Saudi Arabia’s successful World Cup bid receives congratulations from around the world

Saudi Arabia’s successful World Cup bid receives congratulations from around the world
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The official announcement of Saudi Arabia as host of FIFA World Cup 2034 was celebrated across the country. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s successful World Cup bid receives congratulations from around the world
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The Saudi national team’s head coach Herve Renard posted a message of congratulations on X. (X/@Herve_Renard_HR)
Saudi Arabia’s successful World Cup bid receives congratulations from around the world
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A drone-created light show and fireworks illuminate the sky over Riyadh on December 11, 2024, celebrating Saudi Arabia’s confirmation as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup football tournament. (AFP)
Saudi Arabia’s successful World Cup bid receives congratulations from around the world
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Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sports and Youth Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki celebrates after Saudi Arabia was confirmed as host of the 2034 World Cup during a ceremony in the capital Riyadh on December 11, 2024. (AFP)
Saudi Arabia’s successful World Cup bid receives congratulations from around the world
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Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sports and Youth Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki celebrates after Saudi Arabia was confirmed as host of the 2034 World Cup during a ceremony in the capital Riyadh on December 11, 2024. (AFP)
Saudi Arabia’s successful World Cup bid receives congratulations from around the world
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People watch as a drone-created light show and fireworks illuminate the sky over Riyadh on December 11, 2024, celebrating Saudi Arabia’s confirmation as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup football tournament. (AFP)
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Updated 13 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s successful World Cup bid receives congratulations from around the world

Saudi Arabia’s successful World Cup bid receives congratulations from around the world
  • World leaders, sporting superstars congratulate Kingdom
  • ‘Arab, Gulf and Islamic pride and joy’ says Dubai ruler  

RIYADH: No sooner had FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Wednesday confirmed that Saudi Arabia would host the 2034 World Cup, than messages of congratulation began to pour in from around the region and beyond.

The unopposed Saudi bid had just been rubber-stamped by more than 200 FIFA member federations that took part remotely in an online meeting hosted in Zurich.

Leading the way was the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, which greeted the news by posting a message from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on its official X account.

“We look forward to hosting an exceptional and unprecedented edition of the FIFA World Cup by harnessing out strengths and capabilities to bring joy to football fans around the world,” the message said.

From the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, posted his congratulations.

“Arab, Gulf and Islamic pride and joy. Congratulations on the Kingdom hosting the 2034 World Cup ... We congratulate my brother King Salman bin Abdulaziz ... and his (Crown Prince) Mohammed bin Salman ... and the brotherly Saudi people with their great ambition ... and strong will …,” the vice president and prime minster of the UAE wrote.

“I also congratulate my brother King Mohammed VI on Morocco winning the bid to host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal. The World Cup will be in our region for two consecutive tournaments. Arabs are living today the joy of the great Saudi and Moroccan achievement ... and we expect the best World Cup tournaments, God willing.”

Herve Renard, recently reinstalled as Saudi Arabia’s national team coach, on his account said: “Thrilled for Saudi Arabia and its wonderful people on securing the honor to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup!

“A true reflection of the country’s outstanding vision, remarkable leadership, and unmatched warmth. Get ready for an extraordinary and unforgettable experience ahead.”

Several foreign players plying their trade in the Saudi Pro League were vocal in their support, including Cristiano Ronaldo, whose signing opened the door for the influx of many top players.

“Congratulations to all my friends in Saudi, I know how proud you all are today and I am sure @Saudi2034 will be historic #WelcomeToSaudi34,” he posted.

In an accompanying video, Al-Nassr’s Portuguese superstar said: “It’s amazing, the infrastructure, the stadiums, the conditions for the fans and everything. After what I’ve seen, I’m more convinced that 2034 will be the best World Cup ever.

“The country is unbelievable, the Saudis are very good people. Every year they do big events, football matches, boxing, entertainment is very high,” Ronaldo added. “The future is very bright in my opinion, and I’m happy to be part of this success of the country and I will be here for sure to see the World Cup.”

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the Saudi minister of sport and president of the Kingdom’s olympic and paralympic committee, and SAFF President Yasser Al-Misehal were presented with the FIFA World Cup 2034 hosting certificate from FIFA.

