Drone Racing World Cup at Boulevard City begins with top prizes at stake

Drone Racing World Cup at Boulevard City begins with top prizes at stake
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Updated 23 January 2025
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Drone Racing World Cup at Boulevard City begins with top prizes at stake

Drone Racing World Cup at Boulevard City begins with top prizes at stake
  • 3-day event among myriad activities of ongoing Riyadh Season
  • Contest is being held in Mideast, North Africa for the first time

RIYADH: Prizes exceeding $346,500 await the winners of the Drone Racing World Cup which begins on Thursday at Boulevard City in Riyadh.

Organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, in collaboration with the World Air Sports Federation, the three-day event is a part of the ongoing Riyadh Season.

The competition is being held for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region since its inception in 2016, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

This year’s edition will feature world champions including Kim Minjae and Yuki Hashimoto, winners of the 2024 FAI World Drone Racing Championship.

Also participating are Killian Rousseau, winner of the 2023 FAI Drone Racing World Cup; Luisa Rizzo, winner of the 2024 Women’s FAI Drone Racing Championship; and Min Chan Kim, winner of the 2023 FAI World Drone Racing Championship.

Several Saudi Arabia pilots will also compete including Muhannad Al-Wohaibi, Ibrahim Al-Sultan, Dalia Al-Safar, Al-Anoud Al-Shalaan, Bader Mutlaq Al-Raqas, Nawaf Al-Hamoud, and Salma Attallah Al-Aqbi.

The qualifying rounds will start on Thursday and continue until midday on Friday, followed by the finals on Saturday.

There will be various activities including a Drones Hub for teaching amateurs and professionals; a Drag Racing Zone for speed competitions on a straight path; and a Fly Free Zone designed for testing and operating drones.

In addition, there will be a VR Drone Racing simulation using virtual-reality glasses; workshops for training, designing, assembling and building drones; and a Fans Zone for those wanting to watch the competitions.

 


Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award established to strengthen Saudi-China cultural ties

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award established to strengthen Saudi-China cultural ties
Updated 25 sec ago
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award established to strengthen Saudi-China cultural ties

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award established to strengthen Saudi-China cultural ties
  • Special launch, social event in Riyadh

RIYADH: The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award for Cultural Cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China was launched at a special cultural and social event in Riyadh on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event was held with the support of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the minister of culture and the chairman of the award’s board of trustees.

It highlighted the award’s objectives, categories, and various initiatives designed to enhance cultural collaboration between Riyadh and Beijing.

Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muaammar, the deputy chairman of the board of trustees, was also in attendance.

The deputy chairman emphasized the significance of the award — which bears the name of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — as a symbol of the relationship between Saudi Arabia and China, one of cultural interaction, strengthening ties and enriching cross-cultural exchanges.

He added that Saudi Vision 2030 placed a strong emphasis on cultural openness — aligning seamlessly with China’s Belt and Road Initiative — which seeks to enhance global connectivity.

The award, he said, reflected a new era of cultural cooperation to drive mutual development and prosperity for both nations.


Saudi Arabia condemns two suicide attacks in Afghanistan

Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced on Thursday two separate suicide attacks that took place in Afghanistan recently. File/AFP)
Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced on Thursday two separate suicide attacks that took place in Afghanistan recently.(File/AFP)
Updated 25 min 50 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns two suicide attacks in Afghanistan

Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced on Thursday two separate suicide attacks that took place in Afghanistan recently. File/AFP)
  • Foreign Ministry statement reiterated the Kingdom’s categorical rejection of the terrorist acts, and its support for the Afghan people against all forms of violence

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced on Thursday two separate suicide attacks that took place in Afghanistan recently.

In the first attack, a suicide bomber attacked the front of a bank in the northern city of Kunduz on Tuesday, killing eight people. Daesh later claimed the bombing, saying it was targeting Taliban government employees collecting salaries.

In the second attack, a person was killed and at least three wounded in a suicide attack on the Afghan ministry of urban development and housing on Thursday.

A Foreign Ministry statement reiterated the Kingdom’s categorical rejection of the terrorist acts, and its support for the Afghan people against all forms of violence, terrorism and extremism.

