Saudi formula for F1 success charted in documentary

Special Saudi formula for F1 success charted in documentary
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From right: Ben and Chris Mellors, Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudia, and Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. (Supplied)
Special Saudi formula for F1 success charted in documentary
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Saudia distributed a model plane, with vintage logo from the 80s, as a special gift to event attendees. (Supplied)
Special Saudi formula for F1 success charted in documentary
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The Return of a Winner documentary premiered in Prince Sultan Aviation academy hall on March 6. (Supplied)
Special Saudi formula for F1 success charted in documentary
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The Return of a Winner documentary premiered in Prince Sultan Aviation academy hall on March 6. (Supplied)
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Updated 03 April 2023
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Saudi formula for F1 success charted in documentary

Saudi formula for F1 success charted in documentary
  • Film follows restoration of the championship-winning Williams FW07 race car, sponsored by Saudia in the 1980s
  • Saudia’s investment drove the Williams team, then known as the Albilad Saudia Racing Team, with the Saudi logo printed on the car’s body in 1979

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s decades of involvement with Formula One motorsports has been brought to the big screen with the premiere of a documentary charting the restoration of a Saudi-sponsored car that scored famous victories in the 1980s.

The “Return of a Winner” documentary was screened at the Prince Sultan Aviation Academy in Jeddah earlier this week, in a collaboration between the Saudi Motorsports Company and Saudia airline. 

The English documentary tells the story of the Williams FW07, a 40-year-old car sponsored by Saudia, and the race against time to restore it to celebrate its 1980 F1 World Championship-winning feats before last year’s Grand Prix in Jeddah.

Saudia’s investment drove the Williams team, then known as the Albilad Saudia Racing Team, with the Saudi logo printed on the car’s body in 1979, making the Kingdom the first Arab nation to get financially involved in Formula One.

The sponsorship lasted until 1984, giving international recognition and acknowledgement to Saudia in every race for eight F1 seasons. Williams achieved great success and incredible wins with the FW07, including the 1980 F1 World Championship result with 15 wins and 300 points to its name.

Post the Saudia-Williams era, the race car was settled into the archives of its owner for the next four decades, where it collected dust and rust.

However, the idea of bringing the forgotten legend back to life again was sparked when the owner realized the car’s significance to the Kingdom. He made the promise to bring the car from Riyadh to restore it and run it on the fastest street track possible, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

Restored to former glory

The restoration of the FW07 took intensive work by a brilliant British team of professional heritage race car specialists Chris Mellors and Ben Mellors and their team at Fifteen Eleven Design, who took on the challenge of having it ready for the Grand Prix in Jeddah in 2022.

Facing major challenges and technical difficulties Chris Mellors, the team principal of Fifteen Eleven Design, said in the documentary, “When we first looked at the car and tried to decide how we were going to do it, we were slightly concerned. (We had a) very tight timescale of about six weeks to get it ready for the Grand Prix, and some of the challenges were mountainous.”

Ben Mellors, Chris’s son and the head engineer of the company, said that the first time he saw the car it had an inch of sand and dust and he could not believe that a car in such a state won the 1980 championship. “It was quite clear that the task in front of us was going to be a large one,” he added.

With an empty shell engine, missing gearbox and parts, and serious mechanical concerns to deal with, the Fifteen Eleven Design team carefully packed the car and took it to their headquarters in the UK.

And so the magic began. Working around the clock on a mission that could not be rushed, the team restored the car while preserving its history, ensuring to use techniques and materials that were available in the 80s. 

“It would have been very easy for us to start using modern materials to speed the process up, but you then start losing the essence of the 1980s F1 Grand Prix car,” Ben said.

Once the engine was restored, the FW07 went through a test to make sure it was powerful enough and had no technical issues. With 500 brake horsepower, 480 kg weight and iconic green skirts that suck the car to the ground improving aerodynamics, and a chassis with the logos on it printed again, the team effort was a success.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Ben Mellors said he took great satisfaction from restoring the car. But driving it for the first time was probably the best part of the whole journey. 

Show time

To celebrate the successful restoration of the FW07, a race was held a few days before the Grand Prix in Jeddah between one of Saudia’s passenger planes and the FW07 at the King Abdulaziz International Airport.

The Sports Minister and former racer Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al-Faisal was the man behind the idea of bringing the race car to reality again during the Grand Prix, where he had the chance to drive it. 

He said: “It’s been a dream come true ... the amount of power and cheer, the energy you feel inside the car is amazing.”

Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, told Arab News that the restoration gave the car a bright future.

“It’s a special moment for us … the support that Williams got from the Saudi companies gave him the opportunity to win his first championship. We played a big role in the past, and now we are very proud of our past,” he said. 

“And we want to bring back all the memories together and showcase them to the world … we are going to make history again, like what we made with the Williams and Saudia car.”

Captain Ibrahim Koshy, the CEO of Saudia, told Arab News that “Return of a Winner” represents Saudia not only as an airline but also as a nation: “When they (the Williams team) partnered with Saudia, they say it was part of their success, and this was the golden age of Saudia. 

“And I think this is really what we are going back to. We have a young generation, and we are engaging to get the world to visit Saudi Arabia. The sporting events … connecting the world to Saudi Arabia, via the airports and our network is growing.

“This really represents something more than just the event itself. Rather than just the restoration, it is more of a vision.”

Khaled Tash, group chief marketing officer of Saudia told Arab News that the documentary tells the Saudi story to the world.

“Saudia, as an airline has been for the greater part of its history, an airline that takes Saudis to the world to study, to go on vacation, or for business, but now the agenda and opportunities are different. 

“We now have a country that is full of opportunities for tourism, entertainment and business, and we want to bring people to Saudi Arabia.”

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is undergoing preparations to host the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the third international racing event hosted by the coastal city, which will be held on March 17-19 amid global anticipation for one of the biggest racing events of the year.

The documentary has been added to Saudia’s in-flight entertainment, giving passengers the chance to enjoy the 35-minute film by Patrick Head, Frank Dernie and Neil Oatley.


Saudi FM takes part in OIC, Arab League meetings during UN General Assembly

Saudi FM takes part in OIC, Arab League meetings during UN General Assembly
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Saudi FM takes part in OIC, Arab League meetings during UN General Assembly

Saudi FM takes part in OIC, Arab League meetings during UN General Assembly
  • Prince Faisal bin Farhan calls for collective response to common challenges facing global community

NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Thursday took part in a coordination meeting of the foreign ministers of member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly session in New York, the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The minister expressed the Kingdom’s condolences, sympathy and solidarity with Morocco and its people in the aftermath of the earthquake that rocked the North African country, and to Libya and its people following the deadly flooding in Derna.

He praised the OIC and member states’ response to a call by the Kingdom for an extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers to address the desecration and burning of copies of the Qur’an in Sweden and Denmark.

Prince Faisal highlighted the Palestinian issue and the pursuit of a comprehensive solution, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He also chaired the Arab side of a high-level foreign ministerial informal interactive dialogue session between the Arab Summit Troika and the UN Security Council.

During the session, the Saudi foreign minister said the international community faces many common challenges that require collective action, but no progress will be achieved without a safe and stable regional and international environment that enables countries to work together.

The Arab Summit Troika is a group of three rotating countries that monitors the implementation of resolutions and commitments adopted by the Arab League, which consists of the outgoing, current, and incoming Arab Summit chairs — Algeria, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Other countries belonging to the Arab Group at the UN have been invited to participate in the meeting, along with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

Prince Faisal said that since Arab issues make up a prominent share of the topics raised in the Security Council, strengthening cooperation and joint work between the Arab League and the Security Council to establish peace and security in the Arab world is of great importance.

The Kingdom is interested in improving this cooperation to achieve a common perspective for dealing with crises and developing peaceful solutions, he said.

Prince Faisal warned of the growing role of armed groups outside the framework of the state in creating these crises, which threaten international peace and security.

He said the ease with which these groups gain access to advanced technology and weapons enables them to undermine state institutions.

He called on the Security Council to take serious and strict measures against the groups.

Prince Faisal welcomed the results of discussions on a road map to support the peace process in Yemen, which brought together the Saudi communication and coordination team with the Sanaa delegation in Riyadh, with the participation of Oman.

He expressed the Kingdom’s hopes for dialogue between the Yemeni parties to pave the way for security and stability in the war-torn country, and ensure a future in which Yemen enjoys a comprehensive renaissance and sustainable development.


Saudi Arabia calls for reform of global cooperation frameworks ahead of Summit of the Future

Saudi Arabia calls for reform of global cooperation frameworks ahead of Summit of the Future
Updated 21 September 2023
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Saudi Arabia calls for reform of global cooperation frameworks ahead of Summit of the Future

Saudi Arabia calls for reform of global cooperation frameworks ahead of Summit of the Future
  • Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the UN needs to be part of the process, in particular the Security Council which ‘must be expanded and more representative in nature’
  • The UN describes the September 2024 Summit of the Future as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance global cooperation to tackle critical challenges

NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia on Thursday called on the international community to reform multilateral cooperation frameworks to better take into account the concerns and needs of all states, including developing countries.

