RIYADH: The AlUla Trail Race will take place on Jan. 23 and 24, 2025, offering a challenge with stunning scenery for adventure enthusiasts.

Participants of all ages and fitness levels are invited to engage in this sporting challenge in a vibrant, competitive environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Several races will be held at the event, organized by AlUla Moments, ranging from a 1.6 km “Kids’ Run” to a 100 km ultra-marathon, providing options for all skill levels across AlUla’s desert landscape and ancient oases.

The AlUla Trail Race 2025 features seven distinct races, with participants viewing iconic AlUla locations, including Elephant Rock, Maraya (the world’s largest mirrored building), and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra.

The 1.6 km race, for children aged 6 to 12, offers a safe and fun introduction to competitive running. The “Sunset Run” (3 km) allows participants aged 13 and older to explore AlUla’s oasis at sunset.

The 10 km “AlUla Oasis” race is open to runners aged 13 and older, suitable for beginners or those seeking a moderate challenge.

The “Elephant Rock” 23 km race is aimed at more experienced athletes aged 16 and older, and is equivalent to more than half a marathon.

The 50 km “Al-Mejdar” race is the toughest trial for runners aged 18 and older, while the 100 km “Hegra” event is the ultimate challenge for professional runners aged 18 and older, testing endurance in one of the most scenic and demanding races.

The event spans two days. On the first day, participants will register, receive race numbers and equipment, and attend a briefing before heading to the starting locations. Day one will also feature races for children, families and after-sunset events.

On day two, the 10 km, 23 km and ultramarathon races will be held, concluding with a ceremony to honor the winners and distribute awards.

In addition to the competitive atmosphere, the sports village will provide a range of food and beverages, including premium coffee, along with live music and entertainment.

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation spaces will be available for runners post-race.

Riyadh: Film enthusiasts have gathered at Riyadh’s Fenaa Alawwal for Art Films Week, an event showcasing a selection of acclaimed documentaries and animations aimed at fostering cultural exchange and dialogue, organized under Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission.

Running until Nov. 21, the five-day Art Films Week is presenting five films: “Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV,” “Van Gogh and Japan,” “Omar Sharif: A Nomad’s Life,” “The King and Mister Bird,” and “The Prince Voyage.”

The opening day featured “Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV” by director Amanda Kim, which chronicles Paik’s meteoric rise in the New York art scene and his vision of a future where “everybody will have his own TV channel.”

South African visitor Gavin Eckhart emphasized the film’s potential to inspire self-expression in the modern age. “Showing this documentary in this context might allow people to find their own self-expression within the modern age,” he told Arab News. 

He further highlighted the artist’s innovative use of technology to break boundaries despite a restrictive upbringing.

“I have really enjoyed his expressive nature in the context of manipulating the available technology,” he said. “He was able to break boundaries and innovate despite his restrictive upbringing, doing so in the most avant-garde way.” 

The documentaries were selected to align with the event’s theme by exploring art and creativity, showcasing influential artists like Nam June Paik, and highlighting the intersection of art and culture.

Visitors can enjoy the screenings in Fenaa Alawwal’s outdoor area, where kiosks provide a variety of food and refreshments. 

Under Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program, Saudi Arabia is witnessing transformative progress across various sectors, with the cultural industry playing a key role. The number of cultural facilities in the Kingdom surpassed its 2023 target of 41, reaching 45, reflecting the nation’s commitment to fostering a diverse cultural landscape. 

Fenaa Alawwal is a key cultural facility in the capital Riyadh and was established by the Ministry of Culture to promote culture as a way of life.

Its landmark building first opened in 1988 and was recently placed under the custody of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City as part of Saudi Vision 2030’s National Transformation Program.