شهدت السعودية، واحدا من أكبر الاحتفالات الموسيقية، أحياه مطربون عالميون وحضره عدة آلاف من الرجال والنساء، بالتزامن مع فعاليات سباق الدرعية ضمن سلسلة ...

قالت صحيفة «نيويورك تايمز»، إن السعودية لم تتمكن من هزيمة انصار الله في اليمن، متسائلة عن قدرتها على الصمود أمام إيران، وبينت أن للولايات المتحدة نفو...

أثار رئيس هيئة الرياضة السعودية، المستشار تركي آل الشيخ الجدل مجددا على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي بعد تغريدات وداع....

Author: ARAB NEWSID: 1544904177713532300Sat, 2018-12-15 23:01 JEDDAH: Saudi Education Minister Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Issa on Friday received Iraqi Ambassador Qahtan Taha Khalaf in Riyadh. They discussed education-related issues in the two countries and ways to enhance the education system. Saudi Arabia ranks as the largest market for education services in the region, and it also accounts for a growing number of students enrolled in the kindergarten to grade 12 (K-12) education system in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council. Strong government support over the past few years has led to the continuous expansion of the education sector by inviting private players to enter the space. The Kingdom’s private K-12 education market, valued at $5 billion in 2017, is expected to grow to $12 billion by 2023, said a recent report. It is important to mention that Saudi students are now allowed to enroll in private international schools and the country is allowing foreign ownership of companies in the education sector. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi education ministrySaudi Arabia Saudi universities to introduce new training programsSaudi education industry outlook promising, says study

Author: Tareq Al-ThaqfiID: 1544911221963880600Sun, 2018-12-16 00:58 MAKKAH: Sign language, Braille Qur’ans and electric wheelchairs are some of the new features in Makkah and Madinah to help pilgrims with disabilities to execute the religious rites of Hajj and Umrah. An official at the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques described those with disabilities as “highly motivated people with special powers” and that services had been established to aid them, providing them with ease and comfort and avoiding complications even during peak times. Ahmed Al-Burqati, who is tasked with helping people at the presidency, told Arab News there were designated entrances to ease access to prayer areas, including the ones on the ground and first floors of the King Fahd expansion at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Other provisions include a pen that serves as a Qur’an reader, and help for holding and carrying Qur’ans for people unable to hold them. Copies of the Qur’an in Braille along with other religious booklets are available, as are on-site specialists to help pilgrims during prayer times and guide them through the mosque sites, he added. Ahmed Badawi, an Egyptian pilgrim performing Umrah, said he was not expecting to find such services awaiting him in the Grand Mosque compound. Other special services at the holy mosques include: Wheelchairs transported in golf carts to prayer areas; designated entrances; sign language interpreters for those with hearing or speech impairments; canes for the blind and visually impaired; and electric wheelchairs to perform key religious rites such as tawaf. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: BRAILLE QUR'ANMakkahMadinah 200 copies of Braille Qur’an distributedSaudia first to offer Braille on flights

Author: ARAB NEWSID: 1544911697493899300Sun, 2018-12-16 01:07 JEDDAH: The King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives (DARAH) has published a history of Al-Zareeb Castle in Al-Wajh governorate in Tabuk, to mark the visit of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz to the region. Located 10 km east of Al-Wajh, surrounded by mountains, the castle was built in 1617 to protect pilgrims and their goods on their way to and from their Hajj journey. It was also used as a resting place for pilgrims traveling to Makkah. It is well supplied by groundwater and is located 7.5 km from the international coastal route linking Al-Wajh and other coastal areas, such as Yanbuh, Umlaj and Duba. The castle was built during the era of Sultan Ahmed I of the Ottoman Empire on the route of the Egyptian Hajj, that is to say the pilgrims coming from Egypt and North Africa. It was bombed during the Great Arab Revolt in 1916 and was recently renovated. Castles such as this were built in the form of the mini-city model. The report said the rectangular castle has a set of towers surrounding the courtyards. The castle also includes a prayer area (musalla) and residential units surrounded by water wells. It is considered one of the most important remaining archaeological sites in the Tabuk region. The castle was built in stone, with an entrance on the eastern side and two ponds for water storage. Al-Zareeb castle marks the importance of castles at that time, aiding pilgrims as they traveled to the holy lands by horse and donkey. Pilgrims needed a place with water to rest and these castles allowed them to store their luggage safely. Renovation In the renovation work, the same types of stone and materials were used to preserve the original appearance of the castle’s exterior. A cemetery is located to the east of the castle on a hillside. It is believed to contain the tombs of the soldiers who fought to protect the pilgrims’ route. Al-Wajh city lies on the eastern coast of the Red Sea and is considered an important historical port, given its major role in the stimulation of trade before and after Islam. The city is full of historical monuments and is mentioned in the books of Arab travelers, historians and even explorers such as Sir Richard Burton.  Main category: Saudi ArabiaTravelTags: Al-Zareeb CastletabukAl-Wajh governorate in TabukSaudi Arabia Saudi foundation publishes history of Al-Zareeb Castle in TabukThePlace: Sakaka’s Zaabal Castle

