3rd Saudi Games set to strike gold with record participation and expansive fan zone

Saudi Games organizers promise a grander and more inclusive event than ever before. AN photo by Loai Elkelawy
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Saudi Games organizers promise a grander and more inclusive event than ever before. AN photo by Loai Elkelawy
Saudi Games organizers promise a grander and more inclusive event than ever before. AN photo by Loai Elkelawy
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Saudi Games organizers promise a grander and more inclusive event than ever before. AN photo by Loai Elkelawy
Saudi Games organizers promise a grander and more inclusive event than ever before. AN photo by Loai Elkelawy
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Saudi Games organizers promise a grander and more inclusive event than ever before. AN photo by Loai Elkelawy
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Updated 13 September 2024
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3rd Saudi Games set to strike gold with record participation and expansive fan zone

Saudi Games organizers promise a grander and more inclusive event than ever before. AN photo by Loai Elkelawy
  • The Games, running from Oct. 3 to 17, will feature a record 52 sports, up from 45 in the inaugural event; overall participation increases by 30 percent
  • Mohammed Al-Salem, head of sports management, says: ‘Last year, we had nearly 30 events specifically for women; now we have more than 50’

Riyadh: As anticipation mounts for the third Saudi Games, organizers promised a grander and more inclusive event than ever before. Officials speaking to Arab News behind the scenes said the event will build on the successes of previous years to showcase an impressive array of sports, greater participation, and an innovative fan experience.

This year’s Games, running in Riyadh from Oct. 3 to 17, will feature a record 52 sports, an increase from the 45 featured in the inaugural event. Overall participation will increase by 30 percent, organizers added, reflecting a significant rise in athlete engagement and public interest.

Mohammed Al-Salem, the head of sports management for the Saudi Games, said the increase in participation among women and youths is particularly notable.

“From our side, we are trying to make the best preparations possible,” he said. “So we are in direct communication with all the sports federations, with all the venues, with all the athletes.

“Last year, we had nearly 30 events specifically for women; now we have more than 50 because that directly contributes to the goals of the Games.”

This expansion highlights the commitment of organizers to the principles of inclusivity and gender equality, he added

“We have seen an increase (in youth participation) from last year,” Al-Salem said, adding that the young athletes will compete in 15 sports, compared with only five last year.

The Games experience will also be bigger and better for spectators, with the fan zone, strategically located in the vibrant Boulevard area, promising to be a highlight. Fan zone manager Hanan Al-Zaid said it will feature competitions in four dynamic sports: beach volleyball, 3x3 basketball, skateboarding and wall climbing.

“The Saudi Games have a history of two successful editions,” she said. “So this year we are becoming bigger and better. As you know, it’s now 52 sports and four of them are in the fan zone.”

This approach is part of a broader strategy to make sports more relatable and accessible through an immersive experience for fans that aims to spark interest and foster deeper connection with the sports community.

“We chose the Boulevard to increase the sports awareness,” said Al-Zaid. “We’re meeting the fans where they are. If you’re attending the Boulevard as a normal guest and you see a game, then you develop an interest in the beginning, then you develop a passion. After that you develop a profession, then you choose this as a career.”

Abdullah Al-Azzam, project manager for the Games, emphasized the sheer scale and complexity of organizing such a significant event.

“We’re talking about the largest sports event in the Kingdom,” he said. “So the preparation is up to speed. We’re doing it on a yearly basis. It is a challenge. However, we’re up to the challenge and we have overachieved that challenge by making the third edition right now.”

The increased focus on young athletes demonstrates the commitment of the Games to nurturing emerging talent, he added.

Tickets for the games are now on sale, and Al-Azzam encouraged fans to guarantee their place in the crowd so that they can witness the excitement firsthand.

“We have amazing athletes,” he said. “We have opportunities for everyone. It’s about competing, and trying, and getting on the podium. People will visit so they can enjoy it and watch their family members compete on the field of play.”


Saudi football legends celebrate National Day with fans

The thrilling encounter featured renowned Saudi football icons. supplied
The thrilling encounter featured renowned Saudi football icons. supplied
Updated 24 September 2024
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Saudi football legends celebrate National Day with fans

The thrilling encounter featured renowned Saudi football icons. supplied
  • The match saw a team representing Al-Owairan face off against a squad led by Nour
  • In front of around 2,000 football enthusiasts, the two teams engaged in a fierce contest. Both sides struggled to convert their chances in the first half

Jeddah: On the occasion of Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day, football legends captivated fans at the Olympic Stadium with an exhibition match in front of hundreds of fans in Jeddah.

Held on Monday, Sept. 23, the thrilling encounter featured renowned Saudi football icons such as Saeed Al-Owairan, who scored one of the greatest goals in FIFA World Cup history, helping Saudi Arabia reach the knockout phase in US 1994; Mohammed Nour, former Al-Ittihad and Saudi international player; Naif Hazazi; Hatim Khaimi; Malek Mouath; Emirati star Omar Abdulrahman, and more.

The match saw a team representing Al-Owairan face off against a squad led by Nour.

In front of around 2,000 football enthusiasts, the two teams engaged in a fierce contest. Both sides struggled to convert their chances in the first half.

