Sweet victory as 2,000 runners race through Madinah date farms

Sweet victory as 2,000 runners race through Madinah date farms
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The race stages named after renowned local date varieties, including anbarah, ajwa, berni, saqai, and majdool. (SPA)
Sweet victory as 2,000 runners race through Madinah date farms
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The race stages named after renowned local date varieties, including anbarah, ajwa, berni, saqai, and majdool. (SPA)
Sweet victory as 2,000 runners race through Madinah date farms
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The race stages named after renowned local date varieties, including anbarah, ajwa, berni, saqai, and majdool. (SPA)
Sweet victory as 2,000 runners race through Madinah date farms
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Updated 14 October 2024
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Sweet victory as 2,000 runners race through Madinah date farms

Sweet victory as 2,000 runners race through Madinah date farms
  • Runners competed on three routes, including one designed for competitors with disabilities
  • A total of $8,000 in prizes were awarded to the top three finishers in each category

MAKKAH: Madinah’s date palms provided the perfect backdrop for a 10-kilometer race that attracted almost 2,000 competitors on Saturday.

The race, organized as part of Madinah Dates Season, began at the Madinah National Park and passed through the Khalil farms.

Runners competed on three routes, including one designed for competitors with disabilities, with race stages named after renowned local date varieties, including anbarah, ajwa, berni, saqai, and majdool.

The event was attended by several volunteer groups and government entities. A total of SR30,000 ($8,000) in prizes were awarded to the top three finishers in each category.

The Madinah Dates Season exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in partnership with the National Center for Palms and Dates and the Madinah Chamber of Commerce, was launched in early October.

As part of the exhibition, Camp Wrth for Handicrafts, organized by the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth), aims to teach and promote awareness of traditional Saudi arts.

The camp brings together 49 young men and women from various regions across the Kingdom.

Sessions at the camp offer opportunities to learn traditional skills, engage in handicrafts, and create products inspired by local heritage, as well as participate in cooking demonstrations.

Abdullah Alnazawi, a member of the Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Chamber, told Arab News that each year the Madinah region competes with other regions of Saudi Arabia in the production and export of dates.

“Madinah exports 97.9 million kilograms of dates to more than 60 countries, sharing a message of love, peace, and genuine Saudi generosity with people worldwide,” he said.

At least 28 date varieties are exported, including ajwa, sukkari, safawi, anbara, sagai, majdool, barhi, barni, and mabroom — all cultivated by the region’s 27,000 farms, Alnazawi said.

“Each year, more than 20 date factories in Madinah compete to present their finest products to over 14 million visitors, welcoming them with the renowned warmth and generosity of Madinah’s people. Blessed with 4 million palm trees, the region’s date industry generates an impressive SR948.5 million annually.”

He said that the government offers significant support under Vision 2030, as demonstrated by the dedicated efforts of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture in the Madinah region.

The ministry prioritizes quality at every stage of date production — from cultivation and harvesting to marketing — ensuring that Madinah dates reach global markets in peak condition.

The exhibition features the harvest of more than 29,000 regional farms, highlighting their vital role in supporting and strengthening food security strategies across the Kingdom.

A virtual reality area allows visitors to immerse themselves in the farming experience, bringing the harvest to life, and fostering greater environmental and agricultural awareness.

More than 50 sales outlets, a tasting and cooking area, and displays of traditional handicrafts are among other attractions.

A range of government and private organizations are also present to highlight initiatives in the agricultural sector, and showcase financial and logistical services available to regional investors.

“The Madinah Dates Season stands out as a vibrant and multifaceted event within our series of date seasons,” Lulu Walid, director of the Madinah Dates Season, told Arab News.

“The season is characterized by a unique visual identity, with colors that represent different elements of the dates sector, such as the distinctive hue of ajwa dates, exclusive to Madinah. This season offers a rich variety of events across multiple fields.”

She said the season’s activities began with auctions showcasing the finest dates from Madinah’s farms, alongside an AI hackathon with prizes totaling up to SR900,000.

The exhibition also features 46 pavilions showcasing and selling date products from local businesses and families, fostering support for the community and promoting small industries.