Sun, 2018-12-16 01:24 RIYADH: Gerard “Jerry” Inzerillo, tourism mogul and CEO of the Ad Diriyah Gate Development Authority, gave an exclusive interview to Arab News in the town’s historical At-Turaif district. Ad Diriyah, located on the outskirts of Riyadh and once the home of the Saudi royal family, temporarily opened its gates as the ABB Formula E racing championship took place a few kilometers away.  The serenity of the location allows visitors to experience the historical significance of At-Turaif. Efforts to restore its magnificence are clearly evident. Restoring At-Turaif and Ad Diriyah is one of the many megaprojects underway to boost tourism in the Kingdom, in line with the Vision 2030 reform plan. Why Ad Diriyah? Because you can’t have a future without a past. That’s where the crown prince’s brilliance lies. “It’s a magical time in the Kingdom. What all these projects will offer people from all over the world is fabulous,” said Inzerillo in his Brooklyn accent. “With all that vision, boldness and welcome, you want to go to the soul, the pearl, the jewel of the Kingdom, and that’s the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ad Diriyah and At-Turaif.” When visiting Ad Diriyah 19 years ago, Inzerillo admitted that he was slightly let down by what he saw. He understood its historical significance, and 19 years later, with the manpower of hundreds of Saudis who believe in the preservation of their country’s heritage, Inzerillo can see the fruits of their labor. “The future can only be anchored with the values of the past,” he said. The UNESCO site has undergone 15 years of restoration, bringing it back to life. Working alongside the crown prince, Inzerillo believes that Mohammed bin Salman’s insistence on preserving the authenticity and soul of Ad Diriyah and At-Turaif is vital. “There’s only one Ad Diriyah,” said Inzerillo. Everything that will be built around the historical site will be made of mud and in keeping with the architecture of Saudi Arabia’s central Najd region.  “To preserve the authenticity of the area, the crown prince stressed that he wants street energy, human interaction, laughter, food, beverages and music. There will be a major focus on pedestrian traffic,” Inzerillo said. “Many people don’t realize that there’s 1,000 years of history in Saudi Arabia, and At-Turaif has 274 years of history on its own.” He said he can see the pace of progress in the tourism sector. For years, the Kingdom has welcomed millions of people through Makkah and Madinah, but Inzerillo believes that it is time for Riyadh to shine.   “It’s now time to come to Riyadh, a thriving international global city that’s on a fast track to 8 million people,” he said. “It’ll be the stop-off point for the region. It’s where the region started. Arabia started at Ad Diriyah,” he added. “I’ve been in tourism for 50 years. I’ve worked with some of the best heads of state in the world. The crown prince is so smart and full of love for this project,” Inzerillo said. “We have specific instructions to open several assets for 2019. These are very exciting plans. We’re going to be opening major restaurants, retail outlets and hotels for 2020,” he added. “The crown prince will announce the masterplan in the next few months. It’s bold and exciting. Nowhere in the world has the level of authenticity, the authentic mud that At-Turaif has.” The project’s success will be due to the crown prince’s watchful eye and hands-on approach, Inzerillo said.   It will include museums, academic institutions, “edutainment” facilities, 11 hotels, several hundred shops and 100 restaurants.  They will all overlook the Wadi Hanifah valley in Najd, surrounded by 1 million date palm trees and another 1 million that are expected to be planted. “Why Ad Diriyah? Because you can’t have a future without a past,” said Inzerillo. “That’s where the crown prince’s brilliance lies.” Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Ad DiriyahSaudi ArabiaRiyadhsaudi tourismVision 2030Saudi Vision 2030Editor’s Choice King of Latin pop Enrique Iglesias launches Ad Diriyah festival Ad Diriyah: Jewel of the Kingdom now home to the Middle East’s first Formula E race

