Saudi racer Orjwan Ammar prepares for 2024 Qassim Rally

Saudi Arabia’s trailblazing female rally driver, Orjwan Ammar, plans to build on her second-place finish in her debut at the Saudi Toyota Championship in Tabuk last year, as she prepares for this week’s Qassim Rally. (Supplied)
Saudi Arabia’s trailblazing female rally driver, Orjwan Ammar, plans to build on her second-place finish in her debut at the Saudi Toyota Championship in Tabuk last year, as she prepares for this week’s Qassim Rally. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 21 October 2024
Follow

Saudi racer Orjwan Ammar prepares for 2024 Qassim Rally

Saudi racer Orjwan Ammar prepares for 2024 Qassim Rally
  • Organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, the three-day off-road rally will navigate the open deserts surrounding Buraydah

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s trailblazing female rally driver, Orjwan Ammar, plans to build on her second-place finish in her debut at the Saudi Toyota Championship in Tabuk last year, as she prepares for this week’s Qassim Rally.

On her return to racing, Ammar will be accompanied by her co-driver, Khalid Al-Kindi of the UAE, as they tackle the 367-kilometer race, which runs from Oct. 23 to 26.

Organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, the three-day off-road rally will navigate the open deserts surrounding Buraydah.

Ammar, who was runner-up in the T4 “Side by Side” category in last year’s competition, is keen to build on her previous success. She said she aims to deliver another standout performance as she eyes an advanced position in the overall rankings.

“The race is a big challenge,” Ammar said. “But with determination and adaptability, I’m ready to face any difficulties and demonstrate my driving skills.”

Ammar said she was determined to cement her status as a leading figure in motorsport, while also hoping to inspire young Saudi and Arab women by showing that they can make their mark in a traditionally male-dominated field.

“I am excited to be part of the Qassim Rally and aim for a podium finish,” Ammar told Arab News. “I will do my best to be among the frontrunners.”


Peace and Sport honors Saudi Arabia’s sports sector

Peace and Sport honors Saudi Arabia’s sports sector
Updated 8 sec ago
Follow

Peace and Sport honors Saudi Arabia’s sports sector

Peace and Sport honors Saudi Arabia’s sports sector

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s sports sector has received the prestigious Peace and Sport Award for its contribution to promoting the role of sport in fostering worldwide peace.

The recognition also highlights the Kingdom’s efforts in implementing a number of sports initiatives, including hosting elite international events.

The award was presented during the 14th International Peace and Sport Forum, held in Monaco under the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco. The forum was attended by Prince Fahad bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, vice president of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

(SUPPLIED)

He accepted the award on behalf of Minister of Sports and SOPC President Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, who in a speech read on his behalf, said: “I begin this occasion by expressing my profound gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud — from them, we draw inspiration and unwavering belief in supporting global efforts to promote peace, development, and prosperity across the world.”

He said Saudi Arabia was a global leader in fostering coexistence through sports, which served as a noble and effective tool for peaceful communication among the world’s peoples. He also expressed his gratitude to Prince Albert and the Peace and Sport organization team, led by World Olympians Association President Joel Bouzou, for their efforts in spotlighting the organization’s programs and initiatives.


UAE’s Thani Al-Qemzi eyes big finish in Sharjah as Wyatt and Andersson chase title

UAE’s Thani Al-Qemzi eyes big finish in Sharjah as Wyatt and Andersson chase title
Updated 13 min 22 sec ago
Follow

UAE’s Thani Al-Qemzi eyes big finish in Sharjah as Wyatt and Andersson chase title

UAE’s Thani Al-Qemzi eyes big finish in Sharjah as Wyatt and Andersson chase title
  • Veteran Team Abu Dhabi driver returns to career starting point with sights already set on new chapter in powerboating

ABU DHABI: Team Abu Dhabi’s Thani Al-Qemzi is already looking forward to opening another chapter in his illustrious career as the Grand Prix of Sharjah brings the 2024 UIM F1H2O World Championship to a tense conclusion at the weekend.

For Al-Qemzi, Sharjah’s renowned Khalid Lagoon is where it all began in November 2000, when he made his debut in the flagship international series of single-seater inshore circuit powerboat racing.

On that occasion, his race ended prematurely in retirement. But in the 24 years since, he has built a reputation as one of the toughest and most enduring competitors in the F1H2O World Championship.

He has been world championship runner-up twice, finished third on six occasions, helped Team Abu Dhabi to a fifth consecutive world team crown two years ago, and still commands enormous respect at the top level.

