JEDDAH: Alinghi Red Bull Racing sailing team are gearing up for the second preliminary regatta of the 37th America’s Cup, to be held in Jeddah from Nov. 29-Dec. 2.
The team were the first of the six America’s Cup entries to arrive in Jeddah three weeks ago to train, and along with the shore team set up a temporary base to prepare the AC40 boats.
Initial conditions were perfect, providing an ideal opportunity to train and test out of Jeddah’s scenic Corniche.
Local media witnessed a daily training session of the Swiss sailing team on Thursday on the crystal waters of the Red Sea.
Silvio Arrivabene, one of the general managers of Alinghi Red Bull Racing, told Arab News that the team are focused on the event, especially after their misfortune during the first preliminary regatta in Vilanova in September following a hydraulics failure.
Arrivabene, who is one of Alinghi’s key men, has been called upon to share his long experience of the America’s Cup with his team.
He said: “First of all, it is our pleasure being here in Jeddah and we appreciate the great welcome we have received from the residents of Jeddah since we arrived.
“We have been lucky enough to have had a few days of training ahead of the competition. We found exceptional conditions here in the Red Sea after bringing our two AC40 boats.
“We are continuing our training (and hope) to be ready for the official day next week to sail from Jeddah Yacht club.
“It seems that everyone we meet here is very excited and we hope they enjoy the competition and learn more about this thrilling sport, especially if they are seeing it for the first time.”
Alinghi, after more than a decade away from the America’s Cup, are returning to do battle for sailing’s highest honor. The double America’s Cup-winning syndicate has joined forces with Red Bull to create a new team, Alinghi Red Bull Racing.
Fourteen sailors have been selected to join the team. While some are new to the sport, they are being supported by several of sailing’s biggest names.
Alinghi Red Bull Racing sailing team gears up for America’s Cup preliminary regatta
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Alinghi Red Bull Racing sailing team gears up for America’s Cup preliminary regatta
- Jeddah arrivals have been preparing in Kingdom for 3 weeks
- Initial conditions were perfect for sessions in the water
Top team to be crowned at ESL Saudi Challenge grand final
RIYADH: The ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 reaches a thrilling climax this Friday at VOV Gaming in Riyadh, where Saudi Arabia’s top Overwatch 2 teams are set to battle for regional supremacy and a place on the global stage.
The high-stakes tournament will see Team Vision take on Al-Qadsiah in a best-of-five showdown, with the winner advancing to face reigning champions Twisted Minds in a best-of-seven grand final.
With qualification for the Overwatch Champions Series and the Esports World Cup at stake, the event is being hailed as a defining moment for the Kingdom’s esports scene.
This year’s ESL Saudi Challenge is playing a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s evolving esports ecosystem. More than just a tournament, it serves as a direct pathway to international competition while highlighting the rising caliber of local talent.
Organized by ESL FACEIT Group, the world’s leading esports and video game entertainment company, the tournament reflects the Kingdom’s broader ambitions to become a global gaming hub.
EFG was acquired in 2022 by Savvy Games Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, in a $1.5 billion deal aimed at accelerating the growth of esports in the region.
The ESL Saudi Challenge is a key pillar in that strategy, with EFG also serving as the main operating partner for the Esports World Cup over the next five years. The group’s involvement marks a long-term vision to build a world-class esports infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and provide new opportunities for players, fans and creators alike.
Viewers can tune in to the action live on ESL Arabia’s official channels across X, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. As anticipation builds for Friday’s final, the event promises not only elite-level Overwatch 2 gameplay, but a powerful statement of intent from a nation rapidly becoming a leader in global esports.
Jeddah United strike gold in Saudi 3x3 basketball tourney
- Jeddah beat Al-Nassr 22-20, win championship without dropping a game at Madinah tourney in May
- Standout performances from Kawthar Khayyat, Fahda Al-Sulaiman, Rand Alnowaiser, Noura Alkhayyal
RIYADH: Jeddah United Club have added another remarkable chapter to their legacy by clinching gold at the Saudi 3x3 Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Held over three days in Madinah, the overall tournament was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Basketball Federation, showcasing the country’s commitment to advancing basketball across all categories.
The event featured three competitive brackets — for men, women and under-18 boys — and drew more than 1,500 spectators, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for the sport.
In the women’s division, six teams competed: Jeddah United, Al-Nassr Club, Al-Qadisiyah Club, NEOM Club, Jeddah Club, and Gym Master Team.
From the opening game to the final, Jeddah United displayed unmatched dominance and tactical finesse.
Jeddah United opened their campaign with a commanding 21–2 victory over Gym Master. They followed with a solid 14–5 win against Al-Qadisiyah in the group stage. In the semifinal, they outpaced Jeddah Club 20–12.
The final proved to be the most intense matchup of the tournament, as they faced a determined Al-Nassr squad. In a tightly contested battle, Jeddah United held their nerve to clinch a thrilling 22–20 victory, sealing the championship without dropping a single game.