Sun, 2018-12-16 02:22 The driver with the winner’s trophy was Antonio Felix da Costa — but the real winners were Saudi Arabia itself, and more than 1,000 tourists visiting the country for the first time. Da Costa, the Andretti Motorsport driver, won the Formula E Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix in front of thousands of race fans at a custom-built track in the historic district on the outskirts of Riyadh. But in truth, the event was about much more than high-tech electric cars hurtling round a race track — thrilling though that was. The three-day festival of motorsport, culture and entertainment was Saudi Arabia’s chance to prove that it can put on a show to rival anything in the world, and which only two years ago would have been unthinkable. The event was also the first to be linked to the Sharek electronic visa system, allowing foreigners other than pilgrims or business visitors to come to Saudi Arabia. Jason, from the US, is spending a week in the country with his German wife, riding quad bikes in the desert and visiting heritage sites. “I’ve always wanted to come for many, many years ... I’m so happy to be here and that they’re letting us be here,” he said. Aaron, 40, a software engineer, traveled from New York for two days. “Saudi Arabia has always been an exotic place ... and I didn’t think I’d ever be able to come here,” he said. About 1,000 visitors used the Sharek visa, a fraction of what Saudi Arabia aims eventually to attract.  “Hopefully we will learn from this and see what we need to do for the future, but I can tell you from now that there is a lot of demand,” said Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, vice chairman of the General Sports Authority. His optimism was backed by Kirill Dmitriev, chief executive of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and a visitor to Ad Diriyah. “Such events will attract tourists and are a true celebration for young Saudis who desire a bright future,” he said. “The vision of moderate Islam, promoted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is important both for the region and the entire world, and its realization needs to be appreciated, respected and supported.” The event ended on Saturday night with a spectacular show by US band OneRepublic and the superstar DJ David Guetta. “Just when you think things can’t get better, they suddenly do,” said concertgoer Saleh Saud. “This is the new Saudi Arabia, and I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next.” Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: saudia ad diriyah e-prixSaudi ArabiaVision 2030 BMW’s Antonio Felix da Costa crowned champion at Saudi Arabia's Ad Diriyah E-PrixFormula E is another step toward Saudi Vision 2030 — Russian Direct Investment FundSaudi Arabia ‘racing into the future’ with Formula ESaudi Arabia’s Ad Diriyah concert kicks off in rainy RiyadhBait Mubarak offers Formula E fans an authentic Arabian experienceKing of Latin pop Enrique Iglesias launches Ad Diriyah festival

Author: sarah glubbID: 1544889321902041400Sat, 2018-12-15 18:37 JEDDAH: The Formula E Championship race in the ancient cradle of Saudi Arabia, Ad Diriyah, is another unique example of the historic steps the country’s leadership is taking to implement its Vision 2030 and follow a path to moderate Islam, said CEO of Russian Direct Investment Fund. Speaking on Saturday following the race, Kirill Dmitriev added that “the event not only promotes electric cars and cutting-edge technologies in the country, but also showcases the first ever mass pop music concerts in the Kingdom,” with performers including Enrique Iglesias, The Black Eyed Peas and David Guetta. Thousands of fans flocked to Riyadh’s historic Ad Diriyah district for Formula E, a motor sports tournament using electric vehicles, and for the concerts, entertainment and cultural activities as well. Whizzing electric race cars wound through the ruins of Ad Diriyah, a UNESCO world heritage site that is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation, celebrating a telling of national history. CEO of Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev. (Photo/Supplied) “Such events will help attract tourists to the previously closed country and are a true celebration for aspiring young Saudis who desire a bright future,” he went on to say. Dmitriev also said that “the vision of moderate Islam, promoted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is important both for the region and the entire world, and its realization needs to be appreciated, respected and supported.” A first for Saudi Arabia and the region, the event’s magnitude reflects the Kingdom’s goal of hosting major events and promoting them domestically and globally. It also marks the first event in the Kingdom accessible to international tourists, made possible by a new online e-visa system, Sharek, demonstrating to the world Saudi Arabia’s future vision for tourism, which is expected to be on a much larger scale. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: saudia ad diriyah e-prixFormula EAd Diriyah Saudi Arabia ‘racing into the future’ with Formula E‘Not impossible’ that Formula E will overtake F1, says Felipe Massa ahead of Ad Diriyah race

