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Al-Rajhi, McInnes, Al-Tuwaijri in control after first leg of Saudi Baja 2022-Hail

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Fernando Alvarez strengthened his grip on the T3 Championship in the FIA World Cup by setting the third quickest time Friday. (Supplied)
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Saudi ace Yazeed Al-Rajhi in action during the first leg of Saudi Baja 2022–Hail on Friday. (Supplied)
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Updated 11 November 2022
Arab News
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Al-Rajhi, McInnes, Al-Tuwaijri in control after first leg of Saudi Baja 2022-Hail

  • Kingdom’s star and German co-driver vying for titles, while Dania Akeel was the highest-placed female
Updated 11 November 2022
Arab News

HAIL: Yazeed Al-Rajhi, Alex McInnes and Haitham Al-Tuwaijri took control of their respective car, motorcycle and quad categories after the first leg of Saudi Baja 2022–Hail concluded on Friday afternoon.

Competitors tackled a selective section of 229.52 kilometers to the west and northwest of Hail that was split by a neutralization link into two parts of 101.52 km and 128.00 km.

At the wheel of an Overdrive Racing Toyota Hilux, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Rajhi and his German co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz recorded a time of 2 hours, 36 minutes, 19 seconds, to move 9 minutes, 48 seconds ahead of rivals Miroslav Zapletal (Ford F-150 Evo) and Marek Sykora in the duel for the drivers’ title in both the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas and the Saudi Toyota Rally Championship.

“It was a nice stage and I enjoyed it a lot. There were a lot of technical places. We did a good time and Dirk did a great job. The weather was different and not too hot today. No rain but the ground is hard after the rain yesterday,” said Al-Rajhi.

Fernando Alvarez strengthened his grip on the T3 Championship in the FIA World Cup by setting the third-quickest time, and he moved into a similar position in the rankings in his Can-Am Maverick with French co-driver Xavier Panseri. The Spaniard’s nearest T3 rival was seventh-placed Hamed Al-Harbi, who is chasing glory in the FIA Middle East Cup.

Alvarez started the stage from seventh on the road. “We did very well and we are happy with third place. The car was perfect. We had no problems and stayed all the time on a good way. We will continue pushing all the way because I want to be on the podium for the overall with the T1s. Today was supposed to rain but we had no rain.”

Al-Harbi added: “The stage was very nice but it was very cold in the morning. It was full speed and taking care. Only Yazeed passed me on the stage today.”

Eduard Pons topped the times in the FIA T4 section and edged 29 seconds clear of Kees Koolen. With Kuwait’s championship leader Meshari Al-Thefiri suffering major time delays with electrical issues, that handed the initiative to Cristiano de Sousa Batista and Koolen in the three-way fight for the FIA title.

Al-Thefiri said: “We had changed the engine but still suffered in the car with some electrical problem which forced the engine to shut down many times. We managed to restart and pass De Sousa but the problem worsened after the neutral section.”

Saudi Arabia’s Khalid Al-Feraihi finished the day in fourth overall and second in T1 with French navigator Sebastien Delaunay. “Had a wonderful day. We had minor issues, as we expect in such stages, but we finished in safely.”

Qatar’s Mohammed Al-Attiyah teamed up with Emirati co-driver Ali Mirza, but the South Racing Can-Am duo were forced to retire after an accident. Mirza said: “Unfortunately, after 10 km, we had an accident and we broke the car. Mohammed and I are okay and, hopefully, we have enough parts so we can continue tomorrow.”

Al-Attiyah added: “We tried to overtake the driver (Camelia Liparoti) in front while descending a hill, but we landed on the front tires and rolled over.”

Dania Akeel was the highest-placed female driver in 11th overall and fourth in T3. The Saudi said: “I love Hail Baja, the crowds gathering to watch the stage. It was a good stage with its own challenges. We hope to finish in a good position for the next round in Dubai.”

