LONDON: Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic believes “anything is possible” as his side aim to pull off one of the biggest ever shocks in a Champions League final against the mighty Real Madrid at London’s Wembley stadium on Saturday.
The star-studded Spanish giants are heavy favorites to be crowned European champions for the 15th time, and a sixth in the last 11 seasons, against a Dortmund team that have beaten the odds just to make it to the English capital.
Madrid have lost just twice in 54 games in all competitions this season, storming to the title in La Liga by 10 points and thrashing Barcelona 4-1 to lift the Spanish Super Cup along the way.
However, they have had to once again dig deep to reach what coach Carlo Ancelotti described as the “biggest game of any season” in the Champions League.
“We have to enjoy being here,” said the Italian at his pre-match press conference. “But knowing it can go wrong because we are close to the most important thing in football — winning a Champions League — but having the fear this can escape us.”
Ancelotti’s men withstood a barrage from defending champions Manchester City to win their quarter-final tie on penalties before another legendary late fightback at the Santiago Bernabeu to beat Bayern Munich in the last four.
“We never stop believing, no matter how the circumstances are,” said Luka Modric, who along with Nacho, Dani Carvajal and Toni Kroos, in the final match of his club career, can win the European Cup for a record-equalling sixth time as a player.
“We always believe, keep believing, keep pushing, fighting until the end. In the end, we manage to find a way to beat opponents.
“Many people say there is luck, but when it happens so many times, I think it’s not just luck.”
Dortmund must breach the financial gulf between the sides to win the Champions League for just the second time in their history.
Last season Madrid posted record revenues of 831 million euros ($901 million) compared to Dortmund’s 420 million euros, according to financial experts Deloitte.
The career path of Jude Bellingham exemplifies the scale of the task facing the Germans.
Plucked from English Championship side Birmingham as a teenager, he was molded and developed by Dortmund before being picked off by Madrid for a transfer fee in excess of 100 million euros 12 months ago.
Without him, Dortmund struggled domestically this season, finishing fifth in the Bundesliga, 27 points adrift of Bayer Leverkusen.
Yet, Terzic’s men have saved their best for the Champions League stage to reach the final for the third time in the club’s history and first since they lost at Wembley to Bayern Munich 11 years ago.
Dortmund topped the group of death featuring Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Newcastle.
PSV Eindhoven and Atletico Madrid were then seen off before a heroic defensive display kept out PSG over two legs in the semifinals.
“They are the favorites but we don’t care, we haven’t been the favorites against Atletico or against PSG,” said Terzic.
“But if we are brave and not here to watch Real Madrid lift the trophy, if we are here to give them a game, then we have a chance.”
Over 100,000 fans of the German giants are estimated to have made the trip to London despite the club being allocated just 30,000 tickets for the 90,000 capacity stadium.
UEFA will be hoping the focus is on the protagonists on the field come full-time to ensure their decision to return to Wembley for a major final is not questioned.
Three years ago, the final of Euro 2020 was marred by violence as ticketless fans stormed the stadium doors to gain entry.
The English Football Association have invested £5 million ($6 million) into improving safety and infrastructure at Wembley, which is also set to host the Euro 2028 final.
Dortmund dream of shocking Real Madrid in Champions League final
https://arab.news/cmnen
Dortmund dream of shocking Real Madrid in Champions League final
Symphony of scripts: Calligraphers make their mark in Dammam exhibition
- ‘The Pulse of Ink’ unites 30 young and experienced artisans to honor cultural heritage
DHAHRAN: In the heart of Dammam, the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts is hosting a calligraphy art exhibition titled “The Pulse of Ink,” showcasing works of the Qatif Calligraphy Group.
Art enthusiasts and curious minds alike have until Jan. 20 to explore works by renowned calligraphy and ornamentation artists, including some as young as 12-years-old.
To complement the exhibition, the Qatif Calligraphy Group has organized a series of engaging activities, including workshops for aspiring calligraphers.
