Saudi Arabia is preparing young footballers for World Cup 2034 squad, says federation president

Saudi Arabia is preparing young footballers for World Cup 2034 squad, says federation president
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Yasser AlMisehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation speaks at a press conference in Riyadh on Wednesday Dec. 11.
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Updated 12 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia is preparing young footballers for World Cup 2034 squad, says federation president

Saudi Arabia is preparing young footballers for World Cup 2034 squad, says federation president
  • Contests for athletes under 6 being planned, says Yasser Al-Misehal
  • Aspiring Green Falcons players must ‘care’ about training, discipline

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is preparing young footballers for the nation’s 2034 World Cup squad, according to the president of the Kingdom’s football association.

Answering a question from Arab News at a press conference on Wednesday following the announcement of the Kingdom as host, Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal highlighted the nation’s preparations for the 2034 Green Falcons side.

“My message to them that the dream we all had, to witness the World Cup in our country, has become a reality.

“My message to them is to be disciplined, to care about training, to care about all aspects of life, and we will hopefully see them in green in 2034 representing the team of the dearest country and achieving results that make us all proud as Saudis.”

In addition to under-17 tournaments, Al-Misehal said competitions are being held for under-11 players, and by 2027 for those under 6 years of age.

There are already several Saudi Arabia national team members playing for European clubs, including Saud Abdulhamid for Roma and Faisal Al-Ghamdi and Marwan Al-Sahafi for the Belgian team Beerschot.

Al-Misehal also spoke about the responsibility to deliver a successful event for the Kingdom’s football-loving population. “Today we are talking about more than 60 percent of the Saudi population being under 30 years old.

“A population that adores football … more than 80 percent of Saudis watch football daily. This places a great responsibility on us to present an edition that is suited to the ambitions of these audiences,” he said.

Al-Misehal added that the Kingdom had the support of more than 140 countries after announcing its intention to bid in October 2023.

“You feel the awe of the name of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. You feel hundreds of messages pouring in … from all over the world, congratulating the Kingdom … it is a proud feeling,” he said.

It has not yet been decided if the World Cup will be held in summer or winter. Al-Misehal said discussions with FIFA would hopefully be settled next year, but that “we are ready anywhere and at any time.”

Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, who is also president of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said the Kingdom’s 18-section bid file had been six years in the making, with weekly meetings keeping track of every detail.

The country’s submission was uncontested after Australia dropped out of the running, but nonetheless received the highest-ever rating from FIFA.

“It’s an indescribable feeling, for us and for anyone, it is a dream to host the biggest event in the world, not just in sports,” Prince Abdulaziz said.

“This is indicative of the care of our wise leadership on this matter, on our athletes, and on developing sports in the Kingdom, as well as the determination of Saudi youth working in the Ministry of Sports, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, the World Cup bid unit. I thank you.”

“We promise everyone that the work will continue,” Prince Abdulaziz added, referring to developments taking place in transport and tourism.

King Salman reportedly said: “Through its people’s determination and spirit the Kingdom has succeeded in consolidating its position as one of the most prominent international sports destinations.”

Saudi Arabia intends to make history as the first single country to host a 48-team tournament.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in a statement: “We look forward to hosting an exceptional and unprecedented edition of the FIFA World Cup by harnessing our strengths and capabilities to bring joy to football fans around the world.”

Celebrations broke out across the Kingdom on Wednesday evening as the news broke.

The tournament’s 15 stadiums are in Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Alkhobar and NEOM.


Charitable group Ensan’s schoolbag project targets 16k children

Charitable group Ensan’s schoolbag project targets 16k children
Updated 14 August 2025
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Charitable group Ensan’s schoolbag project targets 16k children

Charitable group Ensan’s schoolbag project targets 16k children
  • Ensan has allocated over SR3.2 million ($853,000) for the project, with each bag costing SR200

RIYADH: The Charitable Society for Orphan Care, Ensan, will provide bags this year for 16,007 students at 22 schools in the Riyadh governorate.

Ensan has allocated over SR3.2 million ($853,000) for the project, with each bag costing SR200, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The money for the bags and stationary needs will be deposited into the bank accounts of parents and guardians.

Infographic posted by the group Ensan announcing the charitable organization's campaign for donations to its project/ (X: @ensanorg)

Ensan has other projects to help children including providing tutors, and transport to and from school. The organization also assists in getting young people scholarships, and admission to universities, colleges and specialized institutes.

Ensan has called on the public to assist with funding for their projects via the platform https://ensan.sa/ar/shop/170.

 


Saudi Broadcasting Authority CEO honored 

Saudi Broadcasting Authority CEO honored 
Updated 14 August 2025
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Saudi Broadcasting Authority CEO honored 

Saudi Broadcasting Authority CEO honored 
  • Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi presented with the Princess Sita bint Abdulaziz Foundation for Excellence in Social Work

RIYADH: Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi, CEO of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority and president of the Saudi Media Forum, was recently honored with the 2025 Gratitude Award for Inspiring Leaders.

Presented by the Princess Sita bint Abdulaziz Foundation for Excellence in Social Work, the award celebrates those whose vision and dedication have had a profound impact on their communities.

Commenting on the honor, Al-Harthi stated: “Giving is an intrinsic part of the Saudi identity, deeply rooted in a generous homeland and inspiring leadership.

“I am one of this nation’s people striving to serve it with all we have. We will continue to work tirelessly for as long as we live because our country deserves nothing less.

“Each of us has unique tools within our fields that must be dedicated to serving the nation, society, and humanity.”

