Saudi Arabia hosts military drills at Prince Sultan Airbase

Saudi Arabia hosts military drills at Prince Sultan Airbase
Servicemen from the Royal Saudi Air Force greet their Jordanian counterparts at Prince Sultan Airbase, Dec. 2 (SPA)
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Updated 03 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia hosts military drills at Prince Sultan Airbase

Saudi Arabia hosts military drills at Prince Sultan Airbase
  • 8 other countries’ forces taking part in 2-week military exercise southeast of Riyadh

RIYADH: Prince Sultan Airbase is hosting Tuwaiq 4 military drills with the air forces from eight other countries. 

Alongside the Royal Saudi Air Force, combat pilots and military servicemen from Oman, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, the UK, the US, Greece, and the UAE participated on Monday in aerial drills at the base near Al-Kharj, southeast of Riyadh. 

Forces from Egypt and Bahrain will be joining as observers in the two-week military exercise.

Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Khanfour, a Saudi colonel pilot, said that Tuwaiq 4 drills looked to enhance cooperation, raise the level of readiness, and improve the combat efficiency of aircrews, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Drills will also focus on tactical landing, flying at high and low altitudes, operating in challenging scenarios, carrying out search and rescue operations, and enhancing ground technical support. 

Tuwaiq 4 also includes lectures about prominent air combat technologies and theories of planning and commanding an air operation.


Saudi Border Guard, SCIHL drive humanitarian progress at Riyadh event

Saudi Border Guard, SCIHL drive humanitarian progress at Riyadh event
Updated 46 min 28 sec ago
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Saudi Border Guard, SCIHL drive humanitarian progress at Riyadh event

Saudi Border Guard, SCIHL drive humanitarian progress at Riyadh event
  • Introduction to International Humanitarian Law course was organized by SCIHL
  • Three-day course took place at the Border Guard headquarters and included a series of specialized lectures

RIYADH: A course aiming to promote awareness of international humanitarian law and enhance its implementation in Saudi Arabia took place on Wednesday in Riyadh.

The Introduction to International Humanitarian Law course was organized by the Kingdom’s national Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law, or SCIHL, in partnership with the General Directorate of Border Guard, with the participation of more than 500 military and civilian personnel.

The three-day course took place at the Border Guard headquarters and included a series of specialized lectures addressing key topics such as cyber operations within the framework of international humanitarian law and the role of civilian and military media in times of armed conflict.

The program also featured a high-level panel discussion titled “The Importance of Enforcing International Humanitarian Law at the National Level,” delivered by a select group of experts.

SCIHL secretary-general counselor, Abdullah Al-Ruwaili, told Arab News that the diverse attendance reflected the high level of confidence participants place in the professionalism of the organizing bodies, particularly the SCIHL and the General Directorate of Border Guards.

Al-Ruwaili said that the relevance and timing of the course — amid escalating challenges related to conflicts and emerging technologies — were key factors behind the significant turnout.

The diversity of the course’s themes — encompassing legal, cyber and media aspects — played a key role in drawing a wide audience of practitioners and stakeholders, according to the secretary general. The interactive approach and the participation of prominent experts fostered a rich environment for dialogue and the exchange of expertise, Al-Ruwaili said.

He said that confidence in the professionalism of the organizing bodies and their commitment to the quality of content and outcomes were among the key factors behind the engagement and positive feedback from participants.

The joint organization of the course by the SCIHL and the Border Guard stands as a distinguished example of national institutional synergy in the implementation of international humanitarian law, he added.

By combining the committee’s legal and academic expertise with the directorate’s provision of a practical, field-based setting for in-depth dialogue, the initiative successfully integrated theoretical frameworks with real-world application — substantially enhancing the quality and impact of the training content, Al-Ruwaili said.

“This collaboration stands as a testament to the Border Guard’s dedication to strengthening its capabilities in accordance with international humanitarian values and principles. It represents a leading example of synergy between legal and security institutions — one that holds potential for broader application across various sectors,” Al-Ruwaili said.


Is it a bird, is it a plane? No — it’s a Saudi aviation athlete

Is it a bird, is it a plane? No — it’s a Saudi aviation athlete
Updated 24 July 2025
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Is it a bird, is it a plane? No — it’s a Saudi aviation athlete

Is it a bird, is it a plane? No — it’s a Saudi aviation athlete
  • What started as a hobby earned Faisal Al-Olayan a place in the national paragliding team

RIYADH: Most people live their lives on the ground, but Faisal Al-Olayan chose the sky.

The Saudi aviation athlete, this week’s guest on The Mayman Show, is an aerospace engineer, pilot, skydiver and a member of the Kingdom’s national paragliding team. Most of us travel, but he chases storms, soars above mountains and dives into clouds in ways most of us only dream about. 

