JEDDAH: A video shot at the Dakar Rally has gone viral after appearing to show a pickup truck outperforming other vehicles in the race.
The video features a Nissan Datsun 2015 model, whose driver outperforms a Belgium racer.
But the video was a practical joke played by 24-year-old Saudi driver Mishal Al-Schlowi, who through cunning camera angles and ingenuity, staged the whole thing.
Al-Shlowi was driving parallel to the Belgian, but off the track, giving him an advantage.
The video received a large number of reactions on social media after it went viral on Twitter.
It was shot by one of the helicopter videographers who usually follow the rally racers.
Al-Shlowi, from Taif, told Arab News that he is a big fan of the rally.
“On Friday morning, I was driving at an approximate speed of 110 to 120 kilometers per hour. Once we saw the Belgium racer on the road, me and my friend next to me became super excited,” he said.
“The videographer in the helicopter gave us some signs to go ahead once we started to drive in a parallel track, and his signs gave me the courage to go faster and outperform the racer.”
The adventurous driver said that he was cautious and aware of what he was doing. “I was driving on the other side of the main rally track to avoid any sudden accidents.”
Al-Shlowi added that before he completed the stunt, he was on his way to check on nearby livestock. He praised the efforts of the organizers in informing local farmers of the race, so as to avoid accidents.
“I drive in off-road areas, about 50 kilometers per day, to reach my college in Taif city. I know how to deal with difficult landforms very well,” he said.
One of Al-Shlowi’s dreams is to take part in the Dakar Rally, but he said that it is very costly. “My biggest role model in the race is our amazing champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi. I wish to be part of upcoming Dakar rallies,” he added.
Yazeed Al-Rajhi himself commented on the viral video, and said: “The rally car that appeared in the viral video is an old classic car. It has a different route than the main one. Usually, it is for amateur first-time participants.”
Another well-known Saudi car enthusiast, Hasan Kutbi, shared the video in a tweet with a funny comment: “The Datsun driver announces winning the race, and he demands an award as well.”
Dakar Rally 2022 marked its third edition in Saudi Arabia and the 44th in history on Jan. 1. The race ended on Jan 14.
Qatari racer Nasser Al-Attiyah won first place, while Saudi driver Yazeed Al-Rajhi placed third for his first Dakar podium finish in his eighth attempt.
The event is considered one of the most prestigious and challenging in the world of motor sports. This year’s edition was the largest in terms of participation, drawing 650 racers from more than 70 countries around the world.
It included 430 vehicles across all race categories. The Dakar Classic category included 148 vehicles designed before 2000, as well as vintage cars and trucks.
Amateur Saudi truck driver steals spotlight at Dakar Rally in viral video
https://arab.news/5yd3j
Amateur Saudi truck driver steals spotlight at Dakar Rally in viral video
- Yazeed Al-Rajhi himself commented on the viral video, and said: “The rally car that appeared in the viral video is an old classic car
China grants visa-free entry to Saudi travelers
RIYADH: China is allowing visa-free entry for 30 days for travelers from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain in a one-year trial, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday.
The new policy begins on June 9, 2025, and will last until June 8, 2026, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press briefing.
Passport holders from the four countries will be allowed to travel to China for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives or friends, exchanges and transit, Mao said.
China now grants visa-free access to all Gulf Cooperation Council countries, having implemented reciprocal policies with the UAE and Qatar since 2018.
“We welcome more friends from the GCC countries to embark on an impromptu trip to China,” Mao said.
Previously, Saudi Arabia had held Approved Destination Status with the East Asian nation, which came into effect on July 1, 2024.
This bilateral agreement gave access to tourists visiting the respective countries in groups.
The announcement is the latest step in strengthening ties between the two nations.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to attract 5 million Chinese tourists annually by the end of the decade.
The two countries also share a strong trade relationship, and the Kingdom is China’s largest trading partner in the Gulf.
KSrelief expands aid across global crisis zones
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief continues to make a significant global impact, providing critical assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
In Somalia, KSrelief distributed 1,220 food baskets to families affected by floods in camps across the Banadir region, benefiting 7,320 people.
The Saudi aid agency also distributed 900 food baskets to vulnerable displaced families in Sudan’s Blue Nile State, benefiting 4,050 individuals.
In Yemen, KSrelief launched a project to treat childhood cancer in Mukalla district, Hadramout governorate, involving five volunteers specializing in various medical fields.
