‘A factory of Saudi players’: how Kingdom is nurturing new generation of stars

‘A factory of Saudi players’: how Kingdom is nurturing new generation of stars
Saudi Arabia's players react at the end of the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup football match between Saudi Arabia and South Korea at Education City Stadium in al-Rayyan, west of Doha, on January 30. (Supplied)
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Updated 22 September 2024
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‘A factory of Saudi players’: how Kingdom is nurturing new generation of stars

‘A factory of Saudi players’: how Kingdom is nurturing new generation of stars

RIYADH: With Saudi Arabia the only nation in the running to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, the Kingdom is stepping up efforts to develop the next generation of footballing talent. 

Capitalizing on one of its strongest assets — its large youth population — the Kingdom has made significant strides in developing sporting talent, aiming to transform the country into a global football powerhouse. 

The Future Falcons talent program, under the national governing body the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, was established in 2019. The program has led to young Saudi players being picked for European club teams, including recent transfers to Croatia’s NK Jadran Porec and Greece’s Kavala FC. 




Romeo Jozak, Technical Director Future Falcons Program - Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF)

Leading coach Romeo Jozak, the program’s technical director, told Arab News: “Saudi Arabian talent is enormous. It’s a huge country and there’s a lot of skills, football quality... I think the program is amazing to actually take the football talent of Saudi Arabia, bring it to Europe, and then get it into the competitive level.”

The program hosts a number of players selected by the federation and other national football teams. Originally focused on 18 to 20-year-olds, it recently expanded to include under-16s. 

The under-16 national team will receive professional training for two consecutive seasons in Salou, Spain, beginning this year, with the goal of fostering their development as they start their professional football careers. 

Jozak said that he hoped the inclusion of under-16 players will “open the door for the next year (and the years to follow) … to making it a little factory for the production of Saudi players, together with education.” 

Collaborations with football academies and teams from around the world will provide Saudi players with opportunities for international training stints and exposure to different playing styles. These partnerships not only develop young players’ skills, but also broaden their footballing perspectives. 




The country’s commitment to youth development is also evident in the partnerships with international clubs and football organizations showcased through the Future Falcons program. (Supplied)

Yazan Madani, 19, is one of the Future Falcons program players this past season that Al-Ahli have developed and helped to sign a professional contract for two years with FK Egnatia, current Albanian league champions.


Speaking to Arab News, Madani explained the reasons for wanting to pursue this career. “It all started when I was nearly five years old and expressed my passion for the sport. It became a key component of my life in general and my daily life in particular. I also expressed great passion for achieving all the goals I ever dreamed of turning into reality one day.”


Madani was familiar with the program for two years before joining, and had been eagerly waiting to be selected. “I finally managed to join a European club through the program.”


“I gained a lot of experience and skills at all levels. Playing against the best European and international clubs and being a tough opponent requires the players, along with the technical, administrative and medical teams, to exert great efforts and put in a lot of work on a daily basis. The preparation was conducted under the leadership of the general director of the program, Ghassan Felemban. I would also like to thank Al-Ahli club and its academy director, Qassem Al-Tayeb, for providing me with the support and cooperation I needed to achieve these goals in my sporting career,” Madani said.

Jozak said that in 27 years of involvement with football, he has yet to see an elite program to match the Saudi government’s initiative.

“Taking the national team to Europe, to the center of the football world, giving them everything, and also assuring the education for the young players. This is something that is truly amazing,” he said.




Yazan Madani, 19, is one of the Future Falcons program players who signed a professional contract for two years with FK Egnatia, current Albanian league champions. (Supplied)

This grassroots approach ensures that talent is spotted early and given the opportunity to develop through rigorous training programs that prepare players for the top level of international competition. A focus on scouting has already yielded results, with several young players making their mark in domestic and international competition.

Saudi youth players continue to make international headlines and compete in some of the biggest stadiums. While the Saudi under-23 team failed to reach the Paris Olympics earlier this year, they still showcased their skills, including a 5-0 victory over Thailand at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup.

The establishment of the Saudi Pro League Youth Academy, alongside various regional academies, is a cornerstone of the development initiative. Academies offer top-class facilities, professional coaching, and a structured training regimen, ensuring that young players receive the best possible start in their football careers.

