AlUla Trail Race offers challenges for adventure enthusiasts of all levels

AlUla Trail Race offers challenges for adventure enthusiasts of all levels
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AlUla Trail Race 2025 features seven distinct races, with participants viewing iconic AlUla locations, including Elephant Rock, Maraya, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra. (SPA)
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Updated 19 November 2024
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AlUla Trail Race offers challenges for adventure enthusiasts of all levels

AlUla Trail Race offers challenges for adventure enthusiasts of all levels
  • Participants of all ages and fitness levels are invited to engage in this sporting challenge in a vibrant, competitive environment
  • Several races will be held at the event, organized by AlUla Moments, ranging from a 1.6 km Kids’ Run to a 100 km ultra-marathon

RIYADH: The AlUla Trail Race will take place on Jan. 23 and 24, 2025, offering a challenge with stunning scenery for adventure enthusiasts.

Participants of all ages and fitness levels are invited to engage in this sporting challenge in a vibrant, competitive environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Several races will be held at the event, organized by AlUla Moments, ranging from a 1.6 km “Kids’ Run” to a 100 km ultra-marathon, providing options for all skill levels across AlUla’s desert landscape and ancient oases.

The AlUla Trail Race 2025 features seven distinct races, with participants viewing iconic AlUla locations, including Elephant Rock, Maraya (the world’s largest mirrored building), and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra.

The 1.6 km race, for children aged 6 to 12, offers a safe and fun introduction to competitive running. The “Sunset Run” (3 km) allows participants aged 13 and older to explore AlUla’s oasis at sunset.

The 10 km “AlUla Oasis” race is open to runners aged 13 and older, suitable for beginners or those seeking a moderate challenge.

The “Elephant Rock” 23 km race is aimed at more experienced athletes aged 16 and older, and is equivalent to more than half a marathon.

The 50 km “Al-Mejdar” race is the toughest trial for runners aged 18 and older, while the 100 km “Hegra” event is the ultimate challenge for professional runners aged 18 and older, testing endurance in one of the most scenic and demanding races.

The event spans two days. On the first day, participants will register, receive race numbers and equipment, and attend a briefing before heading to the starting locations. Day one will also feature races for children, families and after-sunset events.

On day two, the 10 km, 23 km and ultramarathon races will be held, concluding with a ceremony to honor the winners and distribute awards.

In addition to the competitive atmosphere, the sports village will provide a range of food and beverages, including premium coffee, along with live music and entertainment.

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation spaces will be available for runners post-race.


Cumin has health benefits but seek medical consultation before use, says SFDA

Cumin has health benefits but seek medical consultation before use, says SFDA
Updated 07 March 2025
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Cumin has health benefits but seek medical consultation before use, says SFDA

Cumin has health benefits but seek medical consultation before use, says SFDA
  • Herbs, like any substance with therapeutic effects, should be used with caution, the authority said
  • Medical consultation is particularly recommended for those with blood clotting disorders or diabetes 

RIYADH: Cumin offers notable health benefits and nutritional value, including aiding digestion and relieving gas, but it should not be used without seeking medical consultation, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) said on Thursday.

Cumin, particularly the Cuminum cyminum species, is an aromatic spice used as a seasoning in food and extracted for its oil for perfumes, and is also a popular remedy in traditional medicine.

But the SFDA emphasized that herbs, like any substance with therapeutic effects, should be used with caution. 

"Medical consultation is essential, as certain herbs may interact with medications or affect nutrient absorption," the authority said in an advisory carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

The SFDA recommended adhering to the recommended daily intake of 1.5 to 3 grams of cumin, noting that one teaspoon is equivalent to 5 grams. 

Cumin may interact with blood thinners and diabetes medications, potentially mimicking their effects and leading to complications, it said.

Medical consultation is particularly recommended for individuals with blood clotting disorders or diabetes, as well as pregnant and lactating women, the SFDA said.

It warned that cumin may induce uterine contractions, increasing the risk of premature birth, and could also affect hormonal balance during pregnancy.