On Sunday, Al-Qemzi will be starting his 158th Grand Prix, as defending champion Jonas Andersson and Sharjah Team rookie Rusty Wyatt go head-to-head in the title showdown.

While Al-Qemzi returns to action in Sharjah holding 11th place in what has been a difficult season for Team Abu Dhabi, he is determined to add to his career record of Grand Prix victories. If not at the weekend, then next season.

Joining forces again with Sweden’s Erik Stark, who returns to Team Abu Dhabi for a second spell in 2025, Al-Qemzi wants to get back to his best alongside last season’s world championship runner-up.

“The first priority is to find a big finish to the season in Sharjah,” says the veteran Emirati driver, who is once more partnered with cousin Rashed Al-Qemzi, the five-time F2 world title winner, at the weekend.

“It’s a long time since I started my first race there, and so much has happened in between. It’s always been a special place for me, and I look forward to racing on Khalid Lagoon again.

“Next season, it’s up to Erik and myself to push each other to get the results we’re capable of, and hopefully take Team Abu Dhabi back to the top.”

Starting his final Grand Prix for Victory Team in fourth place, before his move to Team Abu Dhabi, Stark will be looking to reproduce the form that took him to victory in the Grand Prix of Binh Dinh-Vietnam back in March.

2024 UIM F1H2O World Championship standings

1. Jonas Andersson (SWE) 99

2. Rusty Wyatt (CAN) 96pts

3. Peter Morin (FRA) 79.5

4. Erik Stark (SWE) 77.5

5. Bartek Marszalek (POL) 64

6. Sami Selio (FIN) 52

7. Marit Stromoy (NOR) 43

8. Stefan Arand (EST) 34.5

9. Ben Jelf (GB) 30.5

9. Ferdinand Zandbergen (NED) 30.5

11. Thani Al-Qemzi (UAE) 27.5


Ethara CEO ‘excited’ as Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concludes Formula 1’s longest season

Ethara CEO ‘excited’ as Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concludes Formula 1’s longest season
Updated 16 min 39 sec ago
Follow

Ethara CEO ‘excited’ as Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concludes Formula 1’s longest season

Ethara CEO ‘excited’ as Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concludes Formula 1’s longest season
  • Saif Al-Noaimi speaks to Arab News about the 2024 season, the race at Yas Marina Circuit and other sporting events in the UAE capital

ABU DHABI: Max Verstappen may have clinched his fourth consecutive drivers title a few weeks ago, but as Abu Dhabi prepares to host the finale of Formula 1’s longest season yet, two teams are still in with chance of winning the World Constructors’ Championship.

In the driver and team championships, the 2024 F1 season ended being far more gripping than the early races of the campaign had suggested as the Dutchman and Red Bull went about obliterating their rivals.

Saif Al-Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, organizers of the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, was at Yas Marina Circuit when Formula 1 witnessed arguably its greatest championship finale. Verstappen’s last lap overtake of Lewis Hamilton three years ago has become known among fans, simply, as ”Abu Dhabi 21.”

He believes a renewed sense of competitiveness after a few years of complete Red Bull dominance, is welcome.

“It has been a very exciting season,” Al-Noaimi said. “Max Verstappen dominated the first half, but then (McLaren’s) Lando Norris, and even Oscar Piastri, and the two Ferraris caught up quite a bit in the second half. Brazil was a surprise. Max really dominated in that race and delivered an amazing result.”

Three weeks later, Verstappen won his fourth consecutive World Drivers’ Championship after a fifth-place finish in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. 

“But it is also exciting to see the fight for the Constructors' Championship,” Al-Noaimi said. “McLaren leading, they haven’t won since 1998, Ferrari in second, they haven’t won it since 2008. So they’re going to be fighting really hard to finish on top.

“It’s been a long season. This is the longest in history, Abu Dhabi will be the 24th race.”

Al-Noaimi is impressed by the changes that teams have made throughout the season that have allowed for this thrilling end.

“It’s showing the evolution of the cars from the beginning of the season and how teams are quickly catching up towards the second half of the season. So it’s good to see that innovation, and how quickly some of the teams have been able to catch up in the second half of the season — 2025 is going to be an interesting one. And obviously 2026, with the new rules, is going to shuffle all the cards.

“You have some exciting developments with Adrian Newey’s move (to Aston Martin). We have Hamilton ending his Mercedes era in Abu Dhabi this year, next year going to Ferrari. So there’re a lot of moving parts, exciting things.”

