Registration opens for historic AlUla Falcon Cup

Participants in the first track designated for owners, open owners, and local professionals must register falcons from Dec. 25-27 (Supplied)
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Updated 23 December 2023
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Registration opens for historic AlUla Falcon Cup

Jeddah: The Saudi Falcons Club has announced registration dates for participants in the first track of the AlUla Falcon Cup, which aims to revive historical traditions of falconry in the Arabian Peninsula.

The initiative marks the first step in a series of events showcasing the significance of falcons to AlUla’s visitors and tourists.

Participants in the first track designated for owners, open owners, and local professionals must register falcons from Dec. 25-27, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., at the Shuwaima Hall in the village of Al-Fursan in AlUla.

Local owners and professionals will compete in 24 rounds. Prizes will be awarded to 10 winners from local owners, and 10 winners from local professionals and open owners.

The second track is assigned to falcons with the best race time in the qualifying rounds of the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2023, while the third track is divided into six rounds for elite falcons. The fourth track is designated for the Al-Mazayen (beauty) competition, and consists of six rounds for local participants.

Rami Al-Moallim, vice president of destination management and marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “Falcons are deeply rooted in the region’s culture, and we are proud to showcase our ancient heritage and culture to the world through the AlUla Falcon Cup. This event promises thrills to AlUla’s locals and visitors alike, paying homage to our traditions and our commitment to protecting and showcasing this culture globally.”

Al-Moallim highlighted the commission’s commitment to showcasing the unique bond between humans and falcons, while utilizing the backdrop of AlUla’s dramatic landscape.

The AlUla Falcon Cup is a collaboration between the Saudi Falcons Club and the Royal Commission for AlUla. The competition seeks to establish new records in the heritage sport, and will provide an unprecedented total prize pool of SR60 million ($16 million), which will be distributed across various categories, including both Al-Milwah (racing) and Al-Mazayen competitions.

The AlUla Falcon Cup will take place daily from Dec. 28 to Jan. 5, starting at 8 a.m. at the Mughira Heritage Sports Village in AlUla. Spectators will have the chance to see the remarkable racing techniques of falcons. The competition aims to showcase the strong bond between falcons and their falconers, highlighting the commanding skills and communication methods employed by the falconers.

The Al-Mazayen competition will feature a selection of the most beautiful falcons from Jan. 2-4, between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Walid Al-Taweel, official spokesperson of the Saudi Falcons Club, said: “Falconry, especially falcon racing, holds deep cultural significance in the Kingdom, serving as a bridge between tradition, heritage, and the powerful bond between humans and birds of prey. We look forward to bringing the most thrilling falcon competition to the ancient city of AlUla.”

The competition will bring together falconers from neighboring Arab and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, as well as participants from around the world, creating a global spectacle.

The AlUla Falcon Cup is part of the AlUla Moments’ Calendar, which features a variety of sports events, such as the AlUla Camel Cup, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup, AlUla Desert Blaze, AlUla Trail Race, Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, and the recently added Tent Pegging Championship and Horse Back Archery.


Saudi students compete in global chemistry contest

Updated 6 sec ago
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Saudi students compete in global chemistry contest

  • The event is being held in Dubai until July 14, with more than 300 students from around the world competing for awards

RIYADH: Saudi students are taking part in the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad, the world’s largest high school chemistry competition.

The event is being held in Dubai until July 14, with more than 300 students from around the world competing for awards.

The scientific team has completed the review and translation of the practical exam for the Saudi students, who are preparing to take their first test, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

This year, the Kingdom is represented by four students who have undergone thousands of hours of intensive training under the supervision of the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, in partnership with the Ministry of Education.

The students are Rand Al-Hassan Awadhah (Riyadh), Haider Yasser Al-Dubaissi (Eastern Province), Ammar Mohammed Al-Turkistani (Jeddah) and Ali Ahmed Baouzir (Riyadh).

Saudi Arabia has earned 45 awards in past International Chemistry Olympiads, held annually since 1968 in different countries. These include 15 silver medals, 28 bronze medals and two certificates of appreciation.

The olympiad promotes international collaboration in chemistry and encourages young talent to solve complex scientific problems through innovative thinking.

It also serves as a platform for cultural exchange and academic excellence, and supports the development of future leaders in science and technology.


Saudi Arabia reaffirms support for Afghanistan’s security, stability 

Updated 30 min 56 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia reaffirms support for Afghanistan’s security, stability 

  • Envoy highlights Saudi humanitarian aid, calls for global cooperation at UN session in New York

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, has reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for Afghanistan’s security and stability, emphasizing the importance of respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Speaking during a UN General Assembly session in New York on the situation in Afghanistan, Al-Wasil expressed the Kingdom’s concern over the humanitarian and economic challenges facing the Afghan people.