Alex McInnes was the class of the motorcycle field on his Husqvarna FE 450. The Briton won the stage by 93 seconds from Makis Rees-Stavros and headed into the night halt in Hail with a lead of 1:43.0. Saudi Arabia’s Anass Al-Reheyani, Emirati Mohammed Al-Balooshi and Qatar-based Australian Martin Chalmers rounded off the top five.

Haitham Al-Tuwaijri got the better of his archrival Abdulmajeed Al-Khulaifi to lead the quad category by 8:43.0 on his Yamaha Raptor 700. The two Saudi riders were the class of the field that saw Hani Al-Noumesi and Abdulaziz Ahli both incur massive time penalties after technical issues.

Ahmed Al-Shammeri led Motab Al-Shammeri by 3:30.0 in the Saudi National Baja for cars and Yasir Al-Khuraif was the leading rider in the National section for motorcycles.

The seventh round of both the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas and the FIM Bajas World Cup, round three of the FIA Middle East Cup for Cross-Country Bajas, and the third event in the Saudi Toyota Rally Championship, is being organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, in conjunction with the Ministry of Sport and in partnership with Abdul Latif Jameel Motors.

Saudi Baja 2022-Hail positions (unofficial):

FIA
1. Yazeed Al-Rajhi (Saudi Arabia)/Dirk von Zitzewitz (Germany) Toyota Hilux Overdrive: 2:39:28

2. Miroslav Zapletal (Czech Republic)/Marek Sykora (Slovakia) Ford F150 Evo: 2:49:16

3. Fernando Alvarez (Spain)/Xavier Panseri (France) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3): 2:55:07

4. Khaled Al-Feraihi (Saudi Arabia)/Sebastien Delaunay (France) Nissan Patrol: 3:00:51

5. Eduard Pons (Spain)/Monica Plaza Vasquez (Spain) Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo (T4): 3:01:28

6. Kees Koolen (Netherlands)/Paolo Ceci (Italy) Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo (T4): 3:01:57

7. Hamed Al-Harbi (Saudi Arabia)/Dmytro Tsyro (Ukraine) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3): 3:03:26

8. Aliyyah Koloc (UAE)/Stephane Duple (France) Buggyra Can-Am DV21 (T3): 3:05:21

9. Cristiano Batista (Brazil)/Fausto Mota (Portugal) Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo RR (T4): 3:05:22

10. Egidijus Valeisa (Lithuania)/ Mindaugas Varza (Lithuania) Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo: 3:08:05