The statement also expressed the Kingdom’s condolences to the families of the victims and the Afghan people, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.


Riyadh leads national tally with 21 mm of rainfall

Riyadh leads national tally with 21 mm of rainfall
Updated 27 min 34 sec ago
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Riyadh leads national tally with 21 mm of rainfall

Riyadh leads national tally with 21 mm of rainfall
  • Riyadh region records highest precipitation of 21 mm in Alqah, Zulfi governorate
  • Qassim region reported significant rainfall, with Dukhnah in Al-Rass measuring 11 mm

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture reported on Thursday that six regions across Saudi Arabia experienced rainfall, with Riyadh region recording the highest precipitation of 21 mm in Alqah, Zulfi governorate.

According to the ministry’s daily meteorological report, 52 hydrological and climate monitoring stations tracked precipitation across the Kingdom. Rainfall was recorded in Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, Eastern Region, and Al-Baha.

In the Riyadh region, Rawdat Al-Sabla in Zulfi recorded 7.5 mm, while Al-Rayyan district in Al-Dawadmi measured 7.1 mm. Other notable readings included Kharoub farms in Shaqra at 6 mm, Al-Majmaah train station at 4.8 mm, and Arja in Al-Dawadmi at 4.6 mm.

Qassim region reported significant rainfall, with Dukhnah in Al-Rass measuring 11 mm, Buraidah 8.6 mm, and Riyadh Al-Khabra 8 mm. The Eastern Region saw precipitation levels of 9.6 mm at Al-Olaya metro station, 9 mm in Khafji, 4.6 mm at the Naval Forces Airport in Jubail, and 3.8 mm at the Border Guard station in Ruqi, Hafar Al-Batin.

The Makkah region’s Saja Reserve in Al-Muwayh recorded 9.2 mm, while Raniah received 2.2 mm. Madinah region registered 1.4 mm in Al-Hisu, Al-Hinakiyah, and Al-Baha region’s Shada in Al-Makhwah recorded 0.6 mm.


Hijazi Saudi night at French consulate in Jeddah

Hijazi Saudi night at French consulate in Jeddah
Updated 51 min 1 sec ago
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Hijazi Saudi night at French consulate in Jeddah

Hijazi Saudi night at French consulate in Jeddah
  • Event brought together prominent figures to celebrate cultural exchange and strong Saudi-French ties
  • Saudi and Hijazi music brought the rich history, deep emotions and cultural beauty back to the Saudi audience

JEDDAH: The Consulate General of France in Jeddah hosted a special Hijazi dinner followed by a musical evening on Wednesday.

The event brought together prominent figures to celebrate cultural exchange and strong Saudi-French ties. It featured a stellar lineup of Saudi artists, including Abdullah Rashad, Al-Aidrous, Mohammed Hashem and Mohammed Hamdi, who delivered a captivating performance that blended Hijazi authenticity with artistic creativity.

The Saudi and Hijazi music brought the rich history, deep emotions and cultural beauty back to the Saudi audience. “Ya Musafir Wahdak,” first sung by Mohamed Abdel Wahab, is a classic song about a traveler saying goodbye to a loved one. “Layla Ya Layla,” performed by Al-Aidrous and originally sung by Mohamed Abdu, is a beloved song that reflects Hijazi musical traditions. “Mudhilla,” by Mohamed Abdu, is known for its beautiful lyrics and melody.

“Ya Mustajeeb Lil-Da’i,” a traditional Hijazi song, was also originally sung by Mohamed Abdu and is deeply connected to Saudi heritage. Lastly, “Al-Khayzarana,” performed by Abdullah Rashad, evoked the lively spirit of Hijazi folklore.

Guests indulged in an authentic Hijazi feast, highlighting the rich flavours of traditional cuisine. Signature dishes included mutabaq, kibdah (liver), mantu, farmoza, and kabab miro, along with a variety of grilled specialities that showcased the depth of the region’s culinary heritage.