Sat, 2018-12-15 21:05 RIYADH: It was a big day for electric racing in Saudi Arabia, but not all heroes in Ad Diriyah sat behind a Formula E car on Saturday as one Saudi gamer held his nerve to be crowned eSport champion. Yasser Al-Mansour netted the $125,000 prize as he saw off his competitors, who were both Saudis, to win the ABB FIA Formula E Road to Ad Diriyah Esports Championship. Unlike Formula E race where drivers battled it out until the dying seconds, Al-Mansour took an early lead and held it throughout. The winner, from Fara’a, a small town a few hours’ drive from Riyadh, hailed the event saying: “I kept my position even though it was tough. Every one of my competitors had impressive lap times. I’m just happy I came up on top.” “This eSports tournament is amazing. Not only is eSport a popular among Saudi youth now it can be used to introduce countless people to the world of motor sports. The simulators we raced felt like real life,” he said. Al-Mansour beat out Mubarak Al-Dossary, from Dhaharan, who came second and won SAR250,000, and Abdulaziz Rayes, from Jeddah, who finished third and scooped SAR125,000. On the line in the exciting eSports competition was a prize pot of up to SAR1million, $250,000, held in the Allianz E Village, just one of the attractions surrounding the 2018 ‘Saudia’ Ad Diriyah E-Prix at the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site. The event was supported by the Saudi Arabian Federation for Electronic & Intellectual Sports (SAFEIS). Dale Buxton, EGaming Consultant to Formula E, said: «The response to this competition has been huge, thousands flocked to enter and the standard has been so high. It shows the passion that exists for eSports within the Kingdom and we are grateful for the support of the Saudi Arabian Federation for Electronic & Intellectual Sports.» Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: eSportssaudia ad diriyah e-prixCulture and Entertainment BMW’s Antonio Felix da Costa crowned champion at Saudi Arabia's Ad Diriyah E-PrixFormula E is another step toward Saudi Vision 2030 — Russian Direct Investment Fund

Author: ARAB NEWSID: 1544903868623510800Sat, 2018-12-15 22:57 JEDDAH: The Saudi Justice Ministry has prepared a list of over 330 of the most-common questions asked through its official Twitter account on various issues. The ministry studied the pattern sfor one year before compiling the list so as to help people receive answers to common questions regarding the Saudi judicial system. Majid bin Mohammed Al-Khamis, the ministry’s general supervisor of media and institutional communication, said the interactive legal communication service was launched in 2017 via Twitter. “It ensures direct communication between people and the legal department and helps the ministry to introduce various services it has to offer to facilitate the public to assist them,” he said. “The legal communication team, which includes a group of leading judges and legal specialists, worked during the past year to study, collect and arrange the most important questions asked through social media. They were classified accordingly,” the official said. The 67-page guide, Al-Khamis added, contains 332 questions classified into six categories written in a simple language. The legal communication service on twitter “@MojKsa” is one of many communication services that aim to upgrade the level of interaction with members of the public and the ministry. The ministry is also working to launch a unified communication center. Last month, the ministry launched an e-notarization system. The new system, which began on Nov. 18, provides several services that dispense with paperwork to spare clients the need to visit notarial offices for low-risk powers of attorney (PoAs). The ministry also revealed eight new e-services in the notarization sector, including digital PoAs, which put an end to paperwork and most of the clients’ visits to notarial offices. Digital PoAs are sent to the clients’ Absher-registered mobile numbers. One of the new e-services enables clients to inquire about their PoAs and their validity, terminate unwanted ones, and find out about the agencies that have checked the validity of any of their PoAs. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi justice ministry Saudi Justice Ministry sets time limit on labor disputesSaudi Justice Ministry launches e-notarization