One of the key elements of the strategy is an emphasis on scouting and recruitment. SAFF has developed a nationwide network to identify promising young players from local leagues and schools, including Mahd Academy.




The country’s commitment to youth development is also evident in the partnerships with international clubs and football organizations showcased through the Future Falcons program. (Supplied)

The academy was established in 2020 to develop young athletes in a variety of sports, and develop strategies to achieve sporting success regionally and internationally. Even though it was launched during the pandemic, more than 10,000 athletes registered with the academy through its online forum during its first year. 

Jozak said: “In the current squad, we have three players from Mahd Academy. We have a couple of players from Al-Nassr Club, a couple of players from Al-Fateh, the same way we are using the talent of Mahd Academy.

“Speaking to people from there, the goal of Mahd Academy is to produce players for the national team, the same as us. So, we all have and should have the same goal in Saudi Arabia, and that is to feed and filter the talent to the national team.”


Saudi Arabia makes space for freelancers to thrive in culinary sector

Saudi Arabia makes space for freelancers to thrive in culinary sector
Updated 12 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia makes space for freelancers to thrive in culinary sector

Saudi Arabia makes space for freelancers to thrive in culinary sector
  • Culinary Commission’s latest move is ‘a dream come true’ for chefs

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission has launched a freelance license for chefs via the Abde’a Cultural Licenses Platform.

The commission’s CEO, Mayada Badr, told Arab News: “The freelance chef license is a major milestone in empowering Saudi culinary talent, as it is opening the door for chefs to innovate and succeed independently while contributing to the Kingdom’s culinary sector.”

The newly introduced license will enable Saudi nationals aged 18 and above — and who hold certified culinary training and valid food safety or health certifications. (Supplied)

Abde’a, an e-platform developed to strengthen partnerships with the private sector, is operated under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture.

The newly introduced license will enable Saudi nationals aged 18 and above — and who hold certified culinary training and valid food safety or health certifications — to legally provide freelance culinary services, paving the way for wider freelance opportunities in diverse venues and events across the Kingdom.

The freelance chef license is a major milestone in empowering Saudi culinary talent, as it is opening the door for chefs to innovate and succeed independently while contributing to the Kingdom’s culinary sector.

Mayada Badr, Saudi Culinary Arts Commission CEO

The initiative will “support skill development and career growth in the sector, as well as recognition and credibility by reinforcing adherence to professional standards in the culinary field,” according to a statement.

Chef Rawan Al-Harthi, a Jeddah-based pastry chef, said: “This license gives us the freedom to showcase our culinary identity while working independently and legally. It’s a dream come true for chefs who want to grow their brand without being tied to a restaurant.”

Another chef, Faisal Al-Malki, echoed Al-Harthi’s sentiments. “Being recognized as a licensed freelance chef adds value to our profession and pushes us to raise the bar in terms of quality and creativity,” he said.

The launch of this initiative “underscores the commission’s commitment to expanding opportunities for local culinary talent, while fostering a culture of creativity and professionalism,” a press release stated.

 


Croatian PM receives GCC chief in Dubrovnik

Croatian PM receives GCC chief in Dubrovnik
Updated 12 July 2025
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Croatian PM receives GCC chief in Dubrovnik

Croatian PM receives GCC chief in Dubrovnik
  • They reviewed relations between the GCC and Croatia, and discussed ways to develop and strengthen ties to serve mutual interests

DUBROVNIK: Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi was received by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic at the Dubrovnik Forum in Dubrovnik, Croatia, on Saturday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the “latest developments in free trade agreement negotiations and a proposal to hold a joint Gulf-European conference on energy security,” the General Secretariat said in a report.

They also reviewed relations between the GCC and Croatia, and discussed ways to develop and strengthen ties to serve mutual interests.

 


Sports Ministry organizes hiking event in Baha

Sports Ministry organizes hiking event in Baha
Updated 12 July 2025
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Sports Ministry organizes hiking event in Baha

Sports Ministry organizes hiking event in Baha
  • Bandar Al-Ghamdi, director of the ministry’s branch in Baha, said the program included 120 people

RIYADH: The Baha branch of the Ministry of Sports, together with the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation, organized a hiking program as part of the “Color Your Summer with Sports” campaign.