At the special presentation from Riyadh, Prince Abdulaziz said: “We will host the best version of the World Cup in history and we will achieve our dream of hosting this tournament on our land.”

Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki Al-Sheikh, who has been nominated as a member of Saudi 2034 Supreme Committee, said: “A new achievement for our beloved Kingdom. On this occasion, I congratulate my leader, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Highness, the Crown Prince, the sponsor of the vision, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on winning the bid to host the 2034 World Cup. Congratulations to all of us on this great achievement.”

Al-Hilal and Saudi Arabia captain Salem Al-Dawsari, scorer of the Green Falcons’ winner against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, had this to say on his X account: “The dream has become reality. We thank God for the blessing of our dear homeland.” 

Al-Dawsari’s former Al-Hilal colleague and current Saudi First Division club NEOM player Salman Al-Faraj greeted the news with this post: “Thanks to our wise leadership. With you we grow and achieve our dreams. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia doesn’t write history. It is history.”

Former Saudi Arabia midfielder Sami Al-Jaber, arguably the country’s finest footballer to date, also congratulated the Kingdom’s leadership on securing the hosting rights.

“I congratulate my leader, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Highness (Crown Prince) Mohammed bin Salman, on winning the bid to host the 2034 World Cup,” Al-Jaber wrote. “Congratulations to the Saudi people for achieving this dream. The impossible is not Saudi.”

Retired French forward Bafetimbi Gomis, who achieved cult status during his stay at Al-Hilal, commented: “History in the making #congratulation #SaudiArabia #2034.”

One of Gomis’s successes at Al-Hilal, Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr., congratulated the country with a short message that said simply: “Yalla yalla @Saudi2034 #WelcomeToSaudi34.”

There were also messages of support from around the region, particularly Gulf countries.

The Kuwait Olympic Committee’s official X account posted: “The Chairman and Members of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Olympic Committee congratulate the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership and people, on the occasion of the Kingdom’s approval of the Kingdom’s winning bid to host the 2034 World Cup, wishing it further progress and success.”

The Qatar Football Association, who hosted the World Cup two years ago, commented: “Congratulations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on being awarded the hosting (of) the #WorldCup2034.”

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al-Nahyan, president of the UAE Football Association, congratulated the leadership and people of the Kingdom by highlighting Saudi Arabia’s resources and experience in hosting major sporting events and describing the achievement as “a victory” for Arab sports.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is qualified in all respects to host the 2034 World Cup, because of its cumulative experience, and it has the capabilities and human resources capable of organizing the largest international events,” he said on the Emirati association’s website.

“We are happy with the return of the World Cup to the Arabian Gulf, as our countries are places of coexistence and tolerance, and fields of creativity.”


Saudi ambassador to US represents Kingdom at Trump inauguration ceremony

Saudi ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar and US President Donald Trump pose for a picture at inauguration ceremony.
Saudi ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar and US President Donald Trump pose for a picture at inauguration ceremony.
Updated 20 January 2025
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Saudi ambassador to US represents Kingdom at Trump inauguration ceremony

Saudi ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar and US President Donald Trump pose for a picture at inauguration ceremony.
  • Princess Reema bint Bandar passes on congratulations of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Trump as he begins second term as US president

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar, represented the Kingdom at US President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on Monday.

The princess passed on the congratulations of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Trump on the day of his second inauguration as US president. She also conveyed the hopes of the Saudi leadership that he will enjoy success in his duties, the Saudi Press Agency reported

“As our two nations celebrate 80 years of friendship, it was my honor to convey our leadership’s heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to President Donald Trump and the American people on his inauguration,” Princess Reema wrote in a message posted on social media platform X.

“The relationship between our two countries is historic and we look forward to continuing our work together for the benefit of both our peoples, our region and the world.”

As he was sworn in as 47th president of the US, Trump promised a “revolution of common sense.” He takes charge as Republicans also assume unified control of the Capitol and set out to reshape the country’s institutions.