Saudi cabinet calls for Arab-Islamic summit, urgent political solutions amid regional crises

Saudi cabinet calls for Arab-Islamic summit, urgent political solutions amid regional crises
Updated 05 November 2024
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Saudi cabinet calls for Arab-Islamic summit, urgent political solutions amid regional crises

Saudi cabinet calls for Arab-Islamic summit, urgent political solutions amid regional crises

RIYADH: The Saudi cabinet discussed the Kingdom’s call for an Arab-Islamic summit to address ongoing Israeli aggression in Palestinian territories and Lebanon, in a session chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday.

The cabinet also stressed the urgent need for a political resolution to the crisis in Sudan, urging all parties to honor the commitments outlined in the "Jeddah Declaration" of May 2023. It emphasized the importance of an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, a cessation of hostilities, and the unobstructed delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.

The cabinet also reviewed the Kingdom’s recent hosting of the inaugural meeting of the Global Alliance to Implement the Two-State Solution, which brought together representatives from 90 countries and international organizations.


Understanding fans key to building sports brands, says football marketing guru 

Understanding fans key to building sports brands, says football marketing guru 
Updated 05 November 2024
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Understanding fans key to building sports brands, says football marketing guru 

Understanding fans key to building sports brands, says football marketing guru 
  • Manchester United connects with audiences and “converts followers to fans”
  • Saudi clubs should find their own unique point of view 

RIYADH: Understanding your fan base is a key element of successfully marketing your sports brand, Manchester United’s director of marketing told the audience at the Athar Festival of Creativity in Riyadh.

During his keynote speech, “Cultural Connection, Unbreakable Bonds and the Power of Stories: Lessons Learnt From a Career in Sports Marketing,” Matt McKie talked about his experience working in notable roles for the Olympics, Nike and EA Sports.

Whether you are a football fan or not, there is no denying that Manchester United is one of the most well-known clubs in the world. But how did it gain its reputation?

Like many popular teams, it is about connecting with your audience and Manchester United has a unique way of “converting followers to fans,” McKie told Arab News.

“I would say the absolute key to finding an audience and growing is really understanding your fans and, in the UK and in Europe, football clubs are bigger than just sports assets, than community assets, they mean more,” he said. “There will be generations of families that have gone to watch the team and support them, so honoring that and respecting that is absolutely key.”

An important marketing tactic for McKie involves researching the upbringing and backgrounds of athletes before their rise to stardom. This is a way to humanize them and create campaigns with a personal touch.

Manchester United's director of marketing Matt McKie talked about his experience working in notable roles for the Olympics, Nike and EA Sports. (AN photo/Loai Elkelawy)

“I think humanizing athletes is an important marketing tactic (and) I think it’s an important human tactic,” he said. “These are individuals in the public eye, there are millions and millions of people watching them, expecting things from them. They have the same problems we have ... so it’s incredibly important that we understand that.”

McKie highlights unique brand identities for emerging football clubs, such as FC Como and Venezia, in Italy, and Forest Green Rovers in England. Venezia is known for its love of fashion while the latter has claimed the title of becoming the first fully vegan football club.

“It’s really about building a profile and understanding who the audience is and then you can serve them the things that will drive them down towards being a fan, and a committed fan, that comes to games etc.

“It’s very important in women’s sports because of the very high proportion of fandom that exists there. It’s important as marketers that we actually bring them closer, we understand them, we give them content that’s going to engage them and not just bring the ideas of men’s football across and expect it to work.”

For Saudi teams, McKie’s advice is to “have a point of view.”

“Within Saudi, a lot of these teams are new or relatively new in the grand scheme of football. So there’s an opportunity to have a point of view and stand for something … to form a team that plays a certain way and isn’t bound by baggage that can come from being a really big heritage brand.”


KSA showcases urban initiatives at Cairo forum 

KSA showcases urban initiatives at Cairo forum 
Updated 05 November 2024
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KSA showcases urban initiatives at Cairo forum 

KSA showcases urban initiatives at Cairo forum 
  • The pavilion highlights Saudi Arabia’s initiatives in urban development and sustainable city planning

RIYADH: Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, head of the Kingdom’s delegation, visited Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, which began on Monday and ends on Nov. 8.

The pavilion, organized by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, features spaces for meetings, workshops and dialogue sessions. It includes over 40 interactive activities and hosts 150 representatives from various Saudi entities. 