11. Dania Akeel (Saudi Arabia)/Sergio Lafuente (Uruguay) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3): 3:09:11

12. Mashael Al-Obaidan (Saudi Arabia)/Wouter Rosegaar (Netherlands) Can-Am Maverick X3 (T3): 3:10:16

T1 unless stated

FIM Bikes

1. Alex McInnes (Great Britain) Husqvarna FE 450: 3:07:41

2. Makis Rees-Stavros (Great Britain) KTM EXC F 450: 3:09:24

3. Anass Al-Reheyani (Saudi Arabia) KTM EXC F 450: 3:18:23

4. Mohammed Al-Balooshi (UAE) TM 450: 3:20:51

5. Martin Chalmers (Qatar) Honda CRF 450: 3:21:44

6. Abdullah Al-Shatti (Kuwait) Kawasaki KC 450: 3:25:53

7. Mishal Al-Ghuneim (Saudi Arabia) Husqvarna 450 Rally: 3:31:06

8. Ahmed Al-Jaber (Saudi Arabia) KTM 450 Rally: 3:32:03

9. Brett Hunt (Great Britain) Husqvarna FE 450: 3:33:31

10. Abdullah Abu Aishah (Jordan) KTM 450 Factory Rally: 3:34:45

11. Abdulhalim Al-Mogheera (Saudi Arabia) KTM EXC 450: 3:35:19

12. Salman Mohamed Farhan (Bahrain) Husqvarna FE 450: 3:45:23

FIM Quads

1. Haitham Al-Tuwaijri (Saudi Arabia) Yamaha Raptor 700: 3:32:51

2. Abdulmajeed Al-Khulaifi (Saudi Arabia) Yamaha Raptor 700: 3:41:34

3. Hani Al-Noumesi (Saudi Arabia) Yamaha Raptor 700: 27:04:11

4. Abdulaziz Ahli (Saudi Arabia) Yamaha YFZ 450R: 28:48:41

Topics: Saudi Arabia Yazeed Al-Rajhi Haitham Al-Tuwaijri Saudi Baja 2022 Hail

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Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Cameroon’s president

President Paul Biya of Cameroon (L) receives credentials from Saudi ambassador Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi in Yaoundé. (X @KSAmofaEN)
Updated 01 December 2024
SPA
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Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Cameroon’s president

  • Ambassador Al-Ghamdi conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to President Biya
Updated 01 December 2024
SPA

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Cameroon, Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi, on Saturday presented his credentials to President Paul Biya of Cameroon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Ambassador Al-Ghamdi conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to President Biya, wishing the people of Cameroon and the government continued progress and prosperity.

 

Topics: Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi Cameroon Saudi Arabia

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Brazil conference discusses Islamic education, identity

Updated 30 November 2024
Arab News
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Brazil conference discusses Islamic education, identity

  • Forum highlights Saudi commitment to Shariah education, support for Muslim minorities
Updated 30 November 2024
Arab News

RIYADH: The 37th International Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims is being held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, under the theme “Shariah education in Latin American and Caribbean countries, and its impact on preserving identity,” from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1.

Organized by the Islamic Dawah Center in Brazil in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the three-day event brings together ministers, scholars, researchers and specialists from Arab, Islamic, Latin American and Caribbean countries.

The conference promotes Islamic education among Muslim minorities, the religion’s role in preserving identity and social cohesion, and addressing challenges facing Muslim minority communities.

Saudi Arabia’s presence reflects its commitment to supporting Islam and Muslims, promoting moderation and balance, and strengthening the connection of Muslim minority communities to Islamic values that foster harmony, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Awwad Al-Anzi, undersecretary for Islamic affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, represented the Kingdom and delivered the opening speech on behalf of Minister Abdullatif Al-Asheikh.

He said that education is the “foundation of virtuous deeds,” guiding correct beliefs and practices, and highlighted the role of Shariah education in clarifying concepts and combating ignorance.

Al-Anzi praised Saudi Arabia’s commitment to education, noting its mandatory education policy and substantial investment in the sector, which has positively impacted society.

He also highlighted the Kingdom’s focus on applied sciences and scholarships, enabling it to produce distinguished graduates across various fields.

Additionally, he underscored Saudi Arabia’s global contributions to education, including building schools and universities, offering scholarships to Muslim students and fostering scientific partnerships.

Al-Anzi reviewed the Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ efforts in spreading Shariah education worldwide through its cultural and Islamic centers.

Ahmed Ali Al-Saifi, head of the Islamic Dawah Center, expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their steadfast support of Muslims in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly in bolstering religious and educational institutions.

He highlighted the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs for its diligent oversight of mosques and religious institutions in the region.

Al-Saifi saids that the forum aims to address challenges in teaching Arabic and Shariah sciences, and establish Shariah and Arabic language departments in major universities to meet the growing demand for Shariah education.

He expressed hope that the conference would produce scientific recommendations and scholarly works that support its mission.

Federal Deputy Vicentinho Paulo da Silva delivered a speech on behalf of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, highlighting the respectful relationship between the government and Brazil’s Muslim community, and acknowledging their vital role in the country’s development.

He noted the strong ties between Brazil and Saudi Arabia, built on solidarity, sovereignty and mutual respect, highlighting Brazil’s high regard for Arabs, particularly through its relationship with Saudi Arabia.