Cumin may also cause acid reflux or diarrhea and could influence milk production in breastfeeding mothers, potentially leading to colic or diarrhea in infants, the advisory warned. 

It further recommended discontinuing cumin consumption at least two weeks before any surgical procedure, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.


Saudi Arabia condemns attacks by ‘outlaw groups’ in Syria 

Saudi Arabia condemns attacks by ‘outlaw groups’ in Syria 
Updated 07 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns attacks by ‘outlaw groups’ in Syria 

Saudi Arabia condemns attacks by ‘outlaw groups’ in Syria 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has condemned the targeting of security forces and crimes by “outlaw groups” in Syria, a foreign ministry said early Friday. 

“The Kingdom affirms its support for the Syrian government in its efforts to maintain security and stability and preserve civil peace,” the statement concluded.

Syrian forces were clashing with gunmen loyal to an Assad-era special forces commander in Latakia on Thursday, the province’s security director said, after authorities reportedly launched helicopter strikes.

The fighting killed 48 people on Thursday, a war monitor said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the clashes in the coastal town of Jableh and adjacent villages were “the most violent attacks against the new authorities since Assad was toppled” in December.

Pro-Assad fighters killed 16 security personnel while 28 fighters “loyal” to ousted President Bashar Assad and four civilians were also killed, it said.

The fighting struck in the Mediterranean coastal province of Latakia, the heartland of the ousted president’s Alawite minority who were considered bastions of support during his rule.


Saudi FM participates in GCC-Jordan ministerial meeting

Saudi FM participates in GCC-Jordan ministerial meeting
Updated 07 March 2025
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Saudi FM participates in GCC-Jordan ministerial meeting

Saudi FM participates in GCC-Jordan ministerial meeting

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan participated on Thursday in the seventh GCC-Jordan joint ministerial meeting of foreign ministers in Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The meeting discussed regional issues including the Palestinian cause and the efforts made to achieve regional security and stability.

It also tackled ways of boosting GCC-Jordanian relations and supporting partnerships.

The meeting was headed by Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya.


Saudi-Moroccan foreign ministers co-chair 14th session of joint committee in Makkah

Saudi-Moroccan foreign ministers co-chair 14th session of joint committee in Makkah
Updated 07 March 2025
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Saudi-Moroccan foreign ministers co-chair 14th session of joint committee in Makkah

Saudi-Moroccan foreign ministers co-chair 14th session of joint committee in Makkah

MAKKAH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita co-chaired in Makkah the 14th session of the Saudi-Moroccan Joint Committee.

The event was attended by senior officials from ministries, government agencies and private-sector institutions from both sides.

The convening of the meeting reaffirms the strong ties between the two countries and aims to boost cooperation in all areas of common interest.

Both sides appreciated the efforts of the entities involved in the committee’s work to meet the aspirations of both leaderships. They also emphasized their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various fields to further elevate their strong relations.


Crackdown on environmental offenders in Saudi Arabia

Crackdown on environmental offenders in Saudi Arabia
Updated 07 March 2025
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Crackdown on environmental offenders in Saudi Arabia

Crackdown on environmental offenders in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Special Forces for Environmental Security in Saudi Arabia took action in three separate incidents of environmental law infringement, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The forces apprehended two citizens for environmental offences after they cut protective fencing and entered the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve without proper permits. The authorities have implemented statutory procedures against the offenders and referred them to the authorities.

In a separate incident, authorities arrested a Sudanese resident for environmental offences in the Makkah region, where he was caught burning waste illegally, causing soil pollution and environmental damage. Legal measures were taken against him before referring his case to the authorities.

Authorities also intercepted a Saudi citizen transporting one cubic meter of locally harvested firewood in the Riyadh region. Standard legal procedures were applied, and the confiscated materials were handed over to the relevant authorities.

According to official statements, penalties for cutting or damaging fences in protected areas can reach SR100,000 ($26,665), with offenders required to repair damages and pay compensation.