The first workshop was presented by 14-year-old Hussein Bazaroun, who has been practicing calligraphy for two and a half years.
Bazroun’s passion and dedication to the craft are a source of inspiration for young and aspiring artists alike.
Additional workshops will focus on Diwani script, led by calligrapher Ali Al-Khuwaildi, and Ruq’ah script, taught by his fellow calligrapher, Hassan Al-Radwan.
Among the showcased talents is 12-year-old calligrapher Ali Al-Kadhim, a prodigy who has been perfecting his craft for just over a year and a half. His talent is a testament to the group’s mission to promote and preserve the ancient art of Arabic calligraphy.
The exhibition also features a diverse range of pieces, each a captivating blend of intricate lines, curves and ornaments that seem to dance across the page.
The calligraphy group’s goals are diverse and far-reaching. By hosting workshops, exhibitions and lectures, they promote Arabic calligraphy as an Islamic and artistic art form, while also supporting local artists and enriching the cultural landscape of Qatif.
Through competitions and showcases, they are creating a new generation of calligraphers to carry forward the tradition.
For Al-Khuwaildi, vice president of the calligraphy group, calligraphy is more than just a hobby — it is a refuge, a source of comfort and a means of creative expression.
“I fell in love with calligraphy in elementary school, and it evolved from a hobby into a refuge throughout my life,” he told Arab News.
“Whenever life gets overwhelming, I return to it like a bird to its nest.” His words reflect the therapeutic power of calligraphy, which requires patience, dedication and a deep understanding of the intricate relationships between letters, lines and spaces.
Hassan Al-Bashrawi, secretary of the calligraphy group, highlighted the unique appeal of Arabic calligraphy: “It combines two key aesthetic qualities: Artistic construction and meaningful values reflecting Islamic civilization and Arab heritage.”
Al-Bashrawi’s own journey as a calligrapher has been marked by intense study, practice and collaboration with fellow artists. Through his work, he is building a strong foundation for renewal, drawing inspiration from both ancient resources and contemporary artists.
For Muna Al-Muhanna, a talented artist featuring her first piece in the exhibition, the experience is nothing short of exhilarating.
“My feelings were a mix of the joy of accomplishment and pride in creating something in remembrance of Allah, the Most High,” she said.
Capturing the essence of the ancient art form, she added: “It separates me from the tangible world and immerses me in a realm of beauty represented by calligraphy.”
At the Qatif Calligraphy Group’s exhibition in Dammam, visitors will be treated to a visual feast of intricate scripts, majestic ornaments and heartfelt expressions of creativity.
In an era where technology dominates our daily lives, this celebration of Arabic calligraphy serves as a reminder of the beauty, spirituality and timelessness of handwritten art.
Whether you are an art lover or history enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of language, the exhibition is sure to leave you in awe of the magic that happens when pen meets paper.
Pakistan eyes $3 billion investment as Sindh announces China-backed special economic zone
- CM Murad Ali Shah emphasizes its transformative potential amid hopes for over 100,000 jobs
- Dhabeji SEZ will be located near Karachi’s ports, offering connectivity to regional trade routes
KARACHI: The provincial administration of Sindh on Saturday announced the establishment of a special economic zone after the signing of a memorandum of understanding supported by Chinese authorities, projecting the initiative to transform Pakistan’s economy by attracting $3 billion in investment and creating over 100,000 jobs.
The announcement is part of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which aims to enhance industrial development by setting up such economic zones. The first CPEC phase focused on infrastructure and energy projects, while the second phase emphasizes industrial collaboration between the two countries.
The Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which is being developed under public-private partnership by the Sindh administration, is strategically located near Karachi’s ports, offering connectivity to regional trade routes to position it as a vital industrial hub.
“The Dhabeji SEZ is set to transform Pakistan’s economic landscape,” Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said, according to an official statement released after the MoU signing.
He added the project would stimulate industrial growth, reduce reliance on imports, boost exports and create a self-reliant and sustainable economy.