However, after the break, Al-Owairan’s team dominated, ultimately winning the friendly match with a score of 6-4.

Anas Serafi, the event organizer, emphasized that the National Day celebration in Saudi Arabia symbolizes unity and national pride. “This is a special day, and we are proud to bring here the stars of Saudi Arabia who made many achievements locally and internationally,” he said. “Around 30 of the most celebrated legends in Saudi football from various teams responded to our call to express their love for their country on the field.”

Saudi national striker Malek Mouath, who helped send the Kingdom to the 2007 Asian Cup final, expressed his excitement about sharing the pitch with some of the sport’s greatest names on such an important day. “This is very exciting, to meet some of my friends again on the football pitch," he said. "It is so nice to see so many Saudi football stars come together to celebrate National Day,” he said.

Organizers and players also took a moment to extend their well-wishes to Saudi national player Fahad Al-Muwallad, who is currently unconscious in intensive care in Riyadh, wishing him a swift recovery.


Saudi Arabia held to surprise draw by Indonesia in World Cup qualifier

Saudi Arabia held to surprise draw by Indonesia in World Cup qualifier
Updated 05 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia held to surprise draw by Indonesia in World Cup qualifier

Saudi Arabia held to surprise draw by Indonesia in World Cup qualifier
  • Next comes an away game in China on Tuesday to face a team thrashed 7-0 in Japan

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia were held to a 1-1 draw by Indonesia in Jeddah on Thursday on a day of surprises in Asia as the third round of World Cup qualification began.

It was very much a case of two points dropped against the lowest-ranked team in Group C, especially as Salem Al-Dawsari saw a penalty saved with 11 minutes remaining.

However, it could have been worse. Hours earlier, group rivals Australia had crashed to a 1-0 loss at home to Bahrain and, for a while, it looked as if Saudi boss Roberto Mancini was about to suffer a similar humiliation.

Indonesia may be Asia’s most improved team and bolstered by the naturalization of several European-based players, but they arrived for the clash ranked 133 in the world, a full 77 places below the hosts.

No wonder home fans at the King Abdullah Sports City expected a comfortable win.

Saudi Arabia took time to get going and had not really threatened before the visitors took the lead after 19 minutes. Ragnar Oratmangoen cut inside on the right edge of the area and his fierce shot deflected off Sandy Walsh and past the helpless Mohammed Al-Owais. The Indonesian fans went crazy as did the coaching staff, led by South Korean Shin Tae-yong.

While it shook Saudi Arabia into action, chances were still hard to come by. Mohamed Kanno shot just wide and then Al-Hilal teammate Salem Al-Dawsari, sporting the captain’s armband, started to get into the game. The introduction of AS Roma’s new signing Saud Abdulhamid on the right side just after 30 minutes also gave the hosts a bit more bite and balance. 

The final pass was not quite there though, and the Southeast Asians looked dangerous on the break.

Then, just before the break, the home team got the break they needed. Musab Al-Juwayr had control of the ball on the edge of the area but his shot took a major deflection on its way to the back of the net to bring a sense of relief all around the stadium. It surely changed the halftime team talks of both bosses.

Al-Nassr’s Abdulrahman Ghareeb came on at the start of the second half and should have done better three minutes in when, after some sloppy Indonesian play, he blasted a shot over and wide from a good position.

Saudi Arabia were applying pressure at last, however, and a second goal did not look to be too far away. Even so, the visitors looked to hit on the break and, for the neutral at least, the game started to open up in an entertaining fashion.

With 20 minutes remaining, Saudi Arabia were on top but Mancini, wearing a shirt and tie, looked worried on the sidelines.

Al-Dawsari shot just wide from outside the area as the teams started to look a little tired on a humid evening. In the 76th minute, the hosts went even closer but Abdulhamid’s header came back off a post with goalkeeper Maarten Paes beaten.

However, moments later Paes gave away a penalty while trying to play out from the back. He ended up bringing down Firas Al-Buraikan and up stepped Al-Dawsari, the goalkeeper making amends for his mistake by making a diving save to his left.

It sparked Saudi Arabia to even greater efforts. With two minutes to play, Kanno’s shot from outside the area was saved by Paes and the rebound went across the face of goal with no one on hand to hit home.

It was an agonizing sight for the home fans, but the winning goal never came, although Al-Buraikan saw a one-on-one chance spurned.

Next comes an away game in China on Tuesday to face a team thrashed 7-0 in Japan and desperate for some improvement.

Saudi Arabia will need to improve too. There are still nine games to go and the top two places that bring automatic qualification are still within reach, but the start should have been better. On the other hand, on what was a crazy day in Asia, it could have been worse.


Eastern Region Hockey Championship gets underway Thursday

Eastern Region Hockey Championship gets underway Thursday
Updated 04 September 2024
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Eastern Region Hockey Championship gets underway Thursday

Eastern Region Hockey Championship gets underway Thursday
  • Six teams will go head-to-head in two-day event in Dammam

JEDDAH: Six teams and 60 players will compete in the Eastern Region Hockey Championship at the Sport Dome in Dammam.
The two-day event, which opens on Thursday, is being organized under the supervision of the Saudi Hockey Federation, which last month staged the Bahah Region Hockey Championship for men and women.
The federation said it was committed to organizing competitive events and raising the sport’s profile across the Kingdom.