Al-Noaimi also highlighted the fact four rookies will be introduced to the grid next season, a development that means there are no seats for more seasoned drivers such as Mick Schumacher and the popular Daniel Ricciardo.

“It’s a very competitive sport,” he said. “You have a chance to get it right and deliver and you have, in some cases, a few races to prove yourself, otherwise, you’re moved on. I mean, Daniel Ricciardo is an amazing driver, amazing personality. I think he did so much for the sport, he brought in completely new audiences. It’s unfortunate to see him being dropped in the middle of a season and not towards the end of the season. But he had to make way for someone else to be given an opportunity.”

For Al-Noaimi, preparations for the season-ending events started months ago, and it is not just the Formula 1 action that he has to oversee, but all events throughout Abu Dhabi GP race week.

“It’s actually a full week of activities this year. On the ground, some new products that we’re launching, some innovation in the overall experience for our customers. We have redeveloped the Paddock Club this year.”

The changes to the Paddock Club include a completely upgraded rooftop, allowing 360-degree views of the track; an increased capacity;  and a totally new premium customer journey.

These developments come on the back of host of additions last year, such as new viewing platforms Deck on 2, Horizon 360 and Trackside Terrace. This year there is the new Garden on Yas at the W Hotel.

Demand for tickets, Al-Noaimi said, continues, both among tourists and UAE residents.

“We actually sold out of many products as early as June, including circuit grandstands, and that’s six months before the event.

“Since then, we’ve tried to find new ways for people to come and enjoy the action. We didn’t want them to get disappointed, so we had one-day tickets come up in that period. But demand is unprecedented.”

“Last year, we had 170,000 attendees over the weekend, about 70 percent coming from outside the UAE,” he added. “That’s huge for supporting Abu Dhabi’s tourism strategy. And this year we expect similar or larger attendance numbers.”

Another aspect of the event that Al-Noaimi is proud of is the sustainability across the entire weekend.

“Sustainability is essential in our planning for the event. When we’re starting to plan for the event early on, we always view it from a sustainability lens.

“Last year was the biggest year we’ve had in terms of the footprint of the event and the scale of the event and the number of attendees. However, we had a reduction in our carbon footprint despite that significantly larger event. And that’s a result of all the different sustainability initiatives we’ve had over the last few years starting to show results.”

While the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains the crown jewel of Ethara’s calendar, and one of the biggest sporting weekends in the region, Abu Dhabi has become home to several other global events in recent years.

“Right now our flagship events are Formula 1, NBA Games and UFC,” Al-Noaimi said. “And then, expanding on the partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism, we were involved last year with delivering Abu Dhabi Art, which took place over a few months across multiple locations in Abu Dhabi. This year, we are also involved in the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial with the Department of Culture and Tourism.”

For those visiting from abroad, the F1 ticket comes with a lot of benefits, Al-Noaimi said.

“It’s truly a full week of activities for an Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holder. On Wednesday, you can upgrade and get a ticket to the World Supercross at Etihad Arena. Throughout that period, you have access, with ‘Yas All In’ pass, to one of the amazing theme parks we have on Yas Island, access to the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, access to Qasr Al-Watan in Abu Dhabi, as well as a few other tourist destinations.”

But there is little doubt where all eyes will be this weekend, at Yas Marina Circuit.

“From Thursday, you have the pitlane walk, you have the first of the Yasalam after-race concerts happening in Etihad Park. And then you have the entire activities. Obviously the Formula 1 race, but also the support races, Formula 2, we have a Formula 4 Middle East Trophy Round, and Formula 1 Academy for the first time coming to Abu Dhabi as well.”

In two of these support races young local drivers will take to the track.

“We’re fortunate to have three Emiratis racing at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in front of the same crowd that’s here to watch the Formula One,” said Al-Noaimi. “Amna and Hamda (Al-Qubaisi) are participating at the highest level of the F1 Academy. It’s the first time we bring that to Abu Dhabi. So it’s a proud moment for us to see them race in front of their home crowds.

“Rashid Al-Dhaheri returns for the F4 Trophy Round as well. He just stepped up to Formula Regional. He’s performing extremely well. Last season he took part in Formula 4 UAE. He also did Formula 4 Italy. And he’s participating in a few rounds in Europe and Southeast Asia. He's been doing amazingly well.”