He called for intensified international efforts to provide urgent relief and essential support to ease their suffering, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The envoy highlighted the Kingdom’s humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people through its aid agency, KSrelief. He underscored the importance of empowering Afghan women by promoting their rights in education, employment, and public life. 

Al-Wasil also emphasized the critical need to prevent Afghan territory from being used as a base for terrorist activities or drug trafficking, warning of the threats these pose to regional and global security.

He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to continuing its support for political, humanitarian, and development initiatives aimed at stabilizing Afghanistan. 

So far, KSrelief has implemented 57 projects worth almost $54 million in Afghanistan, according to the agency’s website. 

The projects cover food security, health, education, water and sanitation, as well as humanitarian emergency relief coordination.


Ithra Children’s Festival inspires creativity, curiosity

Updated 08 July 2025
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Ithra Children’s Festival inspires creativity, curiosity

  • The festival combines creativity, learning, play, and exploration in an interactive setting

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Ithra, on Monday launched its inaugural Children’s Festival, themed “What If?”, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The festival combines creativity, learning, play, and exploration in an interactive setting to foster critical thinking, nurture imagination, and develop essential skills.

Running until July 26 at Ithra’s headquarters in Dhahran, the festival offers 50 activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire creative thinking.

These include hands-on workshops, live performances, water and family challenges, art spaces that encourage exploration and questioning, and a book exchange where children can swap books.

An interactive exhibition allows children to transform large white models into colorful artworks using foam tubes, the SPA reported.

The festival will also host the fifth Children’s Book Fair from July 14-19, featuring 20 local and international publishers specializing in children’s and young adult literature.

This year’s fair highlights South Korea as the guest of honor, with book signings, panel discussions, workshops, and opportunities to meet experts.


Riyadh to host major airshow in November

The exhibition will include live day and night airshows, youth and children’s zones, and innovation pavilions. (Supplied)
Updated 08 July 2025
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Riyadh to host major airshow in November

  • Prince Sultan said the Sand & Fun exhibition is a national platform combining aerial entertainment, education, and interactive experiences

RIYADH: Prince Sultan bin Salman, founder and chairman of the Saudi Aviation Club, chaired a meeting attended by Ahmed Al-Fahaid, the club’s general supervisor, where the executive plans and airshow programs for the Sand & Fun exhibition were approved.

Prince Sultan said the Sand & Fun exhibition is a national platform combining aerial entertainment, education, and interactive experiences.

The event supports the Kingdom’s role as a regional and global hub for general aviation, aligned with Vision 2030 goals in tourism, education, and local content development, he added. 

This year’s edition is special as it marks the 25th anniversary of the Saudi Aviation Club, highlighting the sector’s growth since its founding.

The exhibition will be held from Nov. 25 to 29 at Al-Thumamah Airport in Riyadh. It will include live day and night airshows, youth and children’s zones, innovation pavilions, and investor platforms, aiming to boost local and international aviation collaboration. 

Prince Sultan called for stronger national partnerships and engagement with education, training, entertainment, and technology sectors to ensure the event’s success.

The exhibition demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s organizational capabilities and opens new opportunities for future generations in aviation. 

Founded in 2000 following a Cabinet decision, the Saudi Aviation Club leads the Kingdom’s general aviation sector, promoting its culture, supporting talent, and organizing educational and entertainment initiatives.


Saudi Arabia retains top spot in global cybersecurity rankings for 2025

Updated 07 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia retains top spot in global cybersecurity rankings for 2025

  • National digital transformation strategy helps propel Kingdom to forefront of international standards, officials say
  • Saudi Arabia cited as Tier 1 ‘role-modeling’ nation by UN specialist agency, further underlining its world standing

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has maintained its position as the top-ranked country in global cybersecurity, according to this year’s edition of the International Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Yearbook.

The cybersecurity indicator ranking reflects what officials describe as continued support from the country’s leadership, including King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Officials added the leadership’s national digital transformation strategy has helped propel the Kingdom to the forefront of international benchmarks.

They also said the Kingdom’s achievements in cybersecurity stem from a comprehensive, long-term strategy that balances national security with economic and technological development.

Saudi Arabia was also designated a Tier 1 “role-modeling” nation in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 published by the UN’s International Telecommunication Union, further underlining its international standing.

Central to this model is the National Cybersecurity Authority, the country’s primary body for overseeing cybersecurity affairs, and the Saudi Information Technology Company, which serves as its technical and strategic partner.

Together, these institutions have helped strengthen national cyber defenses, localize key technologies, and expand collaboration both domestically and internationally.

The NCA, which acts as the national reference point for all matters relating to cybersecurity, is tasked with enhancing the Kingdom’s digital resilience by safeguarding critical infrastructure, key sectors, and government services.

It is also responsible for setting policies, frameworks, and standards while encouraging innovation, investment, and growth within the Kingdom’s cybersecurity sector.

These initiatives form part of Saudi Arabia’s wider efforts to build a secure and trusted digital environment that supports economic growth and global cooperation.