The pavilion highlights Saudi Arabia’s initiatives in urban development and sustainable city planning, showcasing innovative projects and successful experiences, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. 

Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, head of the Saudi delegation, visited the Saudi pavilion at the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo. (SPA)

It also showcases the Kingdom’s achievements under Vision 2030, including sustainable transport networks, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced municipal services in cities. 

On the sidelines of the forum, Prince Faisal met with several delegation heads to discuss enhancing cooperation and exchanging expertise. 

He discussed potential collaboration between Riyadh and Istanbul with Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul, focusing on the exchange of skills.

He also met with Anar Guliyev, a member of the cabinet and chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture in Azerbaijan, to discuss cooperation.


Athar Festival begins in Riyadh

Athar Festival begins in Riyadh
Updated 8 min 41 sec ago
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Athar Festival begins in Riyadh

Athar Festival begins in Riyadh
  • Almost 2,000 people registered for second edition, says organizer
  • Veteran Gulf publisher aims to gather region’s creative community

RIYADH: The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity kicked off on Tuesday with a full house in Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC.

Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will feature 100 regional and international speakers and is expected to bring together almost 2,000 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry.

Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor-in-chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, with Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS, as vice chairman.

In an interview with Arab News, Fairservice said: “Athar has a role in bringing together the creative community, and the marketing community.

“The whole ethos of Athar is to create a community, albeit just for a couple of days, where everybody can come together and communicate and share ideas and develop new ones.”

He highlighted the increase of attendees this year, compared to last year’s event.

Ian Fairservice, managing partner of Motivate Media Group and chairman of Athar Festival, delivers a speech on the first day of the festival on Nov. 5, 2024 in Riyadh. (Loai Elkelawy)

“All of our numbers have pretty much doubled on last year. We have almost 2,000 attendees registered and, as you can see around us here, it’s absolutely buzzing. The main stage area is completely full. There are probably 100 people standing at the back watching our first keynote speaker today,” he said.

“In terms of other numbers, we have 400 entries for the awards for tomorrow night, of which there are 211 shortlisted.”

Fairservice’s knowledge of the region comes from living in Dubai for 47 years. He formed Motivate Media Group back in 1979 and launched one of the country’s first English-language magazines, “What’s On,” which had a primary readership of tourists and expatriates.

The inspiration behind it was simple — there was no media. It was, he recalls, an era “with no television, no radio, no newspapers, no magazines.”

Today, Motivate Media Group publishes numerous magazines such as “Emirates Woman,” “Gulf Business” and “Business Traveler Middle East.”

“We’ve grown the company organically and have gone into every different aspect of media across the board,” said Fairservice. “It’s been a privilege and a fantastic opportunity to have been able to do this from the ground floor.”

Athar Festival will continue on Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations and fireside chats focused on growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.

The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.


KSrelief expands humanitarian aid to crisis zones

KSrelief expands humanitarian aid to crisis zones
Updated 05 November 2024
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KSrelief expands humanitarian aid to crisis zones

KSrelief expands humanitarian aid to crisis zones
  • The 19th plane sent from Riyadh to Lebanon arrived at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Tuesday

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief is intensifying efforts to deliver aid to Lebanon and recently supported those in need of medical assistance in Turkiye.

The 19th plane sent from Riyadh to Lebanon arrived at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Tuesday, carrying food, shelter and medical supplies, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The aid will be used to assist the growing number of people displaced by Israeli airstrikes. Countries such as the UAE, Turkiye, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Canada, Romania and France are also sending aid to Lebanon.

In Turkiye, KSrelief recently concluded a week-long voluntary medical program for specialized surgeries in Tarsus. A team of 32 volunteers performed 31 open-heart operations, five therapeutic catheterizations, and 18 diagnostic catheterizations.

The Saudi aid agency also completed a medical project in Reyhanli for victims of the earthquake in February last year. During this campaign, the medical team treated 537 patients in family medicine, 417 in dermatology, 380 in optometry, and 219 in endocrinology.

In February 2023, KSrelief launched a campaign through the Sahem platform to aid earthquake victims in Syria and Turkiye, raising more than SR524 million ($139.5 million) from more than 3.4 million donations.