The event was held in cooperation with the region’s municipality and health cluster as part of the Baha Summer Season, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Bandar Al-Ghamdi, director of the ministry’s branch in Baha, said the program included 120 people. The event took place in natural locations that reflect the region’s landscape, he added.

Baha’s mountains, valleys and dams offer suitable areas for various sports, including mountain and water activities, he said. These features support the region’s role in sports tourism in the Kingdom.

Al-Ghamdi added that the program is part of a plan to develop the sports sector in Baha and build partnerships with sports federations.

The initiative aims to support the local economy and attract sports and tourism visitors, from the Kingdom and beyond, Al-Ghamdi said.


Kingdom showcases maritime goals at London exhibition

Kingdom showcases maritime goals at London exhibition
Updated 12 July 2025
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Kingdom showcases maritime goals at London exhibition

Kingdom showcases maritime goals at London exhibition
  • Event highlights smart projects, training initiatives, and global partnerships in the sector

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, represented by the Transport General Authority, held an international exhibition in London to showcase its key initiatives and achievements in supporting the maritime transport industry.

The event was attended by senior officials and saw broad participation from International Maritime Organization member states, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Saudi Ambassador to the UK Prince Khalid bin Bandar and Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser, along with government officials, embassy representatives, and maritime attaches.

The event highlighted the Kingdom’s role as an active partner in the international maritime system and a key contributor to developing global maritime regulations and practices, the SPA added.

It also reflected Saudi Arabia’s continued influence within the International Maritime Organization and its efforts to promote sustainability and improve the efficiency of maritime supply chains.

The exhibition showcased the academies and specialized centers established by the Kingdom, as well as initiatives to localize talent and train seafarers, officers, and marine engineers.

It also featured smart projects that support automation in the sector, enhancing operational efficiency and environmental sustainability, according to the SPA.

Prince Khalid said that the exhibition reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international cooperation, highlighting the Kingdom’s hospitality and pursuit of sustainable, collaborative maritime partnerships.

Al-Jasser said that the Kingdom is steadily moving toward leadership in maritime transport, driven by Vision 2030 and investments in talent and technology to strengthen its position as a global logistics hub.

In recent years, the Saudi maritime sector has grown rapidly, with the number of Saudi-flagged vessels reaching 409, totaling more than 100,000 gross tons and more than 16.5 million deadweight tons.

The number of registered Saudi seafarers has risen to 3,000, supported by specialized programs and regulatory initiatives that empower national maritime capabilities, the SPA reported.

These efforts build on Saudi Arabia’s active role in the International Maritime Organization, advancing the maritime transport industry through a vision that goes beyond fleet development or regulatory modernization.

It includes creating an advanced global maritime system based on operational excellence, human capital investment, and cutting-edge technology for a promising, sustainable future.


Hail heritage festival draws 27,000 visitors

Hail heritage festival draws 27,000 visitors
Updated 12 July 2025
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Hail heritage festival draws 27,000 visitors

Hail heritage festival draws 27,000 visitors

RIYADH: A heritage festival in Hail has attracted more than 27,000 visitors from the city, across the Kingdom, and from Gulf and international destinations.

Running from 6 p.m. till 1 a.m. each evening, the 30-day Beit Hail Festival offers a rich blend of cultural, artistic, and heritage experiences, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Visitors can enjoy a diverse array of live performances and interactive heritage displays, recreating scenes from the past and presented by skilled male and female artisans.

Exhibits give younger generations a glimpse of how their ancestors transformed natural materials into functional items, showcasing the ingenuity and authenticity of Saudi heritage.

More than 40 activities allow visitors to explore traditional crafts such as wickerwork, sadu weaving, crochet, hand-woven textiles, and distinctive Najdi and Hail door making.

Other highlights include traditional clothing, Thamudic embroidery, wood and leather beading, fiber arts, resin art, and soap making, the SPA added.

Visitors can also savor a variety of traditional folk foods. At the heart of the festival, an artistic theater hosts performances, including the Hail Samri and Saudi Ardah.

The festival also provides a platform for local craftspeople to showcase their work directly to the public.