 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s first ‘recycled road’ built in Al-Ahsa

RIYADH: The Roads General Authority has completed construction of a road using recycled construction and demolition waste for the first time in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The project, a collaboration with Al-Ahsa municipality and the National Center for Waste Management, incorporated waste material into the asphalt layers of a road in the Al-Ahsa governorate, following research by the authority to assess the performance of asphalt and gravel layers made from aggregates sourced from the municipality’s environmental landfill.

Using recycled material in infrastructure projects supports the Kingdom’s goal of transitioning to a circular economy. The target is a 60 percent recycling rate for such waste by 2035, which “highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental sustainability and efficient infrastructure development,” the SPA said.

This initiative “reduces the environmental impact of waste accumulation, decreases reliance on raw materials, and promotes cost-effective road construction and maintenance,” the SPA added.


Ajwady crowned winner of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Cup in Riyadh

Updated 05 January 2025
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Ajwady crowned winner of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Cup in Riyadh

Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif presented the Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Cup to the winner of the race held as part of the Kings and Princes Cups events organized by the Riyadh Equestrian Club in Riyadh.

The cup was won by the horse Ajwady, owned by Sheikh Faisal Abdullah Hamoud Al-Malek Al-Sabah. He received the cup from Prince Saud in the presence of jockey Mohammed Al-Daham.


Nesting activities of endangered Egyptian Vulture documented in King Salman Reserve

Updated 04 January 2025
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Nesting activities of endangered Egyptian Vulture documented in King Salman Reserve

  • Documented nesting activity noteworthy due to rarity of occurrences in northern Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has reported significant nesting activity of the endangered Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) within the reserve’s natural habitats, it was reported by the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

Globally classified as endangered, the Egyptian Vulture belongs to the family of diurnal birds of prey and is known for its ecological importance.

Within the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve (KSRNR), the Egyptian Vulture holds multiple roles — as a resident breeding species, a migratory passerby, and a rare winter visitor.

The documented nesting activity is noteworthy due to the rarity of such occurrences in northern Saudi Arabia.

Renowned for its extraordinary ability to detect prey from great distances, the Egyptian Vulture can travel up to 80 kilometers daily in search of food.

It thrives in open habitats, arid regions, and rocky cliffs, primarily feeding on carrion or weakened animals. The reserve also serves as a critical stopover for the species during autumn and spring migrations, with over 25 individuals recorded during these seasons.

Measuring approximately 62cm in length with a wingspan of up to 155cm, the Egyptian Vulture prefers dry, remote areas featuring cliffs and rocky outcrops for breeding.

While carrion remains its primary food source, it is also known to forage at landfills, markets, animal enclosures, slaughterhouses, and farms.

The species has suffered a dramatic decline, with its population in the Arabian Peninsula decreasing by an estimated 90 percent over the past 50 years. The authority attributes this alarming drop to factors including poisoning, collisions with power lines, habitat loss, and human disturbances.

By identifying and protecting these nesting sites, the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority underscores its commitment to biodiversity conservation and the preservation of endangered species.


Heart of Africa’s culture, cuisine now at Boulevard World

Updated 04 January 2025
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Heart of Africa’s culture, cuisine now at Boulevard World

  • Food, coffee, music, crafts on offer in Riyadh
  • New zone features giraffes, lions and parrots 

RIYADH: Boulevard World has brought the vibrant spirit of Africa to Riyadh with a special zone featuring the cuisine and culture from some of the continent’s countries.

The Africa Zone has exotic wildlife including giraffes, colorful parrots, and lions. There is also an array of food and music from various nations.

A highlight is the Ethiopian Coffee experience, which showcases the country’s hospitality and rich traditions. This coffee is made using traditional methods which bring out unique flavors. 

Hanan Amro, a coffee maker at one of the Ethiopian restaurants, told Arab News: “We bring our coffee beans from our farm in Ethiopia. They are fresh, and we carefully select them. 

“We sun-dry, roast, and brew the coffee in our special pot to create a strong drink that combines elements of Turkish and Americano coffee.” 

The Africa Zone also hosts live music featuring traditional rhythms and folk tunes.

For those looking to take a piece of Africa home, the zone features many kiosks selling antiques, animal statues and leather goods. 

There is also an array of skincare products made with Shea butter, for which certain nations are renowned.  

The launch of the Africa Zone coincides with Boulevard World’s expansion for this year’s Riyadh Season, which has increased the number of themed zones by five to 22.

The expansion is a part of Riyadh Season’s initiative to attract people from various backgrounds and promote cultural understanding.