“We need more-influential and more-effective multilateral mechanisms … and international development that will be supported as we work toward a world that is more just and more peaceful,” said Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

He was speaking on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly session in New York, at a ministerial meeting to prepare for the Summit of the Future in September 2024. The UN describes the upcoming summit as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance global cooperation to tackle critical challenges, address gaps in global governance, reaffirm existing commitments, including to the UN’s charter and Sustainable Development Goals, and establish a multilateral system better positioned to positively affect people’s lives.

Prince Faisal said the summit aims to help overcome the challenges that undermine global hopes for a better future, and stressed the need to reaffirm shared principles and intensify consultations to agree a mutual vision that can “improve the world for our populations.”

UN bodies need to be included in the reforms process, he added, in particular the Security Council, which “must be expanded and more representative in nature,” and that implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals through international partnerships must be high on the list of topics for discussion at the event next year.

“The Global Sustainable Development Report for 2022 noted the significant progress made by the Kingdom because we have prioritized sustainable development as a priority for the Saudi Vision 2030,” the prince told the meeting.

“The Kingdom is working tirelessly, through its membership in international organizations and blocs, to revitalize the path of development in relations between countries, to support better understanding and better cooperation.”

He said constructive relationships that rely on dialogue to resolve differences, and cooperation in establishing security and stability, offer a path toward achieving comprehensive development.

“International cooperation frameworks must be facilitating and supportive of partnership and cooperation, resistant to the pressures of competition and polarization, and discouraging any calls that spread hatred between peoples, disrespect for religions, and fuel extremism and terrorism,” said Prince Faisal.

The summit will also take into account the comprehensive nature and specificity of human rights concepts, he added, while also addressing inherent rights such as the rights to development and food, preservation of the pivotal role of the family, and reject of contempt for or belittlement of religions.

Thursday’s meeting provided an opportunity for ministers to set out their visions and priorities for the Summit of the Future, and to outline their expectations for the action-oriented outcomes that can be achieved when the heads of state and government meet next year.

The summit aims to build on a two-day Sustainable Development Goals summit that took place on Monday, and breathe new life into the multilateral system so that it can deliver on the promises of the UN Charter and the organization’s 2030 agenda for a sustainable future.

“The Summit of the Future is a unique opportunity to help rebuild trust and bring outdated multilateral institutions and frameworks into line with today’s world, based on equity and solidarity,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

“But it is more than an opportunity; it is an essential means of reducing risks and creating a safer and more peaceful world.”

During the summit, UN member states are expected to adopt a Pact for the Future that covers five main issues: sustainable development and related financing; international peace and security; science, technology, innovation and digital cooperation; youth and future generations; and transforming global governance.


Saudi Snapchat designer creates special National Day filter lenses

Saudi Snapchat designer creates special National Day filter lenses
Updated 21 September 2023
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Saudi Snapchat designer creates special National Day filter lenses

Saudi Snapchat designer creates special National Day filter lenses
  • Maha Al-Dosary draws inspiration from objects, world news, daughters’ imagination to create immersive augmented reality experiences

RIYADH: To mark Saudi Arabia’s 93rd National Day, Maha Al-Dosary, a certified Snapchat Lens Developer and Ambassador, created special filter lenses meant to capture the essence of the occasion.

Al-Dosary, who is also a wife and mother, has been able to seamlessly balance her roles while nurturing her interests in Augmented Reality lens development on Snapchat.

“I designed a simple lens that embodies the national identity for the 93rd National Day where I animated several pictures using scripts provided by Lens Studio. The lens works when you click on the missile as it launches upward and then the picture becomes clear,” she explained.

Lens Studio, an AR development tool by Snap, is designed to empower artists and developers to craft immersive AR experiences for Snapchatters worldwide.

Al-Dosary’s work exemplifies the growing influence of AR technology, and she believes that it can enhance various aspects of daily life, including e-commerce.

As of 2022, the Ipsos Augmentality Shift Study commissioned by Snap Inc. found that the number one reason people use AR is not for fun but for shopping.

Snapchat filter lens created by Al-Dosary, a Saudi- certified Snapchat lens designer. (Supplied)

The fast-growing field of AR technology offers the opportunity to merge the physical and digital worlds while fostering connections with friends and colleagues.