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From experiencing rain that “almost stops the heart” mid-flight to emotional moments when he completed his wingsuit training in Russia, Al-Olayan lives life one adrenaline rush at a time. His story is not so much about escaping gravity, as about finding freedom within it.

“I started having fun in flying because my mom, when I was young, she was telling me (I was) half bird. And when I started with this mentality, I started to do all of my activities in the sky. I started from graduating with sports until I am here with the national team,” said Al-Olayan.

He began paramotoring in 2019, a form of ultralight aviation using a paraglider wing and a motor worn as a backpack.

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“I started to train (in) paramotoring here in Riyadh,” he recalled. “A paramotor is basically a parachute, but you have an engine (on) your back and you can foot-launch from anywhere.”

He then planned to do his pilot training in the US, but the global pandemic and resulting lockdowns put paid to that.

Al-Olayan loves to travel and has visited 67 countries to date.

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“I started to take my paraglider with me to fly from mountains, I was getting more experience with this sport as a paraglider. And this is what makes me continue in all of those aerial sports,” he said.

His role as an aerospace engineer also plays a big part in his experiences in the air.

“If you want to start to fly, you have to know aerodynamics … you have to know how the wind (is) flying and all of those things,” he explained.

It also helped him become a fast learner and understand what was happening when he flew.

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“There are two kinds of pilots. There is an experienced one and there is (an) experience and no physics one … it’s like driving … you know how to drive the car, but you don’t know anything about the car, you don’t know about the engine,” he said.

Al-Olayan added that was what made him fall in love with paramotoring and other sports.

“I even built my own paramotor. I was designing it, everything with my specifications and things like that,” he said. “And all of that happened when I studied at KFUPM (King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals) in Dhahran.”

For five years, he did nothing but study until he obtained his degree in aerospace engineering. After that, he started taking part in competitions, doing well enough to earn his place in Saudi Arabia’s national paragliding team, run by the Saudi Paragliding Federation.

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“Shaheen (is) the name of the paragliding organization. And that was like … a new chapter for me because to compete is something — you’re holding your name — but now you compete with the Saudi name … bringing your flag and your clothes, and everyone is seeing you as a Saudi athlete,” he explained.

“It’s not like Faisal, the old one, is coming to compete. In the competitions that I was in, (I) was less nervous and less pressured. But when I was going with the national team, it was much, much more pressure. But for me, I enjoyed it a lot because it was more exciting.”

 

 


Sands Sports Park playing key role in improving quality of life in Riyadh

Sands Sports Park playing key role in improving quality of life in Riyadh
Updated 24 July 2025
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Sands Sports Park playing key role in improving quality of life in Riyadh

Sands Sports Park playing key role in improving quality of life in Riyadh
  • 45km multi-use trails for cycling, running, hiking, horse riding
  • Dune rehabilitation highlights sustainable urban development

RIYADH: The capital’s Sands Sports Park is one of the flagship components of the Sports Boulevard project, combining the natural beauty of the desert with a range of sporting facilities.

Located southeast of King Khalid International Airport, the park is designed to enhance residents’ quality of life, inspiring them to exercise and enjoy nature, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The facility opened earlier this year and is a significant addition to the Kingdom’s growing network of sporting and entertainment offerings.

The park stretches across a vast expanse of sand dunes and features more than 45 km of multi-use trails, making it the longest open-air project dedicated to outdoor activities in the Kingdom.

Sands Sports Park was designed with local heritage in mind, and features sculptures of the Najdi rose at the convergence of several trails.

Several specialized trails offer different activities including cycling, mountain biking, running, walking, hiking and horseback riding.

In its construction, more than 350,000 sq. meters of sand dunes were rehabilitated with facilities integrated into the terrain to preserve the natural ecosystem, demonstrating dedication to sustainability and mindful urban development.

The park is also equipped to host major cycling competitions and endurance races, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s presence on the global map of sports and eco-tourism, aligning with the rising international interest in outdoor and sustainable experiences.

As a symbol of Riyadh’s dynamic transformation, the park merges modern vision with cultural authenticity, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the SPA reported.

By expanding access to safe, inclusive, and sustainable recreation, the park plays a key role in shaping a more vibrant, livable capital and encouraging a deeper connection between people and nature.


Saudi scouts join 16th World Scout Moot in Portugal

Saudi scouts join 16th World Scout Moot in Portugal
Updated 24 July 2025
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Saudi scouts join 16th World Scout Moot in Portugal

Saudi scouts join 16th World Scout Moot in Portugal

JEDDAH: The Saudi Arabian Boy Scouts Association is participating in the 16th World Scout Moot, taking place in Portugal from July 25 to Aug. 3.