Sat, 2018-12-15 23:59 Khalid bin Faisal Al-Sahli has been the Saudi ambassador to Turkmenistan since 2014.  Before his appointment as an envoy, Al-Sahli served as minister plenipotentiary at the Foreign Ministry. He also served as an adviser at the office of the deputy minister of foreign affairs, and a consultant at the Foreign Ministry’s undersecretary for protocol affairs. His career as a diplomat began in 1993 with his appointment as a diplomatic attache in the Foreign Ministry. He has also served at the ministry’s general directorate of administrative communications and as a second secretary at the protocol division. Moreover, he served at several positions in different Saudi embassies including Ashgabat (Turkmenistan), Ottawa (Canada), Bangkok (Thailand), and Kuwait.  Al-Sahli holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from King Saud University in Riyadh, and a postgraduate diploma in political science from the Diplomatic Studies Institute in Riyadh.  He has participated in many international, regional and local conferences, forums and meetings as a representative of Saudi Arabia or as part of the Kingdom’s delegation. He is fluent in Arabic, English, French, and Russian.  He met a business delegation from Saudi Arabia in Ashgabat on Friday. The purpose of the visit is to explore investment opportunities in Turkmenistan.  The delegation, led by Bader bin Bahishan Al-Busais, met with the president of the Bank of Foreign Relations of Turkmenistan, representatives of the ministries of Industry and Commerce and held talks with industrialists and entrepreneurs. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: FaceOf FaceOf: Abdulsalam Al-Mana, Saudi Ministry of Commerce and Investment officialFaceOf: Ahmed Al-Ansari, Deputy chairman of KSA’s Presidency of Meteorology and Environment

Author: ARAB NEWSID: 1544904369333541100Sat, 2018-12-15 23:05JEDDAH: Among its projects to improve the livelihoods of Yemenis, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) on Saturday distributed wheat seeds, fertilizers and pesticides to farmers in the war-torn country.Mohammed Awad Hadi, a Yemeni official, lauded the Kingdom’s efforts to help Yemeni farmers and other segments of society. He said the Saudi efforts will help boost the agriculture sector of Yemen and improve wheat production.KSRelief recently dispatched additional medical aid for Yemen to ensure an uninterrupted supply of medicines for kidney patients under treatment in various hospitals across the country.“The aid is part of a huge medical project worth SR21 million that aims to provide medical supplies to all parts of Yemen ensuring uninterrupted health services,” said Dr. Abdullah Saleh Al-Moallem, director of KSRelief’s Health and Environmental Aid Department.Al-Moallem said the medical supplies will be distributed without any discrimination. The center is also actively involved in the rehabilitation of children affected by the war. It regularly organizes recreational trips for such children.The program aims to help the children return to their normal lives, through teaching them and practicing different sports, as well as field trips.KSRelief plans to rehabilitate 2,000 children who were recruited by the Iranian-backed Houthis.Recently, the center carried out sewing classes as part of its program to develop manual skills in five Yemeni provinces to support orphan families.LandminesThe Saudi Project for Landmines Clearance in Yemen (MASAM), launched by KSRelief, has managed to clear 22,952 landmines planted by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia.In the last week of November, members of the project managed to dismantle some 1,462 landmines planted in schools and residential areas.Injured YemenisThe center has provided treatment for more than 21,000 injured Yemenis, both inside and outside Yemen.A total of 6,452 Yemenis received treatment in private sector hospitals in Yemen, while 1,000 received treatment in Yemeni medical centers specializing in eye injuries.In addition, 12,795 cases were transferred to Saudi Arabia, 534 to Jordan, 280 to Sudan and one to India. The injured Yemenis expressed appreciation to KSRelief for its efforts to treat them.KSRelief provides health services to all Yemeni people in coordination with the Yemeni Higher Relief Committee represented by the Yemeni Ministry of Health and Population, and local and international partners.Helping SyriansThe KSRelief is also actively involved in humanitarian projects in Syria. It continues to support the war-ravaged country’s livestock sector. Main category: Saudi Arabia

اتهم وزير الدولة للشؤون الخارجية الإماراتي، أنور قرقاش، أمير قطر، الشيخ تميم بن حمد آل ثاني، بالازدواجية السياسية، معتبرا أن "الاستهداف القطري الخبيث...

