JEDDAH: AlUla Desert Blaze, a new running event added to AlUla’s sports offerings, will commence on Aug. 26.
Athletes from the region and around the world will take part in the high-intensity endurance race, taking place in sizzling summer temperatures of 42 degrees Celsius.
The race is the latest addition to an exciting lineup of sports competitions that take advantage of the city’s mesmerizing terrain. With its sandstone cliffs, lush oases and productive farmlands, the local environment offers a unique backdrop for the event.
Men and women of all fitness levels will compete in distances of 5, 10, 21 and 42 km, aiming to become one of the first global conquerors of the challenging race by pushing their physical capacities to the limit.
Chief Tourism Officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla Phillip Jones said: “AlUla Desert Blaze is not just a race; it’s a unique and transformative experience. Not only does this represent a new performance milestone for athletes, but it will also give everyone taking part a unique perspective on AlUla and its various visitor offerings, with a route that winds past ancient monuments, through undiscovered landscapes and in the shadow of monumental cliff faces edging vast sandstone canyons.”
He added: “We continue to diversify our offerings for visitors from all around the world, and the AlUla Desert Blaze is an addition to what the destination can offer adventurers and sports enthusiasts who are looking to indulge in a truly unforgettable experience.”
For participants in the 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km races, the starting point of the race is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO Heritage Site. For those taking on the marathon, the race will commence at Maraya, the record-breaking multi-purpose entertainment venue located in the heart of the Ashar Valley.
Enrollment for the race — which offers a total prize pool of SR110,000 ($30,000) — is open until Aug. 22.
Runners will receive comprehensive medical support to ensure their well-being, including access to ambulances, mobile and stationed paramedics, as well as nurses and physiotherapists.
Aid stations will be positioned every 5 km along the race route. These stations will be stocked with essential supplies such as water, ice containers, hydration beverages, energy gels, fresh fruits and nutritious snacks.
AlUla has been at the forefront of sustainable development in the Kingdom through its sports and adventure offerings, hosting prestigious events such as the AlUla Camel Cup, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup and the Saudi Tour.
Jones encouraged those interested in taking part in the race to register for a chance to win cash prizes. Fans who wish to attend can purchase race tickets at experiencealula.com.
AlUla Desert Blaze offers thrilling endurance race
https://arab.news/yghuv
AlUla Desert Blaze offers thrilling endurance race
- The race is the latest addition to an exciting lineup of sports competitions that take advantage of the city’s mesmerizing terrain
- Chief Tourism Officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla Phillip Jones said: “AlUla Desert Blaze is not just a race; it’s a unique and transformative experience”
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.