Al-Dosary draws inspiration from various sources, including pictures, objects, world news, and even the imagination of her daughters, underscoring the versatile nature of AR design.

“My girls are always telling me how proud they are of me and the job I do. They truly enjoy using the filters I design and are my biggest supporters,” Al-Dosary said with pride.

In 2022, Al-Dosary clinched the top spot in the Tunisia AI Hackathon in the Snap Augmented Reality Challenge. This competition, which focused on using SnapML to address UNICEF’s Sustainable Development Goals, attracted participants from 27 Middle East and African nations.

Al-Dosary’s journey into the world of Snapchat lenses had a humble beginning, with self-learning and limited English proficiency.

However, her curiosity and determination led her to become a certified Snapchat ambassador, trainer, content creator, and a leader of the Snapchat Lenses community in Saudi Arabia.

Sharing her message of encouragement for aspiring Snap lens creators, she said: “Success is one of the most beautiful things a person can achieve, but it requires effort and perseverance. Set your goals and strive to achieve them. Take advantage of quiet times and make use of the free educational materials available on the Internet.”

Maha Al-Dosary, a Saudi certified Snapchat lens developer. (Supplied)

Snapchat is playing a pivotal role in transforming Saudi Arabia in alignment with Vision 2030. It not only showcases art, culture and entertainment but also fosters technological advancements in AR.

“We’ve been working on AR for nearly a decade. Snap has long had the ability to be ahead of the curve,” said Rayan Al-Zahab, AR developer relations lead at Snap MENA.

“We believe AR is the future of immersive customer experiences and are developing the technology to facilitate virtual try-ons, catalog browsing, showrooming, and much more.”

“Snapchat is committed to empowering Saudi youth by providing hands-on training in augmented reality and innovation through local events and Saudi AR experts,” Al-Zahab added.

As Snap continues to lead the way in AR innovation, it is evident that the future holds exciting possibilities for both creators and users of this immersive technology.


Saudi FM meets Yemeni president, Somalia PM on UN General Assembly sidelines

Saudi FM meets Yemeni president, Somalia PM on UN General Assembly sidelines
Updated 39 min 52 sec ago
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Saudi FM meets Yemeni president, Somalia PM on UN General Assembly sidelines

Saudi FM meets Yemeni president, Somalia PM on UN General Assembly sidelines
  • Officials discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields of cooperation

NEW YORK: Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi on Thursday received Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly session in New York, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry announced.
At the beginning of the meeting, Prince Faisal conveyed greetings from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Al-Alimi, and their best wishes to the Yemeni government and people for further progress and prosperity, while the president reciprocated the sentiments.


During the meeting, the two sides reviewed ways to strengthen and develop ties, and discussed efforts to reach a peace settlement in Yemen.
The two sides discussed ways to support dialogue between the Yemeni parties to achieve a transition to security, stability and sustainable development in the war-torn country.
Prince Faisal also met with Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Thursday to discuss further cooperation between the two countries and aspects of consolidating multilateral work.


Libraries Commission launches audio services tool

Libraries Commission launches audio services tool
Updated 21 September 2023
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Libraries Commission launches audio services tool

Libraries Commission launches audio services tool
  • The device allows library and park visitors to benefit from the audio services provided in an accessible and easy way
  • The launch of the device is a continuation of the second phase launched by the commission this year in Al-Ahsa

RIYADH: CEO of the Saudi Libraries Commission Abdulrahman Al-Asem has launched a device created from the audio library booths “Masmou” project at the King Fahd National Library Park in Riyadh.
The device allows library and park visitors to benefit from the audio services provided in an accessible and easy way.
The launch of the device is a continuation of the second phase launched by the commission this year in Al-Ahsa, to be followed by many devices in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province. It is also one of the strategic initiatives of the commission aiming to provide library services in gathering places.
Through “Masmou,” the commission seeks to introduce audio content and facilitate access to knowledge for different community groups in all regions of the Kingdom by providing audiobooks in distinctive locations, as well as reviving cultural heritage in an innovative way.
The idea of the audio library booths project was inspired by the telephone booths of the Ministry of Telegraph, Post, and Telephone in the 1980s and the 1990s, as they were commonly available and easy to use.
The “Masmou” booths allow users to listen to audio content via mobile phone, by browsing content according to duration, topic, most listened to, and other categories. Users can then choose the desired audio file, with the ability to listen to a short clip directly via the device or scan the QR code to listen to the entire audio file via mobile phone.