Jeddah’s oldest school to begin new chapter as museum

Jeddah’s oldest school to begin new chapter as museum
Updated 20 January 2025
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Jeddah’s oldest school to begin new chapter as museum

Jeddah’s oldest school to begin new chapter as museum
  • We still visit to remember the good old days, says 82-year-old alum

JEDDAH: The first school formally established in the Arabian Peninsula is poised for a new chapter as a museum, according to Ali Al-Sulimani, the managing director.

The historical section of Al-Falah School building will be handed over to the Ministry of Culture for its transformation into a cultural landmark.

It was built in 1905 by Saudi businessman Sheikh Mohammed Ali Zainal Alireza as the first boys’ school in Jeddah at a time when the Hijaz, the western part of modern Saudi Arabia, was partially under Ottoman Turkish rule and both poverty and illiteracy were common.

An archival image of students in class. (Supplied)

Although Zainal went through major financial crises, he continued funding the school with help from other business families. Eventually, the Kingdom’s founder King Abdulaziz visited it and appreciated its great educational and social role, and arranged for government support.

The school marks the onset of modern education in Saudi Arabia and has been the alma mater of numerous national figures, including former Minister of Information Mohammed Abdu Yamani, former Minister of Commerce Abdullah Zail, former Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ahmed Zaki Yamani, and former Minister of Hajj Hamid Harasani among others.

Al-Falah School, is located in the heart of the historical area in Jeddah, has continued to the present day, and includes two buildings, the older of them dating back more than 120 years.

The school offers three levels of education — elementary, intermediate and high school — with each having its own playground. (AN photo by Ghazi Mahdi)

According to Al-Sulimani the older building will be a fully integrated museum, including a cultural space, a cafe with a heritage theme and seating areas where visitors can learn about the historical area and the history of the school.

“The old part was handed over to the Ministry of Culture to be prepared to comply with the development plans for the old buildings in the historic area,” he said.

One former pupil, 82-year-old Hamza Awfi, told Arab News: “The school was based on a solid foundation. It is the place I considered as our second home. Here I have met many students who graduated and later held important leadership positions and I still remember them, young and old.

It was a place of knowledge and it provided me a wonderful environment and opportunity to learn and grow myself in every field.

Ahmed Abdulgader Al-Noaman, 72-year-old alum

“We really hold great memories, and by the way, I and other friends who graduated from this school, still go and visit it from time to time to remember our old good days.”

Awfi added that keeping the modern building for education as a symbol of resilience and enlightenment while at the same time transforming the old building into a museum is a great idea.

Another former pupil, 72-year-old Ahmed Abdulgader Al-Noaman, told Arab News: “My four years at Al-Falah have been an excellent memory to cherish for a lifetime. The time spent has been full of learning opportunities. It was a place of knowledge and it provided me a wonderful environment and opportunity to learn and grow myself in every field.”

The school offers three levels of education — elementary, intermediate and high school — with each having its own playground. Today, the old U-shaped building stands in the center of the complex and is used by elementary students. The classrooms remain their original size, which is considered small by current standards.

The floors, ceilings, and doors of the school’s original building are made from wood they were restored, with their traditional character retained in order to preserve the school’s history and heritage. The original green dome still rests on top of the old building.

 


Turki Alalshikh launches City Hub entertainment project in 7 Saudi cities

Turki Alalshikh launches City Hub entertainment project in 7 Saudi cities
Updated 20 January 2025
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Turki Alalshikh launches City Hub entertainment project in 7 Saudi cities

Turki Alalshikh launches City Hub entertainment project in 7 Saudi cities
  • Project works exclusively with Saudi companies
  • Jazan, Alkhobar, Buraidah, Hail, Al-Baha, Taif, and Tabuk to host City Hub

RIYADH: A new project bringing a range of entertainment offerings to seven Saudi cities has been announced by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority.

The City Hub project will begin its journey in Jazan on Jan. 23, followed by stops in Alkhobar, Buraidah, Hail, Al-Baha, Taif, and concluding in Tabuk in August after spending 14 days in each city.

The project exclusively works with Saudi companies, creating thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities in the Kingdom’s entertainment industry, according to organizers.