انطلقت فعاليات سباق الفورمولا إي 2018، في السعودية، يوم الخميس، وانتهت اليوم السبت شارك فيه 11 دولة بـ22 سائقاً باستخدام السيارات الكهربائية Gen 2....

منذ ثمانية عشر عاما تعقد الدوحة المؤتمر السنوي المعروف بمنتدی الدوحة بهدف إيجاد منصة عالمية لحوار حضاري تجمع شخصيات سياسية رفيعة المستوی و قادة فکر و...

Sat, 2018-12-15 01:54 RIYADH: Formula E is one for the books. Attracting fans from all over the world, the mega event — held in the historic Saudi town of Ad Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is set to revolutionize motorsports by using only electric race cars.  Officially known as the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, the race expects to draw 40,000 attendees, with access not only to the race but also to the Kingdom’s largest ever festival for music, entertainment and cultural activities. A first for Saudi Arabia and the region, the event’s magnitude reflects the Kingdom’s goal of hosting major events and promoting them domestically and globally. A milestone was marked as Bandar Alesayi and Ahmed bin Khanen became the first Saudi I-Pace eTrophy racers, sponsored by the General Sports Authority (GSA).  Both drivers predict increased grassroots support in the Kingdom for youths to train in carting and race-car driving.   At 1.76 miles long with 21 corners, the track is somewhat tricky for first-time Formula E drivers. “The system is like Mario Bros when they get the little star and go faster,” said Formula E founder and CEO Alejandro Agag. The new electric circuit in Saudi Arabia has been hailed as one of the best Formula E tracks. The three-day event is hosting some of the world’s top singers, including Jason Derulo, Enrique Iglesias, Amr Diab, Black Eyed Peas, David Guetta and One Republic, along with DJ EJ.  “This is unprecedented and fabulous,” one concert-goer said. Another said: “I can’t believe I’m in Saudi Arabia.”  Outside the venue, Al-Bujairy, one of Ad Diriyah’s historic areas, hosts high-end restaurants, cafes and local designer outlets overlooking the historic district of At-Turaif, which was once home to the Saudi royal family and has newly opened for visitors. Another area of interest is the Family Zone, with many events and activities to entertain all age groups. Men, women and children are given different driving experiences. In Ad Diriyah’s Formula E, only one car is allowed per driver instead of two, making pit stops more crucial in terms of timing.   “Attack mode” gives cars a temporary power boost from 200 to 225 kilowatts, equivalent to 268-302 horsepower. Drivers need to move to a certain area on the track to activate this mode. “Saudi Arabia is racing into the future with Formula E, as we open the Kingdom to the world in a transformation that’s being supercharged by the Vision 2030 plan, driven forward by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal Al-Saud, vice-chair of the Saudi Arabian General Sports Authority, told Arab News. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi Arabiasaudia ad diriyah e-prixFormula EEditor’s Choice Start your (electric) engines, it’s race day at Ad DiriyahBait Mubarak offers Formula E fans an authentic Arabian experience

Sat, 2018-12-15 13:38 RIYADH: Come rain or shine, nothing could hold off the festivities on the sidelines of the biggest event in Saudi Arabia - the Ad Diriyah E Prix - as Formula E's resident DJ EJ kicked off the evening concert for the three-day event. «I still can't believe this is happening. This is so awesome,» Badr who was amongst the crowd listening to the ABB formula E resident DJ, told Arab News. After DJ EJ’s performance, the concert area took an intermission only to witness a spike in attendance as attendees ran to the stage area to listen to Scott Forshaw perform at the E Village area. Mohaisin, who was dancing amongst three of his friends, told Arab News that this is a new Saudi Arabia and that he is proud Riyadh is hosting the Formula E. «We are a world class country and our events should reflect that. This, to me, is the biggest event I have been to in the region,» he added. After another intermission, Egyptian pop singer Amr Diab took to the stage and fired up an electric crowd who were cheering him on beneath the rain. After his first song, Diab to a moment to thank the Kingdom’s General Sports Authority Chairman Turki Al-Sheikh for the extended invitation to perform at the landmark event. Heba and her sister Hanoof were both cheering their favorite Egyptian icon. «I can't believe I am listening to Amr Diab right here in Ad Diriyah, this is not happening. I used to have to travel to attend concerts.» Heba told Arab News. «This to me is a pinch me moment,” added her sister Hanoof. »This is a surreal moment which reminds me of the cool factor that Vision 2030 brings to our people. I mean we still have the Black Eyes Peas performing too, all in one night," she added. The evening’s festivities included US hip-hop group the Black-Eyed Peas. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi ArabiaFormula EFormula E Ad Diriyah Grand Prixsaudia ad diriyah e-prix Formula E drivers ‘enjoy’ Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritageFormula E at Ad Diriyah: An experience of a lifetime