The global event has drawn more than 6,000 Rover Scouts from around the world, and officially opened in the capital, Lisbon. It marks Saudi Arabia’s continued engagement in international scouting initiatives aimed at fostering global citizenship and cross-cultural understanding.

As part of the program, participants embark on an exploratory journey across various regions of Portugal under the “Paths” initiative, designed to immerse young scouts in the country’s diverse landscapes and heritage.

The delegation then proceeds to the main camp in Bucaco, near Porto, where they will spend five days engaged in activities focused on cultural exchange, environmental awareness, and traditional Portuguese practices.

Mubarak bin Awad Al-Dosari, the Saudi Scouts media officer, told Arab News: “A total of 93 Saudi participants are taking part in the event, including 72 rovers, both male and female from various sectors of the association, 17 members of the International Service Team, and an administrative team composed of 4 individuals.”

He added: “Activities include workshops, exploratory hiking trips, visits to landmarks in several Portuguese cities, and programs designed to foster networking and friendship-building.

“The Saudi delegation will also take part in the International Day for Cultural Exchange, showcasing traditional foods, clothing, jewelry, and serving Saudi coffee.”

Al-Dosari emphasized the significance of the moot: “This event is an opportunity to gain more scouting experience, build new friendships and relationships with scouts from around the world, and to promote and introduce Saudi culture to others.

“It also allows participants to learn about other cultures and benefit from workshops focused on skill development and personal growth,” he said.

The main camp features skill-building workshops, intercultural dialogue sessions, and an International Day, where each participating delegation showcases its national identity and customs. The event will conclude with a closing ceremony in the city of Porto.

SABSA said its participation is part of broader efforts to enhance leadership skills among Saudi youth, while promoting dialogue, understanding, and international cooperation.

The World Scout Moot is organized every four years and is open to young people aged 18 to 25. Individuals over the age of 26 are eligible to participate as members of the International Service Team.

The association emphasized that international engagement is a key pillar in its mission to equip young Saudis with the tools needed to thrive as active, globally minded citizens.


Deputy minister of human resources says Saudi reforms boost women’s economic participation

Deputy minister of human resources says Saudi reforms boost women’s economic participation
Updated 24 July 2025
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Deputy minister of human resources says Saudi reforms boost women’s economic participation

Deputy minister of human resources says Saudi reforms boost women’s economic participation
  • Female workforce participation reached 36.3 percent in first quarter of 2025, up from 19.7 percent in 2018
  • Maternity leave extended to 12 weeks with full pay; almost 1.3 million women working freelance

RIYADH: Dr. Tariq Alhamad, Saudi Arabia’s deputy minister for international affairs at the ministry of human resources and social development, outlined how reforms under Vision 2030 are helping to remove barriers to women’s participation in economic and social life during the official review of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality.

“Vision 2030 is more than a set of goals,” he said. “It brings government, civil society, and the private sector into shared delivery,” he said at the 2025 UN High-Level Political Forum in New York City on Tuesday.

“We’ve focused not only on policy, but on the support systems women need to participate fully — whether that’s jobs, childcare or reliable transport.

“There’s more to do, but we’ve made real progress, and we’re determined to build on it,” Alhamad said.

He described Vision 2030 as a national framework that aligns closely with the SDGs and provides the basis for long-term reform.

The deputy minister noted that female workforce participation reached 36.3 percent in the first quarter of 2025, up from 19.7 percent in 2018. Initiatives such as Qurrah, which has supported more than 40,000 women with childcare, and Wusool, which has helped more than 300,000 women with transport to and from work, have been key to this shift.

Maternity leave has been extended to 12 weeks with full pay, and close to 1.3 million women are now working freelance.

“Change doesn’t happen in isolation,” Alhamad said. “It needs institutions that can partner, systems that allow for transparency, and frameworks that reflect our national priorities while staying aligned with global standards.”

HRSD has introduced new legal frameworks for volunteering, donations and non-profit work. Alongside the National Center for Non-Profit Sector, the ministry is helping to expand the role of civil society in service delivery and innovation.

Initiatives such as the National Volunteer Portal and the Ehsan platform are making it easier for citizens to participate, while helping institutions track and improve impact.

The ministry is working to contribute to several SDGs, including Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Reduced Inequality (SDG 10), Strong Institutions (SDG 16), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

Dr. Tariq also spoke about the value of international partnerships, highlighting HRSD’s collaboration with the International Labour Organization and the World Bank, both part of the broader UN system. These relationships, he said, help ensure that national reforms meet international standards while staying rooted in local realities.

“Vision 2030 and the 2030 Agenda were launched the same year. They’re not the same, but they speak to many of the same goals,” he said.

“For us, the SDGs are not abstract. They’re reflected in the way we build institutions, form partnerships, and serve our communities.”

The minister of economy and planning, Faisal Al-Ibrahim, delivered the Kingdom’s address at the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York City.