AlUla Camel Cup winners to receive custom trophy crafted from hallmarked sterling silver, 24-carat gold plate

Speakers at the AlUla Camel Race press conference with the trophies. supplied
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Updated 14 March 2023
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AlUla Camel Cup winners to receive custom trophy crafted from hallmarked sterling silver, 24-carat gold plate

  • Two main trophies meticulously crafted at Thomas Lyte, the London-based, luxury silversmiths who design and manufacture elite sporting presentation prizes
  • The AlUla Camel Cup runs until Friday

ALULA: The winners of the inaugural AlUla Camel Cup will receive a specially designed trophy crafted from hallmarked sterling silver and a 24-carat gold plate, two priceless awards revealed at a press conference on Tuesday to officially launch the tournament.

Held under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the chairman of the Royal Commission for AlUla, the elite competition runs at the new AlUla Camel Racing Venue until Friday.

The AlUla Camel Cup is organized by RCU as part of the AlUla Moments calendar in collaboration with the Saudi Camel Racing Federation.

Two glorious pieces of silverware will be presented to the winners of Friday’s “Heil” and “Zmoul” races. Befitting a tournament with a unique fusion of modern and ancient, the main AlUla Camel Cup trophies have been meticulously created to incorporate camels, rock art, the desert and AlUla by the craftsmen at Thomas Lyte.

The London-based, Royal Warrant holders are luxury silversmiths and goldsmiths who design and manufacture elite sporting presentation prizes including the Emirates FA Cup, Guinness Six Nations Trophy, and the Asian Football Confederation’s Asian Cup.

“The genius of the majestic, main trophies is that they have been created with traditional skills combined with modern methods. Some of the skills predate Roman times and have been incorporated with state-of-the-art techniques such as 3D printing, scanning, and engraving,” said Kevin Baker, founder and CEO at Thomas Lyte.

He added: “At Thomas Lyte, we feel this is particularly apt for AlUla and the AlUla Camel Cup, an event that very much reflects the merging of tradition and modernity. Trevor Brown, our lead designer, has worked exclusively with the team at RCU and AlUla Moments, and we have relished the fantastic challenge of embracing taking thousands of years and bringing them to life in these resplendent modern-era trophies.”

The exquisitely designed AlUla Camel Cup champion trophies took around four months for the skilled craftsmen at Thomas Lyte to complete. Created at one of the largest silver workshops in Europe, hundreds of man-hours and some 27 individuals were involved in the different aspects of bringing the beautiful silverware to life.

The trophy unveiling at the AlUla Camel Racing Venue press conference helped officially launch the AlUla Camel Cup, for which 16 pieces of silverware in total have been created by Thomas Lyte.




The specially designed trophy crafted from hallmarked sterling silver and a 24-carat gold plate. supplied

Rami Al-Moallim, vice president, destination management and marketing at RCU, said: “The splendid trophies are a fitting reward for triumphing at the AlUla Camel Cup, one of the flagship events of the AlUla Moments events calendar. Through this platform, AlUla offers a diverse range of festivals and occasions throughout the year to celebrate AlUla’s rich cultural heritage, including art, culture, music, nature, wellness and sports, such as the historically significant activity of camel racing.”

Each winner of the six “Marathon" races on the first day of action will be presented with a silver vase. Each winner of the eight races on days two and three — two 4km “Hagayeg” and two 5km “Lagaya” races on Wednesday and two 6km “Jiza” and two 8km “Thanaya” races on Thursday — win a beautiful dish.

On the final day of racing, camels aged 6 years and above compete in “Heil,” a one-round, 8km race, and “Zmoul,” also a one-round, 8km race. Each champion owner will be presented with a stunning AlUla Camel Cup.

Mohammed Hammad Al-Balawi, vice president of the Saudi Camel Racing Federation and secretary-general of the International Camel Federation, said: “Camel racing holds a significant place in traditional Saudi and Arabic culture as it is an ancient sport that has been passed down through generations.

“Camels carried the hopes and ambitions of our ancestors and are apt creatures to symbolize Saudi Arabia moving forward. Camel racing will always be an integral part of Saudi Arabia — in the past, present and future — and the AlUla Camel Cup is the next step on our distinguished journey.”

The press conference also heard how AlUla’s sports strategy focuses on four key objectives: community sports, talent development and elite performance, sports events and sports facilities.

Ziad Al-Suhaibani, head of the sports executive program at RCU, said: “AlUla is a growing destination for world-class sporting activities and has hosted sporting events this season, including the Saudi Tour, AlUla Trail Race, AlUla Endurance Cup, and today the beginning of the first-ever AlUla Camel Cup. These sporting events play a major part in the country’s transformation aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, in keeping with AlUla’s commitment to sustainable and responsible development.”

More than 40 of the region’s finest racing camels have qualified for the AlUla Camel Cup at the refurbished AlUla Camel Racing Venue.