So far, the KSrelief medical team has examined 23 children and reviewed their treatment plans. They also conducted training sessions for local health care workers, benefiting 10 individuals to date, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,435 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 107 countries, in partnership with more than 317 organizations.
Study outlines forest fire prevention plan
RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has completed a study to enhance forest protection and reduce wildfire risks in support of environmental sustainability goals.
Titled “Forest Fire Prevention and Post-Fire Recovery in the Southern and Southwestern Regions of Saudi Arabia,” the study was conducted in collaboration with King Khalid University and Monash University in Australia.
It includes an assessment of forest conditions and risk factors, the development of a digital database, and a review of preventive measures and community practices, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The study proposes an integrated response plan involving relevant agencies, with defined roles and the use of modern tools such as early warning systems and drones.
It also offers field designs and sustainable alternatives for strategic firebreaks, a post-fire recovery guide, a performance evaluation tool, and a framework for joint operations.
To support this, the study outlines a mechanism for engaging local volunteer teams in forest areas through training, capacity-building, and coordination with authorities.
The study demonstrates institutional, technical, and community collaboration in forest protection. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s efforts to preserve natural resources and address climate-related challenges while balancing development with ecosystem conservation.
The national center continues to promote sustainable vegetation cover and has launched an initiative to plant 60 million trees — equivalent to restoring 300,000 hectares — by 2030.
New school for neurodiverse children to open in Riyadh
- Enrollment is now open for the 2025 academic year
RIYADH: A new school specializing in educating neurodiverse children aged 3 to 9 will open in Riyadh in September, it was announced on Tuesday evening.
Josour Schools held a seminar in Riyadh this week to make the announcement, highlighting its unique model, which combines education, therapy and family services.
The school, which will be located in Roshn’s Sedra 1 community, is the result of a partnership between the Josour Company and UK-based CareTech.
“CareTech is always rooted in the communities in which we operate our services,” Shokat Akbar, CEO of CareTech International, told Arab News. “For (Josour) to succeed, it must be rooted in the community and be … in partnership with the community.”
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, Josour Schools adopts a British curriculum adapted to local cultural values.
Its small-class model, led by neurodiversity specialists, focuses on individualized education plans and combines education with therapeutic interventions.
“This school serves a critical purpose: providing good quality access to special education needs services for children,” Akbar said. “Inclusivity comes in many ways.
“Students (will) participate in society through art and sport, making their contributions visible.”
The school will have access to resources from CareTech’s global network of 47 UK schools and 550 specialized services.
“Teachers will attend CareTech UK schools as part of their induction and training,” Akbar said, adding that Josour’s therapists would collaborate with experts across CareTech’s global network, including researchers and practitioners.
Enrollment is now open for the 2025 academic year.
Ministry of Islamic Affairs launches 24/7 toll-free helpline for pilgrims
- Helpline will respond to pilgrims’ inquiries related to Hajj
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has launched a 24/7 toll-free helpline (800 2451000) to respond to pilgrims’ inquiries and provide religious rulings (fatwas) related to the Hajj.
The service provides religious guidance in 10 languages: Arabic, English, French, Turkish, Urdu, Indonesian, Bengali, Hausa, Amharic and Hindi.
The toll-free helpline is part of the ministry’s initiatives aimed at facilitating the performance of Hajj rituals in accordance with Islamic rules.
Through direct communication with a select group of qualified scholars and professional translators, the helpline ensures pilgrims receive reliable religious support.
The ministry has urged all pilgrims to make full use of this complimentary service, underscoring the Kingdom’s intent to deliver the highest standard of care during the pilgrimage.
The minister of Islamic affairs has assigned 300 scholars and advocates to provide fatwas and lectures for domestic Hajj campaigns for this year’s Hajj season, the ministry said.
Meanwhile, the ministry continues its efforts to serve pilgrims during Hajj by providing awareness and guidance services at the Aisha Mosque, one of the main stations frequented by pilgrims in Makkah.
The services include broadcasting awareness messages in several languages via electronic screens to enhance religious awareness and facilitate the performance of rituals.
In addition, around-the-clock field-monitoring tours are being conducted by male and female inspection teams to ensure the quality of services and address observations immediately.
The ministry also ensured the availability of Qur’ans and translations in several languages and organized the movement of crowds in the mosque and its courtyards to ensure smooth flow and comfort for visitors.