Delegation leaders praised Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, for sponsoring the event and enriching it with contributions from ministry experts and Saudi university professors.

Hassan Musa, deputy chairman of the Swedish Fatwa Council, expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their efforts in serving Islam and Muslims, and promoting moderation worldwide.

Topics: Saudi Arabia Brazil Islam

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Riyadh launches Middle East’s largest urban rail network 

Updated 30 November 2024
Hebshi Alshammari
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Riyadh launches Middle East’s largest urban rail network 

  • $22bn, energy-efficient Metro system will be a world leader, official says
Updated 30 November 2024
Hebshi Alshammari

RIYADH: The first three lines of the Riyadh Metro will begin operating on Sunday, forming part of the largest urban rail network in the Middle East.

Riyadh Metro, which is a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, is a crucial step toward reducing traffic congestion in the capital, and improving quality of life for the city’s residents.

The first phase of the Riyadh Metro starts with three lines: the Blue line, connecting Olaya Street to Al Batʼha; the Yellow line, running along King Khalid International Airport Road; and the Purple line, covering Abdul Rahman bin Awf Road and Al-Shaikh Hassan Bin Hussain Street.

The Red line, covering King Abdullah Road, and the Green line, spanning King Abdulaziz Road, are both scheduled to begin operating on Dec. 15, while the Orange line, which covers Madinah Road, starts on Jan. 5, 2025.

The Riyadh Metro was launched 12 years after the project was announced in April 2012, when the Saudi Cabinet approved the implementation of the public transport project and formed a high-level committee to oversee it. Despite the challenges faced by the project, including the global pandemic, it was ultimately completed.

Contracts for the Riyadh Metro project were awarded in 2013 to three global consortiums, with a total value of about $22.5 billion (SR84.4 billion).

The project features several sustainable characteristics that promote eco-friendly transportation options. The metro system will employ energy-efficient trains and stations, as well as technologies such as regenerative braking to reduce energy consumption.

Additionally, some stations will be equipped with thousands of solar panels, and each metro station will rely on electricity sourced from renewable energy.

Maher Sheira, supervisor of digital infrastructure for the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project in Riyadh, told Arab News: “Our target is to reduce traffic within the city by up to 30 percent. This goal is supported by the metro’s capacity to transport up to 3.6 million passengers daily, which is a challenging target, especially when compared to other cities that have struggled to transition car users to public transportation.”

Achieving this goal depends on several factors, including the city’s infrastructure, integration of various transport modes, and the overall complementarity of these services, he said.

“This project is one of the key initiatives that could help make these goals a reality.”

Sheira said that the launch of the metro and improvement of public transportation will not only alleviate traffic congestion, but also also play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions.

“We all know that shifting from daily car use to public transportation can have a significant environmental impact,” he said.

“In a small study we conducted, we found that if 100,000 passengers switch from cars to public transport, it could save over 3 million trees annually. This number has the potential to grow even further.”

He said both the metro and the bus systems are integral parts of the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Program.

These systems are seamlessly integrated, ensuring a smooth and reliable experience for passengers. Once a passenger exits a metro station and boards a bus, they will use the same ticket and enjoy the same high level of service.

“To ensure quality, the design of both networks was focused on delivering first-class standards, with an emphasis on maintaining top-tier service throughout the entire journey,” Sheira added.

“The quality of service is evident throughout the system. You can see it at the stations, on the trains, and certainly on the buses and at the bus stops. We are committed to maintaining this high standard of quality and will continue to do so.”

Numerous factors have been taken into account to ensure the success and efficiency of the vast network.

“Our goal is to keep Riyadh at the forefront of global cities in terms of public transportation. This is our objective, and with determination, we are confident that we will achieve it, Inshallah,” he said.

------------------

Inspiring story

The inspiring story of the Riyadh Metro began in 2009, led by a visionary king with determination and ambition for the future; the story’s hero is King Salman. 