Al-Harthi has built a distinguished career across print, broadcast, and digital media, earning both regional and international awards in recognition of his creativity and achievements in the media landscape.

He has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives and launched major media projects, held leadership roles in prominent local and global media organizations, and contributed to organizing events and festivals that have significantly elevated the status of Saudi media both regionally and internationally.

The award underscores Al-Harthi’s dedication to serving society and inspiring a new generation of media professionals.

 

 


Saudi crown prince and Korean president discuss cooperation

Saudi crown prince and Korean president discuss cooperation
Updated 13 August 2025
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Saudi crown prince and Korean president discuss cooperation

Saudi crown prince and Korean president discuss cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed ties between Riyadh and Seoul during a phone call with South Korea’s President Lee Jae-Myung on Wednesday.

During the call, they discussed “opportunities for cooperation in several fields” to achieve common interests and strengthen ties between the two nations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


Saudi ‘Art Bridges’ 4-nation project opens for applications

Saudi ‘Art Bridges’ 4-nation project opens for applications
Updated 13 August 2025
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Saudi ‘Art Bridges’ 4-nation project opens for applications

Saudi ‘Art Bridges’ 4-nation project opens for applications
  • Cultural program of the Kingdom’s Visual Arts Commission
  • Scotland, Japan, South Korea, Spain are the nations hosting

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Visual Arts Commission has launched its “Art Bridges” initiative for 2025–2026, a series of international programs designed to promote cultural exchange.

The programs will be hosted in Scotland, Japan, South Korea and Spain.

The first in Scotland will be held from Sept. 22 to 27, in partnership with the British Council Scotland.

Japan will host an event from Oct. 31 to Nov. 7, followed by South Korea from Nov. 19 to 27, and Spain from March 2 to 9, 2026.

Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, said in a statement that the initiative offers a unique opportunity for cultural practitioners to share their creative voices with the world.

Each edition of “Art Bridges” will be tailored to the host destination.

There will be meetings with thought leaders, visits to major cultural institutions, museums, galleries and artist studios, as well as workshops, knowledge-exchange sessions, and discussions with prominent local art figures.

The 2025–2026 programs will explore specific themes, with Japan focusing on art and the environment by examining how artists interact with natural, urban and traditional settings.

South Korea’s program will address identity through art and society by studying community cultural movements, independent artist spaces and collaborative platforms.

In Spain, the program will highlight heritage and collaborative practice by showcasing the intersection of shared artistic expression, and social purpose in cultural spaces.

The application window for those wishing to participate opens on Aug. 13. The deadline for Japan is Aug. 21, while South Korea and Spain close on Aug. 31.

Applicants must be over 21, have at least five years of professional experience, submit a strong portfolio, be fluent in English and commit to the full program schedule.

The commission stated that “Art Bridges” forms a cornerstone of its strategy to expand Saudi Arabia’s cultural presence globally, build sustainable creative ecosystems, and forge long-term international partnerships.


Hunna mentorship program hits right notes for women in MENA

Hunna mentorship program hits right notes for women in MENA
Updated 13 August 2025
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Hunna mentorship program hits right notes for women in MENA

Hunna mentorship program hits right notes for women in MENA
  • Six participants paired with experts from across music industry
  • Workshops cover production, live performance, artist strategy, global positioning

RIYADH: The women-led music initiative, Hunna, has launched its 2025 mentorship program and workshop series.

Now in its third year, the program connects women across the region with mentors, resources and networks to help them grow professionally. It has more than 120 members from Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and elsewhere.

This year’s program began in July, with six participants paired with professionals from various musical disciplines. They will each receive monthly one-on-one mentorship and tailored development plans as well as access to Hunna’s wider programming.

The culmination of their hard work will be a showcase at this year’s XP Music Futures in December.

Mentorship program manager Nadia Khan, who also founded the nongovernmental organization Women in Ctrl, said: “This year’s mentor-mentee pairings reflect the diversity of talent in the region and the global reach of the women guiding them.

“Having such inspirational and accomplished mentors means our mentees aren’t just receiving guidance, they’re learning directly from women who have carved their own paths in music, broken barriers and proven that it’s possible to thrive while staying true to your vision.”

This year’s pairings are: Tunisia-based Chaima Soudani with Celine Hitti, head of artist services MENA at Believe; singer Nadine Lingawi (Fulana) with Emmy-nominated composer and BBC Radio 3 presenter Hannah Peel; Egyptian multi-instrumentalist and producer Martina Ashraf with Montreal-based experimental electronic artist Liliane Chlela; Saudi composer and pianist Nora Aljebrin with Nadin Al-Khalidi, lead vocalist of Tarabband; DJ and producer Lena Chercaoui  with Saudi DJ and producer Cosmicat; and Palestinian-Jordanian vocalist Lina Sleibi with singer-songwriter and visual creative Lina Makoul.

The pairings were chosen through an anonymized selection process led by Hunna committee members and former participants.

“Hunna is about creating a space of solidarity and community where women can grow in every part of the music industry,” Hitti said.

Al-Khalidi said: “I joined the Hunna mentorship program to share my journey and inspire others to tell their own stories through music.”

Workshops are a core part of the program. The first, “Introduction to Music Production,” will be held on Aug. 20 at Beast House in Riyadh.

Monthly sessions through November will cover production, live performance, artist strategy and global positioning. They will be accessible to all members of the Hunna community.

Tanya Awad, head of music and experience at XP Music Futures and MDLBeast Foundation, which leads the Hunna initiative, said: “Our vision is clear: to see MENA women in every facet of the music industry.”