Sat, 2018-12-15 13:50 DUBAI: Two Saudi racers took position as they compete in the final Jaguar race of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship today despite a slight morning weather hiccup. Ahmed Bin Khanen and Bandar Alesayi of the Saudi Racing team lined up in the final of the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy, the world’s first international championship for production-based electric cars. Both local racers made history as the first among the racers to compete in the inaugural Jaguar championship. “I am really thrilled to represent Saudi and to be part of the first race of Jaguar in front of my home crowd, I very happy to be here. It’s bit tricky out there for us but looking for to it. I want to just enjoy myself and put on a good show,” Bandar said. Ahmed echoed Bandar’s excitement, “this city circuit is a bit tricky, but we are getting there. I’m very proud to have Formula E and the Jaguar eTROPHY here in Saudi Arabia, hopefully we can create a great weekend,” he said. Bander (car 12) was 6th on the starting grid and Ahmed (car 24) was 8th out of the pack of 12. Both drivers have been supported by the General Sports Authority (GSA) and the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation (SAMF). The main ABB FIA Formula E race starts later in the day. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi Arabiasaudia ad diriyah e-prixFormula E Saudi Arabia ‘racing into the future’ with Formula EStart your (electric) engines, it’s race day at Ad Diriyah

Sat, 2018-12-15 15:08 Watch The Race LIVE! - 2018 SAUDIA Ad Diriyah E-Prix | ABB FIA Formula E Championship.     Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: ABB FIA Formula E Championship

Sat, 2018-12-15 16:02 AD DIRIYAH: BMW i Andretti Motorsport's Antonio Felix da Costa was crowned the inaugral champion of Saudi Arabia's Ad Diriyah E-Prix Formula E race on Saturday. DS Techeetah's Jean-Eric Vergne was in second place, with Mahindra Racing's Jerome D'Ambrosio at third. (Developing) Main category: Saudi ArabiaSportTags: saudia ad diriyah e-prixSaudi ArabiaBMW

العالم- السعودية

العالم- السعودية

وجه مجلس الشيوخ الاميركي صفعة غير مسبوقة لادارة الرئيس دونالد ترامب عبر مطالبته بوقف الدعم للعدوان السعودي على اليمن وتنديده بمسؤولية ولي العهد السعو...

العالم - منوعات

العالم- السعودية

العالم- السعودية

لازالت السعودية تواجه أزمة كبيرة على خلفية قضية مقتل الصحفي السعودي جمال خاشقجي، إذ أعلنت المملكة في 20 أكتوبر/تشرين الأول الماضي، مقتله في قنصلية بل...

عاد وزير الخارجية الاميركي الجمعة غداة صفعة سياسية من مجلس الشيوخ بشأن العلاقات مع الرياض، الى تأكيد أهمية التحالف الاميركي السعودي بداعي الأمن القوم...