In his address, French Consul General in Jeddah Mohamed Nehad emphasized the strength of bilateral relations between France and Saudi Arabia, commending the strategic partnership and collaboration in various fields, particularly in culture and the arts.

Nehad told Arab News: “This evening brings together Saudi artists performing timeless songs from the country’s rich heritage. The event serves as a celebration of cultural exchange and camaraderie, uniting friends in Jeddah for a memorable musical night. As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, guests can immerse themselves in the spirit of tradition and shared appreciation for art and music.”

With Ramadan approaching, the event took on an added significance, providing a platform for cultural dialogue and strengthening bonds between attendees in an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.

Through this gathering, the consulate reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cultural dialogue and fostering deeper cooperation and mutual understanding between the Saudi and French communities.


Royal Commission for Riyadh City announces launch of capital’s creative district

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City’s board of directors has announced the launch of the “Riyadh Creative District.” (@RCRCSA)
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City’s board of directors has announced the launch of the “Riyadh Creative District.” (@RCRCSA)
Updated 13 February 2025
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Royal Commission for Riyadh City announces launch of capital’s creative district

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City’s board of directors has announced the launch of the “Riyadh Creative District.” (@RCRCSA)
  • Project aims to foster a thriving ecosystem where creative minds, industry leaders, and emerging talent can collaborate to develop content and new ideas

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for Riyadh City’s board of directors has announced the launch of the “Riyadh Creative District,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

The initiative aims to position Riyadh as a global creative and media hub while reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in the creative economy, SPA said.

The new project is set to become a cornerstone in Riyadh’s evolution into a world-class metropolis, integrating with the capital’s major development initiatives.

It aims to foster a thriving ecosystem where creative minds, industry leaders, and emerging talent can collaborate to develop content and new ideas, drive cultural and technological advancements, and contribute to the Kingdom’s Gross Domestic Product.

The Creative District aligns with Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategic vision by emphasizing the role of media, technology, culture, and innovation in economic diversification and sustainable growth.

The CEO of RCRC Ibrahim Mohammed Al-Sultan thanked the Kingdom’s leadership for its continued support of the commission’s projects.

“The Riyadh Creative District is designed to be a vital extension of the capital’s creative, cultural, and economic landscape, reinforcing the city’s status as a dynamic hub for content creation and innovation,” he said.

“Through this initiative, we are not only establishing an inspiring space for creative industries to thrive, but also providing a gateway for global talent to engage with the Kingdom’s creative economy.

“This initiative embodies Saudi Arabia’s forward-looking vision to cultivate a knowledge-based society, and develop a globally integrated creative sector that generates sustainable economic and social impact”, the CEO added.

A milestone in the project’s launch is the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between RCRC and King Abdullah Financial District, ensuring a structured and integrated approach to its implementation.

The collaboration is expected to catalyze the expansion of the creative industries in Saudi Arabia, bridging the gap between local and international expertise and fostering cross-sector innovation.

The creative district is set to redefine the role of creativity in economic development, by offering a dynamic platform that connects designers, artists, entrepreneurs, and technology pioneers.

It will serve as an incubator for new business models, cultural enterprises, and digital transformation projects, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as the regional epicenter for creative excellence, SPA said.

Apart from GDP contributions, the district will play a crucial role in cultural exchange and community engagement by hosting interactive programs, industry events, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that empower emerging talent and facilitate the exchange of ideas.

Its impact is expected to extend beyond Riyadh, influencing the broader Middle Eastern creative ecosystem and elevating the Kingdom’s standing as a destination for investment in the creative economy.

The district also underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a globally competitive creative sector, that not only enhances the quality of life but also drives innovation-led economic transformation.

By offering a supportive environment for creatives, startups, and established enterprises, the district is poised to shape the future of creative industries in Saudi Arabia, offering new employment opportunities, accelerating digital adoption, and laying the groundwork for a knowledge-driven economy.

With a focus on sustainability and long-term impact, the creative district will also contribute to Riyadh’s broader urban transformation, integrating smart infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable design principles to create an environment where creativity and innovation can flourish.

The district will also help attract both regional and international investment in the creative industries, ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of global creative and cultural advancements.