Special Assistant to the CM on Investment, Syed Qassim Naveed Qamar, also highlighted the SEZ’s transformative potential.
“This SEZ will create over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, promote value-added industries and empower local communities through skills development.”
The MoU signing ceremony was also attended by members of the Sindh Cabinet, senior officials and other dignitaries.
Anthony Hopkins enchants Riyadh with dreamlike symphony
- Introduced by Morgan Freeman, the Hollywood icon reflects on universal language of music
- Performing concert in Saudi Arabia ‘an unimaginable honor,’ Hopkins says
RIYADH: In a captivating blend of art and humanity, Hollywood icon Anthony Hopkins graced the Bakr Al-Shaddi Theater in Boulevard City, Riyadh, with a performance titled “Life is a Dream” as part of the Riyadh Season festivities.
Introduced by fellow actor Morgan Freeman, Hopkins opened his speech with the Arabic greeting, “As-salamu alaykum,” setting a tone of cultural respect and unity.
Hopkins shared his reflections on life and art, drawing from the words of Edgar Allan Poe: “I have always believed that all we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.”
He thanked Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, for the invitation to perform in Riyadh.
“I am deeply humbled and immensely grateful to premiere my piece, ‘Life is a Dream,’ during Riyadh Season,” he said.
Reflecting on his life, he described the path from “the son of a simple baker” in South Wales to a world-renowned composer and actor.
“My life, to me, is a profound mystery,” he said. “It’s impossible to understand or take credit for the blessings I’ve been given. That’s why I believe life is a dream, and this piece, ‘Life is a Dream,’ was inspired by my dreamy childhood in South Wales, my wonderfully supportive mother and my father, who was larger than life and worked tirelessly throughout his life.”
Hopkins invoked the philosophy of Ralph Waldo Emerson, highlighting music and art as spiritual connectors.
“Music and art are paths to God, the primary means to connect all human souls. Emerson understood that touching one soul means touching all souls and I too believe that music is a transformative power,” he said.
“I always dreamed of being a composer, but I never knew how. Yet performing this concert in Saudi Arabia, the cradle of Islam, where Prophet Muhammad received his messages and home to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah is an unimaginable honor.”
Addressing global challenges, Hopkins stressed the importance of unity and peace.
“I cannot imagine a better place than here to come together, bridge our differences and envision a world of peace, balance and love,” he said.
“At 87 years old, I understand deeply that death is inevitable. But the theme of this concert is that life is a long farewell to everything we love, a prolonged goodbye, but one filled with forgiveness and wonder.”
Hopkins concluded by acknowledging the team that made the concert possible, giving special thanks to Rakan Al-Harthi, managing director of Sela, his music producer Stephen Barton, conductor Matthew Freeman, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He ended his speech with “Shukran.”
Through this event, Hopkins not only showcased his musical talents but also made a lasting impression on Riyadh Season, emphasizing the unifying power of art and music in promoting tolerance, love and understanding across cultures.
AlUla is top destination as Saudi tourism gains appeal in India
- India’s outbound tourism is expected to reach 45 million travelers by 2030
- Destinations in Saudi Arabia especially popular among Gen Z tourists
New Delhi: India is seeing an increase in travelers heading to Saudi Arabia, according to a top Indian tourism body, which also said there is growing interest in the Kingdom’s heritage, especially among Gen Z Indians.
Tourism is booming in Saudi Arabia under the Vision 2030 transformation plan. In the past few years there has been significant investment in the development of destinations including its eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, eco-friendly and luxury resorts on the Red Sea coastline, and entertainment and sports complexes.
The promotion for these developments has also included Bollywood stars, and more and more Indians are looking to visit Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla, rather than Dubai — traditionally the most popular destination in the GCC for Indian travelers.