Fri, 2018-12-14 15:40 Formula E drivers explored Saudi Arabia and the local community as the 2018 ‘Saudia’ Ad Diriyah E-Prix festivities took place. After visiting the UNESCO World Site of Ad Diriyah which is home to the new race track, drivers also visited Masmak Fort, built in 1865. Oliver Turvey, from the United Kingdom was part of a trio of drivers from team NIO who on Thursday took the opportunity to learn more about the fort’s heritage and history. He also took the time to look ahead to the big race, which makes Formula E’s debut in the Middle East.  “I am really enjoying being here in a different culture. We want to show that electric cars are fast and strong,” he said.  Teammate Tom Dilmann was already anticipating Saturday’s action. “The track looks exciting, I’m really looking forward to it and am very excited for the race. Showing that we can race electric cars in the city, the future is here,” he said. Jammy Chadwick, also from the UK, will be part of racing history in Saudi Arabia when she joins several other women on the starting grid of a ‘Rookie Test’ to discover new Formula E talent. “This will be my first proper official test this Sunday, it’s a huge opportunity for me to learn and try the experience. It’s a positive message to have female drivers competing for the first time in Saudi, it sends a clear message of welcoming to everyone,” she said. It was back to the future for drivers from the Mahindra Racing as they warmed up for the big race of Saturday taking on local competition, in the form of excited school children, at the Doos Karting Track in Riyadh. They were cheered on by Prince Khalid bin Sultan, President of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation, who joined the fun. Jerome d'Ambrosio, Felix Rosenqvist and Nick Heidfeld were put through their paces by children from King Faisal elementary and Trbiyah Namouthajiyah Schools. Noura AL Shebani, 12, and Fahad Al Shenefi, 8, had the “time of their lives” racing against the Formula E drivers. “If I had a little bit more time I could have won,” Noura told the race drivers after the race. Belgian racer Jerome d’Ambrosio said: “We always have a wonderful and fun time karting. It reminds us of when we were young. Karting is almost how all racing drivers start, and we enjoy every opportunity like this one to just have fun.” Meanwhile, Swedish driver Rosenqvist loved that the go-karts were electric, in keeping with the rather much bigger race about to unfold on Saturday. He said: “Even at this level you can feel the instant power when coming out of a turn unlike Go Karts with combustion engines. It’s also better because when you can have indoor tracks which are very convenient in Saudi.” Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Formula E Ad Diriyah Grand PrixFormula E Road to Ad Diriyah raceCulture and Entertainment Saudi Arabia’s new Formula E track hailed ‘beautiful’ as racing teams arriveFormula E fans in Saudi Arabia get last chance to snap up tickets

Author: Arab NewsID: 1544796967444458600Fri, 2018-12-14 17:17 RIYADH: A horse corral, a maze and a virtual reality biking station were some of the attractions on offer at the family zone at the E-Prix event being held at the Ad Diriyah UNESCO world heritage site near the capital Riyadh. The event, which culminates Saturday with Formula E Championship street racing, is the first of its kind to be held in the region.  It brings together world class entertainment — from artists including David Guetta and Amr Diab — and cultural activities. “The amount of effort that must have gone into setting this up is extraordinary,” said visitor Abla Qanaq. “The variety of options is almost overwhelming. I’m not even sure where I want to start.” People in the VIP Hospitality Section had the opportunity to ride camels, sample local staples of dates and Arabic coffee, and experience local customs such as traditional wedding marches. “I’m glad they realized the importance of including a local touch in an event like this,” said visitor Alaa Al Dawsari. “Especially with so many foreigners coming from all over the world. It’s amazing that we were able to present Saudi Arabia like this.” The family zone also featured an area dedicated to local artisans and vendors, with everything from traditional food to handmade soap and clothing on display. The Al Bujairi section hosts exhibitions and live music. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Formula E Ad Diriyah Grand Prixsaudia ad diriyah e-prixCulture and Entertainment Formula E at Ad Diriyah: An experience of a lifetimeKing of Latin pop Enrique Iglesias launches Ad Diriyah festival

تبنى مجلس الشيوخ الأميركي قراراً لإنهاء الدعم للتحالف السعودي الإماراتي في عدوانِه على اليمن وقرارا اخر يُحمِّل ولي العهدِ السعودي محمد بن سلمان المس...

العالم -العالم الاسلامي

جدد الرئيس التركي، رجب طيب أردوغان، دعوته إلى السلطات السعودية لتسليمه قتلة الصحفي، جمال خاشقجي، مشيرا إلى أن الشعب التركي «ليس غبيا» ويعرف كيف يحاسب...

العالم- السعودية