The championship squad featured standout performances from Kawthar Khayyat, Fahda Al-Sulaiman, Rand Alnowaiser, and Noura Alkhayyal, all under the direction of team manager Ahmed Amir.
Their synergy, athleticism, and tactical discipline were evident throughout the tournament, setting a high bar for future competitions.
Jeddah United’s triumph was bolstered by strong institutional support, which includes their strategic partnership with the University of Business and Technology and the medical backing of MyClinic.
This latest title adds to Jeddah United’s impressive record. They previously secured back-to-back gold medals at the Saudi Games in 2022 and 2023, followed by a bronze in 2024.
With this 3x3 tournament victory, they continue to affirm their position as pioneers in women’s basketball in Saudi Arabia, inspiring a new generation of female athletes and setting a benchmark for excellence in national and regional competitions.
As the landscape of Saudi sports evolves, Jeddah United’s continued success serves as a powerful symbol of the Kingdom’s growing commitment to women’s participation and achievement in sports.
ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 offers Saudi teams shot at Esports World Cup glory
- Top Overwatch 2 squads compete for $20k prize and place in the global circuit
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning esports scene takes another significant step forward as the ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 kicks off, spotlighting the Kingdom’s top Overwatch 2 talent and offering a direct path to the Esports World Cup.
Organized by ESL FACEIT Group, a Savvy Games Group company, the tournament features eight elite Saudi teams battling for a share of the $20,000 prize pool. But more than just the money is on the line — the winning team will earn a coveted spot in the Overwatch Champions Series, a premier international circuit that feeds into the EWC.
“The ESL Saudi Challenge is more than just a local tournament; it’s a strategic platform that offers players a genuine opportunity to reach the global stage,” said Franck Guignery, senior vice president of Middle East and North Africa at ESL FACEIT Group. “As an official operating partner of the EWC, ESL FACEIT Group is committed to building professional pathways and empowering local talent to represent Saudi Arabia in the international esports scene.”
The initiative is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s national strategy to develop a sustainable esports ecosystem and position the Kingdom as a global hub for competitive gaming.
This year’s tournament will culminate with the grand final on May 30 at VOV Gaming in Riyadh, where the top three teams from the May 13–16 playoffs will compete live in front of a home crowd.
With high stakes and international exposure on offer, the ESL Saudi Challenge has become a proving ground for players looking to make the leap from national heroes to global contenders.
Crown prince congratulates Al-Ahli on historic Asian Elite Champions League win
- Praises Al-Ahli for exceptional performance, professionalism
- Victory vital to boost Saudi’s growing stature in global sports
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Al-Ahli on Monday for winning the 2025 Asian Elite Champions League.
At a reception here, the crown prince met with Sport Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal, Al-Ahli Club Chairman Dr. Khaled Al-Issa Al-Ghamdi, and several of the club’s staff and players.
The crown prince congratulated the team on their historic victory and praised them for their exceptional performance and professionalism.
He stressed the importance of hard work to elevate Saudi Arabia’s profile in the global sports arena.
Al-Ahli’s continental success marks a major milestone in the club’s history and comes amid Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in sports and culture as a part of Vision 2030.
PFL MENA season 2 opens with world-class talent in Jeddah on Friday
- Reigning lightweight champion, Iran’s Mohsen Mohammadseifi, battles rising contender Ahmed El-Sisy from Egypt
- Saudi Arabia’s Abdulaziz bin Moammar makes his debut against Morocco’s Fares Hamdani in catchweight bout
JEDDAH: The second season of PFL MENA begins this Friday at the Onyx Arena in Jeddah, featuring world-class talent from the Middle East North Africa region.
Headlining the card is a high-stakes lightweight showdown between reigning champion Mohsen Mohammadseifi from Iran and rising contender Ahmed El-Sisy from Egypt.
The division also features a trio of compelling matchups, with Algeria’s Souhil Tahiri taking on Kuwait’s Abdullah Saleem, and Bahrain’s Abbas Khan squaring off against Moroccan striker Salah Eddine Hamli.
The featherweight division promises equal intensity.
Jordan’s Abdelrahman Alhyasat, riding the momentum of a five-fight win streak, faces a formidable challenge in undefeated Moroccan Taha Bendaoud.
In other featured featherweight contests, Jordan’s Izzeddine Al-Derbani meets Algerian standout Mohamed Amine, while Iraq’s Hussein Salem takes on Egypt’s Assem Ghanem.
Adding to the excitement are several exhibition bouts, including Saudi Arabia’s Abdulaziz bin Moammar making his debut against Morocco’s Fares Hamdani in a catchweight fight.
The flyweight division will see local favorite Malik Basahel clash with Algeria’s Mountassir Boutouta.
The evening will also spotlight women’s MMA, with undefeated Kuwaiti talent Eman Almudhaf going toe-to-toe with Brazil’s Shamara Braga in a featherweight contest that promises fireworks.
Stacked with world-class talent, the PFL’s return to Jeddah sets the stage for a thrilling 2025 season.