Covering an area of more than 20,000 square meters in each city, City Hub will provide a diverse range of entertainment including video games, circus acts, and a “Horror Zone.”

One of the main attractions is the “Play and Learn Festival,” which offers children a hands-on experience in various professional fields, including innovation, banking, and medicine.

This initiative was designed to allow young visitors to explore future career paths through interactive activities, organizers said in a statement.

An electronic games zone will feature esports tournaments with titles such as EAFC24 and TEKKEN 8, presenting prizes to winners.

For thrill-seekers, the “Horror Zone” promises an immersive experience, complete with lifelike challenges.

Meanwhile, the circus tent will host a variety of performances, including dancing fountains, trapeze acts, and the adrenaline-filled 360-degree motorcycle cage performance.

A pet bird zone allows guests to engage with rare birds in a natural setting.

Visitors can also enjoy a diverse marketplace and a curated selection of local and international restaurants, ensuring a rich culinary experience.

Each city will host City Hub for 14 days, underscoring GEA’s commitment to promoting local content.


Saudi fund chief receives GCC representative to UNHCR

Saudi fund chief receives GCC representative to UNHCR
Updated 20 January 2025
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Saudi fund chief receives GCC representative to UNHCR

Saudi fund chief receives GCC representative to UNHCR
  • They discussed ways to enhance development cooperation between the Saudi fund and UNHCR

RIYADH: Saudi Fund for Development CEO Sultan Al-Marshad received the senior adviser and GCC Representative to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Khaled Khalifa, and an accompanying delegation in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance development cooperation between the Saudi fund and UNHCR, the former’s official account wrote on X.

Al-Marshad also received Ambassador of Ukraine to the Kingdom Anatolii Petreno and discussed bilateral cooperation during a recent meeting in Riyadh.

 


KSrelief, Saudi Esports Federation donate $1.7m to UNICEF to boost children’s education in Burkina Faso

KSrelief, Saudi Esports Federation donate $1.7m to UNICEF to boost children’s education in Burkina Faso
Updated 20 January 2025
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KSrelief, Saudi Esports Federation donate $1.7m to UNICEF to boost children’s education in Burkina Faso

KSrelief, Saudi Esports Federation donate $1.7m to UNICEF to boost children’s education in Burkina Faso
  • John Agbor: Thanks to the generous contribution of KSrelief and SEF, thousands of children will benefit from formal and non-formal education, vocational training and radio-based learning
  • Funds will support preschool education for 4,500 children, formal and non-formal education for 16,700 children, and technical innovations for 6,600 children

RIYADH: The Saudi Esports Federation, through the Gamers Without Borders tournament — the largest virtual charity event for gaming and esports — in collaboration with Saudi aid agency KSrelief, donated over $1.7 million to UNICEF’s office in Burkina Faso.

The grant aims to provide formal and non-formal education to more than 27,800 children, 50 percent of whom are girls, in areas affected by insecurity.

John Agbor, UNICEF representative in Burkina Faso, said: “Thanks to the generous contribution of KSrelief and Saudi Esports Federation, thousands of children will benefit from formal and non-formal education, vocational training and radio-based learning.”

The funds will support preschool education for 4,500 children, formal and non-formal education for 16,700 children, and technical innovations for 6,600 children in the Central-North, North, East, Sahel, and Boucle du Mouhoun regions.

As of December 2024, the humanitarian situation in Burkina Faso remains difficult, with over 2 million displaced due to conflict.

Despite the government’s efforts to reopen more than 1,500 schools, over 5,000 remain closed, affecting 20 percent of the country’s educational institutions.

In one year, primary school enrollment rates in Burkina Faso dropped from 85.8 percent in 2022 to 77.4 percent in 2023.

With KSrelief and the Saudi Esports Federation’s support, UNICEF has launched several initiatives, including building and equipping 27 classrooms, creating more than 100 accelerated learning centers for out-of-school children, and planning vocational training for 500 boys and girls.

Other initiatives aim to reach 6,000 children through emergency classrooms and 600 children via remote learning with tablets, as well as increase radio-based learning and provide school supplies for vulnerable children.