Nizar Fakhoury, executive director of destination development, destination management and marketing at RCU, said: “While a track has existed here since the early 1990s — and was the fourth camel racing venue in Saudi Arabia — this new, revamped, state-of-the-art venue is a fitting host for the AlUla Camel Cup. In addition to the four-day competition, the venue…will further support the future development of camel racing in the region.

“All of our infrastructure projects at AlUla — of which this is the biggest — are focused on blending seamlessly into the landscape. Our tourism is as much about the environment and sites as it is diversifying the economy.”

As well as elite racing, the AlUla Camel Cup also comprises fashion, retail offerings, and dining outlets. There is still time to be among the fortunate attendees at the AlUla Camel Cup. Single-day tickets for the event, priced at SR 50 ($13), remain available at: https://tickets.experiencealula.com/en/experiences/alula-camel-cup-pass


Tamam team defeats Casa Riyadh in Silver Cup tournament

Updated 15 November 2024
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Tamam team defeats Casa Riyadh in Silver Cup tournament

RIYADH: The Tamam Polo Team claimed victory over rivals Casa Riyadh on Thursday, beating them 5-4 in the Silver Cup Championship.

Taking place at Nofa Equestrian Resort in Riyadh, this is the third edition of the tournament, which continues until Nov. 16.

Taking place at Nofa Equestrian Resort in Riyadh, this is the third edition of the tournament. (SUPPLIED)

The Tamam team included Hashem Al-Alawi, Abdulmohsen Al-Hokair, Faisal Abu Nayan and Marcelo Antonio. Representing Casa Riyadh were Prince Salman bin Sultan, Ibrahim Al-Harbi, Salman bin Haif and Muhammed Naveed.

The Silver Cup is the first tournament of the season, played in a points system where the team with the most goals wins in the event of a tie.

Friday will see Casa Riyadh face Tuwaiq in the second round.


Saudi jiu-jitsu team win 10 medals at World Championship in Greece

Updated 07 November 2024
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Saudi jiu-jitsu team win 10 medals at World Championship in Greece

  • Kingdom’s jiu-jitsu team scoop 3 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze at event held from Oct. 23 to Nov. 4

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s jiu-jitsu team won 10 medals — three gold, three silver and four bronze — at the World Championship in Crete, Greece, which was held from Oct. 23 to Nov. 4, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The gold medalists are Mohammed Al-Mukhlis in the under-69 kg category (Masters Division), Omar Nada in the under-94 kg category (Senior Team Division), and Abdullah Nada in the under-85 kg category (Youth Division).

Silver medals were won by Abdulmalik Al-Murdi in the under-62 kg category (Senior Team Division), Elias Banjar in the under-62 kg category (Youth Division), and Waleed Al-Haidari in the under-56 kg category (Youth Division).

Bronze went to Osamah Al-Marwia in the No Gi category, Khaled Habab, who earned two medals in the under-52 kg and No Gi - 52 kg categories (Youth Division), and Hadeel Qadha in the under-57 kg category (Junior Division).

Saudi Jiu-Jitsu Federation CEO Rakan Al-Fehaid thanked the government for supporting the athletes and helping them to achieve success.

The team had played a “significant role in elevating the Kingdom’s name on the global stage,” the report added.


Saudi Sports For All Federation and STC Group sign sustainability partnership

Updated 05 November 2024
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Saudi Sports For All Federation and STC Group sign sustainability partnership

  • Pact between the parties was inked at the 8th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh
  • Collaboration will help identify opportunities for improving public participation in physical activities

RIYADH: The Saudi Sports For All Federation has signed a memorandum of understanding with the STC Group to promote physical activity, encourage social integration through sports, and support the development of grassroots programs.

The signing ceremony took place last week at the 8th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, which was held under the theme “Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow.”

Shaima Alhusseini, managing director of the SFA, and Maha Alnuhait, general manager of sustainability at the STC Group, inked the agreement, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The collaboration will focus on establishing sustainability reporting frameworks, key performance indicators, and metrics in alignment with community-driven programs.

The SFA aims to leverage the telecom group’s expertise to achieve their goals and contribute to the objectives of Vision 2030, the SPA reported.


Cody Rhodes and Liv Morgan take titles at WWE Riyadh Season event

Updated 03 November 2024
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Cody Rhodes and Liv Morgan take titles at WWE Riyadh Season event

  • The night was not short on surprises, as the match between Randy Orton and Kevin Owens ended with no result because of unexpected interference

RIYADH: In an extraordinary night at Mohammed Abdu Arena as part of Riyadh Season’s WWE events, “Crown Jewel 2024” delivered a memorable evening of intense matches that wrestling fans will not soon forget.