Experts explore intersection of culture, creativity at NGSC Riyadh

Experts in an NGSC panel titled “Cultural Crossroads in Games”. AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shulhub
Experts in an NGSC panel titled “Cultural Crossroads in Games”. AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shulhub
Updated 05 September 2024
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Experts explore intersection of culture, creativity at NGSC Riyadh

Experts in an NGSC panel titled “Cultural Crossroads in Games”. AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shulhub
  • The panel brought together creative professionals from diverse fields, including entertainment, art, and fashion

RIYADH: People are more likely to invest in things they feel connected to, according to the founder and president of Works Collective, Nate Morley, speaking on a panel titled “Cultural Crossroads in Games” on the second day of the New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh.

The panel brought together creative professionals from diverse fields, including entertainment, art, and fashion. They explored the impact of cultural influence on creative industries and emphasized the need to balance cultural authenticity with commercial success.

Je Alipio, director and head of business development at Walt Disney Co. for APAC & MENA, discussed how Disney innovates while maintaining the integrity of its beloved characters and stories.

“It’s really about finding the right partner,” he said, noting that collaborating with like-minded creatives who bring fresh ideas can unlock many opportunities.

Alipio also outlined two approaches to business collaboration: a top-down method, where Disney enters a partner’s space to inform or influence it, and a bottom-up approach, where partners are empowered to expand their ideas on a larger scale under Disney’s guidance.

Khaled Makhshoush, a Saudi artist specializing in digital pixel art, began his career inspired by video games. He discussed the cultural elements featured in his work and how he draws inspiration from his surroundings. “You start to see things — the places you grow up in, the city … that’s the main source of cultural inspiration.”

Makhshoush noted that when creating an image, his focus is not on accuracy but on conveying emotion. By “breaking it down and then rebuilding it” based on his interpretation, he fosters a connection between personal and cultural elements.

In discussing how to create culturally authentic gaming experiences, Morley remarked: “One of the worst things you can do is to be a cultural appropriator.”

He elaborated that while fostering a platform that invites people to contribute and expand ideas is valuable, appropriating elements from other cultures and using them as your own is problematic.

Morley stressed that collaboration and diversity are key to elevating a brand. He said that within a single brand framework, one can showcase a multitude of voices in various ways, adding that a distinctive mix of backgrounds and industries transforms the brand from a mere “copy and paste” entity into an inclusive “platform for expression.”

Nicola Mizon, COO and co-founder of Kutur Runway and Vitza DGTL, discussed the increasing efforts by fashion brands to integrate into the esports sector through advanced technology. She noted that there is a growing demand for audiences “to look their best.

“We want to create a fashion gaming platform that’s at the intersection of technology, commerce, and games and bring everyone together to celebrate the art of fashion in the digital space,” she said.

This involves engaging in discussions with local designers and creators to understand their needs for a gaming platform that allows them to feel celebrated and unrestricted in their creative expression, such as crafting innovative concepts like “dresses made of fire.”

Expanding the discussion on integrating fashion within both cultural and digital contexts, Reem Al-Kanhal, fashion designer and creative director of brand Reem AlKanhal, said: “Fashion is connected to everything.”

Al-Kanhal emphasized that, given the extensive time newer generations spend online, it is crucial to integrate cultural elements — such as traditional wardrobes and national landmarks — into games for the sake of cultural preservation.

She concluded: “I think (that) owning your story is your power,” highlighting its significance for personal ambition and maintaining cultural connections.


Professional basketball league to launch 4th team in Saudi Arabia

Professional basketball league to launch 4th team in Saudi Arabia
Updated 08 August 2024
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Professional basketball league to launch 4th team in Saudi Arabia

Professional basketball league to launch 4th team in Saudi Arabia
  • The USA-Middle East based NBXL has partnered with the MENA division of sports rights agency Redstrike Global

RIYADH: NBXL, the world’s first USA-Middle East independent professional basketball league, has announced a strategic partnership with Redstrike Arabia.

This partnership marks a milestone in NBXL’s Middle East expansion strategy, particularly in Saudi Arabia where it plans to introduce the franchise’s fourth team.

Christian Villar, founder and owner of NBXL, highlighted how the partnership aligned with NBXL’s goal of extending its reach in the region. He also emphasized its potential to transform professional basketball, especially in Saudi Arabia, which is rapidly becoming a global hub for sports and entertainment.

This initiative promises to unlock new opportunities, spur innovation and enhance visibility, benefiting athletes and fans alike.

Saad Houtan, executive partner of Redstrike Arabia, the newly established Gulf Cooperation Council and Middle East and North Africa region division of sporting agency Redstrike Global, said he was enthusiastic about the partnership’s potential to support the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

“This partnership is a significant step towards fostering a business relationship that not only meets the ambitious goals of Vision 2030 but also promotes sustainable growth and innovation in the region,” he said.