“Earlier it was only Dubai ... but now that trend is changing,” Himanshu Kesari Patil, president of the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India, an organization representing over 800 travel companies and agents, told Arab News. “There are lots of inquiries for Saudi Arabia, a lot of people are going. The top-selling destination for Saudi Arabia is AlUla,”
AlUla, in northwestern Saudi Arabia, is often described as an “open-air museum.” One of its most famous areas is Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site that features tombs and monuments from the Nabatean civilization dating back to the 1st century BCE.
Another is Elephant Rock, a natural rock formation in the AlUla desert, which has become one of the region’s most photographed natural landmarks.
Many notable Bollywood celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and Priyanka Chopra, have visited AlUla, while others, such as up-and-comers Janhvi Kapoor and Ali Fazal, have partnered with the local authorities to promote it, increasing the site’s appeal among Gen Z travelers, which data portal Statista refers to as the “most travel-hungry” generation.
“Gen Z, they are more tech-savvy, they are always on social media and they want to explore unexplored places. (They) are not going to the routine places where everyone else is going, they want to do something different,” Patil said.
India’s outbound tourism market is growing, and the Pacific Asia Travel Association estimates that the number of Indians traveling abroad annually will reach 45 million in the next five years.
By then, the Kingdom expects to welcome 7.5 million Indian travelers a year, according to the Saudi Tourism Authority.
“Saudi Arabia is investing a lot of money in the Indian market and I’m sure, soon, Saudi Arabia will get more numbers out of India,” Patil said.
“They are friendly, have great multicultural cuisine … for the tourists it’s amazing,” he continued. “I think, soon, with the new developments and new cities they are building, the new luxury hotels they are building, there is a bright future for Saudi Arabia on the tourism side.”
ASEAN and China must start tackling thorny issues of South China Sea code, Philippines says
- The South China Sea remains a source of tension between China and its ASEAN neighbors
- ASEAN and China pledged in 2002 to create a code of conduct, but took 15 years to start discussions and progress has been slow
LANGKAWI, Malaysia: The regional bloc ASEAN and China should make headway on a protracted code of conduct for the South China Sea by tackling thorny “milestone issues,” including its scope and if it can be legally binding, the Philippines’ top diplomat said on Saturday.
The South China Sea remains a source of tension between China and neighbors the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia, with ties between Beijing and US ally Manila at their worst in years amid frequent confrontations that have sparked concerns they could spiral into conflict.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China pledged in 2002 to create a code of conduct, but took 15 years to start discussions and progress has been slow.
In an interview ahead of Sunday’s meeting with his ASEAN counterparts on the Malaysian island of Langkawi, Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo said discussions on a code were well underway, but it was time to start thrashing out the meatier, trickier aspects.
“It’s time that we try to look at issues which are, in our view, essential, which have not really been discussed in a thorough way or even much less negotiated. These are the so-called milestone issues,” Manalo told Reuters.
Those would include the code’s scope, whether it is legally binding and its impact on third-party countries, he said, adding the aim was to make it effective and substantive.
“We have to begin addressing these important issues,” Manalo added. “This might be the best way to at least move the negotiation forward.”
Beijing claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, which it asserts through a fleet of coast guard and fishing militia that some neighbors accuse of aggression and of disrupting fishing and energy activities in their exclusive economic zones.
China insists it operates lawfully in its territory and does not recognize a 2016 arbitration ruling that said its claim has no basis under international law.
‘US interests are still there’
Manalo also said that as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, there was no sign the United States would reassess its engagement in Southeast Asia.
“We haven’t heard any or seen any indication of scaling down or any kind of particular change,” he said.
“We have to wait until the administration actually takes over. But from what we’ve seen so far, US interests are still there.”
Manalo said the civil war in military-ruled Myanmar remains a big challenge for ASEAN, which has barred the generals from meetings for failing to implement the bloc’s peace plan.
The junta plans to hold an election this year in which its opponents either cannot run, or refuse to contest.
Manalo said it was premature to discuss if ASEAN would make preconditions for recognizing the election, which he said must involve as much of the population as possible.
“If elections are held without being seen as inclusive, not transparent, I believe it would be very difficult for those elections to create more legitimacy,” he said.