The document was submitted by King Salman to develop the public transportation system in Riyadh:

My Lord, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz — May Allah preserve you. 

I am honored to inform Your Royal Highness that the city of Riyadh, which is witnessing significant population growth, urban expansion, and substantial economic prosperity, has started to experience severe traffic congestion on its main streets due to the ongoing rise in traffic.

Accordingly, the High Commission for the Development of Riyadh has developed a comprehensive and long-term plan to enhance the city’s public transportation system.

First: Establishing the backbone of the public transportation system through manufacturing an electric train.

Second: Implementing a bus network that covers all areas of Riyadh, with its services integrated with the electric train system. The network covers 708 kilometers and is also integrated with the local network within residential neighborhoods. 

The High Commission has fully prepared the engineering designs, technical specifications, and tender documents for this phase, paving the way for its implementation. 

Therefore, I kindly request Your Highness’s approval of this matter. May Allah preserve you, guide your steps, and grant you success. Peace and blessings be upon you. 

Chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Riyadh

Salman bin Abdulaziz

20/10/2009

Topics: Saudi Arabia Riyadh Riyadh Metro

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A tapestry of cultures: Indonesian batik meets Saudi heritage

Updated 30 November 2024
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A tapestry of cultures: Indonesian batik meets Saudi heritage

  • Centuries-old art form of batik deeply rooted in Indonesian culture
  • Included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Updated 30 November 2024
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RIYADH: Reporting on the Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition (Banan) on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency highlighted the Indonesian pavilion, which showcased the exquisite art of batik.

Indonesian artisans had creatively blended traditional batik techniques with motifs inspired by different regions of the Kingdom, “creating stunning pieces that seamlessly intertwine the two cultures,” according to the SPA.

The centuries-old art form of batik is deeply rooted in Indonesian culture, and is included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It involves a meticulous process known as wax resist-dyeing to create its intricate patterns. The designs often have cultural and religious significance, reflecting the deep connection between Indonesians and their environment.

The convergence of Indonesian and Saudi artistic traditions at Banan, which ended on Friday, “exemplifies the power of art to transcend cultural boundaries,” the SPA stated.

Dalia Alyahya, head of the handcrafts sector at the Heritage Commission, which organized the event, highlighted the significance of such cultural exchanges.

“Through art, we can bridge cultural divides and foster global harmony. Batik, with its rich history and enduring appeal, continues to inspire and connect people across the world,” Alyahya told the SPA.

Artists and representatives from more than 20 countries exhibited at the event alongside the Kingdom’s own talent.

Through Banan and other initiatives, the Heritage Commission “raises awareness about the importance of handicrafts as part of cultural heritage, ensuring they are preserved and passed on,” the SPA wrote.

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Authorities bust drug smugglers across Saudi Arabia

Updated 30 November 2024
Arab News
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Authorities bust drug smugglers across Saudi Arabia

  • Two citizens were arrested in the Hail region for selling amphetamine and methamphetamine
Updated 30 November 2024
Arab News

RIYADH: Saudi authorities recently made several drug-related arrests and confiscations across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

In Asir’s Al-Raboah sector, Border Guard patrols intercepted 240 kg of qat.

Security patrols in Jazan arrested a citizen with qat hidden in his vehicle in Al-Aridah governorate.

The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested a citizen in the Northern Borders’ Tarif governorate with amphetamine.

The directorate also arrested a Pakistani resident in Tabuk for selling methamphetamine, a narcotic substance commonly referred to as “shabu.”

Two citizens were arrested in the Hail region for selling amphetamine and methamphetamine.

Two citizens were arrested in Asir for selling regulated tablets.

Preliminary legal procedures have been completed, and all seized items have been handed to the relevant authorities.

Security authorities reiterated their call for the public to report any information about drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.

Individuals can also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at [email protected].

All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.

 

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