The General Entertainment Authority CEO, Faisal Bafarat, awarded Cody Rhodes the “Crown Jewel 2024” men’s title and Liv Morgan the women’s title, with both receiving a new championship belt adorned with 50 carats of diamonds as the first champions in Crown Jewel history.

The event kicked off with an explosive opening match in which “The Bloodline,” led by Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga (accompanied by Tanga Loa), achieved a historic victory over Roman Reigns and “The Usos” (Jey and Jimmy Uso) in a six-man tag team match.

In the WWE women’s tag team championship match, Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill defended their titles successfully against fierce competition from teams including “Damage Control,” “The Meta-4,” and Chelsea Green with Piper Niven. Seth “Freakin” Rollins also delivered an outstanding performance, defeating “Big” Bronson Reed.

In the women’s showdown, Liv Morgan, the reigning RAW women’s champion, claimed the title of “Crown Jewel Women’s Champion” after defeating SmackDown women’s champion Nia Jax in a grueling battle.

The night was not short on surprises, as the match between Randy Orton and Kevin Owens ended with no result because of unexpected interference, heightening the evening’s excitement.

In a triple-threat match for the United States Championship, LA Knight retained his title after an intense victory over Andrade and Carmelo Hayes.

The night culminated in a grand finale as Cody Rhodes, the undisputed WWE champion, defeated heavyweight champion Gunther, emerging as the Crown Jewel Champion to thunderous cheers from the crowd.

 


Mixed martial arts is ‘the sport of our era’ in the Kingdom and beyond

Updated 28 October 2024
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Mixed martial arts is ‘the sport of our era’ in the Kingdom and beyond

  • Abdullah Al-Hazza, CEO of the Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation, writes for Arab News about the sport’s rapid growth in the country
  • Saudi Arabia recently held the globally successful PFL MENA’s ‘Battle of the Giants’ event in Riyadh featuring Francis Ngannou

RIYADH: When Francis Ngannou said Saudi Arabia felt like “family” after his historic Professional Fighters League’s “Battle of the Giants” victory over Renan Ferreira in Riyadh recently, it made me feel very proud.

I was proud that one of the greatest fighters in our sport has such love for this country, which is certainly reciprocated. And that the work we are doing to promote MMA across the Kingdom is bearing fruit.

Ngannou is aware of what we as a federation are doing, and he understands how passionate people are for MMA in Saudi Arabia. He wants to play his part in the growth of what we all believe is the sport of our era.

There has been a 21 percent increase in MMA participation this year from last year across Saudi Arabia — which includes not just fighters and athletes of various ages, but also coaches, referees and judges.

This is evidence of an MMA ecosystem in place, which we are constantly trying to expand and enhance.

With six PFL events in 2024, including three pay-per-views, Saudi Arabia is reinforcing its role as a leading destination for major MMA competitions, while increasing awareness and excitement for the sport among our local population.

Since the federation’s inception in 2018, Saudi Arabia’s MMA fighters have won 35 medals — 19 gold, three silver and 13 bronze — in various international competitions. This includes world, Asia and other international championships.

We have three undefeated fighters in the PFL with Malik Basahel (3-0), Mostafa Nada (2-0) and Hattan Al-Saif (2-0). In addition, Abdullah Al-Qahtani has a 4-1 record. Overall, Saudi Arabia fighters now have a 11-1 record in reputable organizations such as the PFL.

There is also the financial aspect of MMA. Saudi Arabia has been highly successful in utilizing the sports industry as a catalyst for economic and social development.

This has connected us with global communities, attracted inward investment, contributed significantly to the nation’s gross domestic product, created jobs, and, essentially, encouraged healthy lifestyles.

We recognize the opportunities that MMA provides and our responsibility as a federation, working with relevant partners such as the Ministry of Sport, to ensure they are fully realized. Securing sponsorships for the programs we have created is but one example of this in action.

The next big international MMA event in Saudi Arabia takes place on Nov. 29 when Riyadh hosts the 2024 PFL finals.

The event will be held outside the US for the first time, with the federation, ministry, and the global PFL organization in charge of its management.

There is a $6-million prize pool, with $1 million awarded to each winner of the six main fights across various weight classes.

For us as Saudi Arabia citizens, however, perhaps the most exciting part is the inaugural Middle East and North Africa PFL finals, where Al-Saif will make history as the first woman from this nation to compete in a global PFL event.

The promotion of MMA among women is an integral part of what we do as a federation. We have organized two championships for women, and now have an increasing number of women fighters, coaches, referees and judges participating.

This means, I can assure everyone, that while Al-Saif is on an exciting journey, she is the first of many to come.

Speaking of which, I am often asked by members of the media if there will ever be a Saudi Arabian Francis Ngannou — an elite, world champion from the Kingdom.

My answer is always the same: there will be. It is only a matter of time, and when it happens, I will be justifiably proud because of all the work we have put into this endeavor.