Pakistan recall fast bowler Mohammad Abbas after 3 years for test matches in South Africa

Pakistan recall fast bowler Mohammad Abbas after 3 years for test matches in South Africa
Updated 18 min 30 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan recall fast bowler Mohammad Abbas after 3 years for test matches in South Africa

Pakistan recall fast bowler Mohammad Abbas after 3 years for test matches in South Africa
  • Abbas has taken 90 wickets in 25 test matches but hasn’t played red-ball cricket for Pakistan since the Jamaica test in 2021
  • He has been in impressive form of late, picking up 31 wickets in five premier domestic four-day tournament matches

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan recalled fast bowler Mohammad Abbas after three years for test matches while Shaheen Shah Afridi will play only white-ball cricket in South Africa.
Abbas has taken 90 wickets in 25 test matches but hasn’t played red-ball cricket for Pakistan since the Jamaica test in 2021. He has been in impressive form of late, picking up 31 wickets in five premier domestic four-day tournament matches.
“Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exclusion from the test squad is a strategic decision to ensure he remains physically and mentally fresh for the Champions Trophy,” selection committee member Aaqib Javed said in a statement on Wednesday.
Naseem Shah, who missed the last two home test matches against England, Khurram Shahzad and left-armer Mir Hamza are the pace bowlers named to the test squad.
Pakistan begins its tour of South Africa next Tuesday with three T20s, followed by three ODIs and two test matches at Centurion and Cape Town.
“We have adopted a horses for courses policy to ensure all three squads are well-balanced and capable of performing strongly in South Africa,” said Javed, who was also appointed interim white-ball coach ahead of Pakistan’s tour to Zimbabwe.
“Our focus in ODIs is to continue building momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy, while the T20 series provides a platform to blend experience with emerging talent.”
Off-spinner Sajid Khan missed out on the test team despite claiming 19 wickets in the last two test matches against England at Multan and Rawalpindi. Noman Ali, who picked up 20 wickets in those two memorable victories for Pakistan, won the selectors’ nod ahead of Sajid.
“Leaving out Sajid Khan, despite his stellar performances against England, was an extremely tough and difficult decision,” Javed said. “However, considering the pace-friendly conditions at Centurion and in Cape Town, we opted for Mohammad Abbas instead, who is an outstanding exponent of seam bowling.”
Former all format captain Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha were named to all three squads.
The selectors have kept faith in youngster Sufiyan Muqeem for T20s and ODIs after the left-arm wrist spinner claimed eight wickets in two T20s against Zimbabwe. Sufiyan also recorded Pakistan’s best-ever T20 figures of five wickets for three runs at Bulawayo on Tuesday that routed Zimbabwe for its lowest T20 score of 57 all out.
Squads:
Tests: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel, Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha.
ODIs: Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan.
T20s: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan.


Pakistan recall Babar Azam for South Africa tour, Sajid Khan out

Pakistan recall Babar Azam for South Africa tour, Sajid Khan out
Updated 49 min 13 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan recall Babar Azam for South Africa tour, Sajid Khan out

Pakistan recall Babar Azam for South Africa tour, Sajid Khan out
  • Azam was dropped following defeat in first Test against England in October, rested for ongoing limited-over series against Zimbabwe
  • Pakistan will play three Twenty20 internationals in South Africa starting from Dec. 10, followed by three one-day matches and two Tests

LAHORE: Pakistan recalled former skipper Babar Azam on Wednesday for the away Test series and white-ball matches against South Africa starting next week, but there was no place for spinner Sajid Khan.
The 30-year-old star batsman Azam was dropped following defeat in the first Test against England in October and rested for the ongoing limited-over series against Zimbabwe.
Pakistan will play three Twenty20 internationals in South Africa starting from December 10, followed by three one-day matches and two Tests.
Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas also returns to the Test side after last playing in 2021.
Off-spinner Sajid misses out despite taking 19 wickets in the 2-1 home Test series win over England, with selectors taking into consideration the less spin-friendly pitches in South Africa.
“We have adopted a horses for courses policy to ensure squads are well-balanced and leaving out Sajid was an extremely difficult decision,” Aaqib Javed, a senior member of the selection committee, said in a Pakistan Cricket Board statement.
Sajid’s spin partner Noman Ali, who took 20 wickets against England, is the only spinner for the Tests in Centurion and Cape Town. The first Test starts on December 26.
Javed said fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been picked only for the white-ball matches to manage his workload.
Opener Fakhar Zaman is still out because he has yet to regain form and match fitness, said Javed.
Pakistan squads for South Africa tour:
Tests: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel, Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha
ODIs: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan
T20Is: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan