JEDDAH: AlUla Desert Blaze, a new running event added to AlUla’s sports offerings, will commence on Aug. 26.
Athletes from the region and around the world will take part in the high-intensity endurance race, taking place in sizzling summer temperatures of 42 degrees Celsius.
The race is the latest addition to an exciting lineup of sports competitions that take advantage of the city’s mesmerizing terrain. With its sandstone cliffs, lush oases and productive farmlands, the local environment offers a unique backdrop for the event.
Men and women of all fitness levels will compete in distances of 5, 10, 21 and 42 km, aiming to become one of the first global conquerors of the challenging race by pushing their physical capacities to the limit.
Chief Tourism Officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla Phillip Jones said: “AlUla Desert Blaze is not just a race; it’s a unique and transformative experience. Not only does this represent a new performance milestone for athletes, but it will also give everyone taking part a unique perspective on AlUla and its various visitor offerings, with a route that winds past ancient monuments, through undiscovered landscapes and in the shadow of monumental cliff faces edging vast sandstone canyons.”
He added: “We continue to diversify our offerings for visitors from all around the world, and the AlUla Desert Blaze is an addition to what the destination can offer adventurers and sports enthusiasts who are looking to indulge in a truly unforgettable experience.”
For participants in the 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km races, the starting point of the race is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO Heritage Site. For those taking on the marathon, the race will commence at Maraya, the record-breaking multi-purpose entertainment venue located in the heart of the Ashar Valley.
Enrollment for the race — which offers a total prize pool of SR110,000 ($30,000) — is open until Aug. 22.
Runners will receive comprehensive medical support to ensure their well-being, including access to ambulances, mobile and stationed paramedics, as well as nurses and physiotherapists.
Aid stations will be positioned every 5 km along the race route. These stations will be stocked with essential supplies such as water, ice containers, hydration beverages, energy gels, fresh fruits and nutritious snacks.
AlUla has been at the forefront of sustainable development in the Kingdom through its sports and adventure offerings, hosting prestigious events such as the AlUla Camel Cup, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup and the Saudi Tour.
Jones encouraged those interested in taking part in the race to register for a chance to win cash prizes. Fans who wish to attend can purchase race tickets at experiencealula.com.
AlUla Desert Blaze offers thrilling endurance race
https://arab.news/yghuv
AlUla Desert Blaze offers thrilling endurance race
- The race is the latest addition to an exciting lineup of sports competitions that take advantage of the city’s mesmerizing terrain
- Chief Tourism Officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla Phillip Jones said: “AlUla Desert Blaze is not just a race; it’s a unique and transformative experience”
Saudi Arabia enhances pilgrimage journey with record growth, satisfaction
- New report reveals 101% increase in arrivals, improved services, and seamless pilgrim experiences
RIYADH: The Pilgrim Experience Program, a key initiative under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, issued its 2024 annual report, showing a 101 percent increase in arrivals compared with 2022 — an achievement attributed to cross-sector integration and streamlined procedures facilitating pilgrimages.
The report highlighted the program’s and its affiliated entities’ achievements in enhancing services for pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors, showing the Kingdom’s efforts to provide a rich, seamless and spiritually fulfilling experience from planning to safe return.
According to the report, in 2024 more than 18.5 million pilgrims and Umrah performers arrived from abroad, including 16.92 million Umrah performers, exceeding the year’s targets.
It noted that 89 initiatives, implemented with more than 40 government entities, achieved a 95 percent compliance rate. These initiatives cover all stages of the pilgrim journey, including transport, rituals, and visits to historical and religious sites.
Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, minister of Hajj and Umrah and chairman of the Pilgrim Experience Program committee, said that the Saudi leadership has prioritized serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims as a key goal of Vision 2030.
Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah hosted more than 13 million visitors in 2024, up from 4 million in 2022. Visitor satisfaction rose from 57 percent to 81 percent, reflecting improved service quality and experience.
Volunteer engagement grew significantly, with more than 153,000 volunteers serving pilgrims in 2024, up from 15,000 in 2022 — showing a stronger culture of social participation.
Internationally, the program led 33 overseas visits with public and private partners, addressing logistical challenges, opening new routes, increasing seat capacity and easing travel for pilgrims.
The Hajj and Umrah minister emphasized that these achievements result from the efforts of more than 40 partner organisations, each working with a sense of religious and national duty.
Globally, Makkah ranked fifth in international visitor numbers, while Madinah climbed to seventh in the global tourism performance index, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading spiritual and cultural destination.
The report also highlighted advances in digital services, notably the Nusuk platform, which now offers more than 100 services to streamline travel, booking, and pilgrimage arrangements.
Meanwhile, the Makkah Route initiative, designed to expedite travel procedures for pilgrims in their home countries, has benefited more than 940,000 travelers since its inception.
The report concluded by emphasizing that these milestones reflect the support of the Kingdom’s leadership and the efforts of various government agencies.
It reaffirmed that serving pilgrims remains a top national priority, with continued innovation and integration to enhance their religious and cultural journey in line with Vision 2030 aspirations.
Baha’s farms cultivate more than crops as tourism grows
- Region is home to 23 licensed rural farms
- More are expected as part of broader effort by Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to license up to 50 farms across Baha
RIYADH: Tucked into Saudi Arabia’s mountainous southwest, Baha’s rural farms are drawing travelers looking for a slower pace of life.
Fruit picking, farming and rustic charm meet Saudi hospitality in the growing tourism trend.
The region is home to 23 licensed rural farms, with more expected as part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to license up to 50 farms across Baha, the Saudi Press Agency said in a report.
The growth is part of a national initiative to promote agritourism and rural development, with farms contributing to the local economy by combining agriculture with heritage-based tourism.
The ministry has supported this development by distributing 15,000 seedlings of crops suited to the region, including blackberries, pistachios, saffron, roses and strawberries.
Seven demonstration fields have been set up as models for successful farming, and small farms have been developed to host agritourism activities, including fruit picking, livestock care and tree planting.
Five agritourism workshops and several entrepreneurial training sessions have been held for farm owners. The ministry has also conducted 25 workshops on licensing procedures and 114 field visits to facilitate agricultural licensing processes.
The licensed farms span various governorates and offer a range of experiences that combine traditional hospitality with the region’s agriculture and cultural identity.
Visitors can sample local cuisine, take part in agricultural activities, and explore handicrafts and social traditions.
During the summer, the farms produce a variety of fresh fruits, including grapes, figs, apricots, pomegranates, blackberries, prickly pears and peaches.
Riyadh financial hub earns Guinness Record for 15.46 km pedestrian skyway
- Elevated above ground and connected to Riyadh’s metro, the skywalks help workers, visitors, and residents move easily
RIYADH: The King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh was awarded a Guinness World Record on Sunday for the world’s largest continuous pedestrian skyway network.
The network spans 15.46 km, linking 95 buildings through 42 climate-controlled skywalks, allowing year-round pedestrian access.
Elevated above ground and connected to Riyadh’s metro, the skywalks help workers, visitors, and residents move easily through the district while avoiding traffic and weather.
Built with 30,000 sq. meters of glass and more than 3,000 tonnes of steel, the project required more than 5 million safe work hours from 1,200 personnel.
The skywalks connect offices, homes, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it easier to walk between work, home, and leisure.
“This recognition by Guinness World Records affirms KAFD as a platform for urban development,” said Faddy AlAql, chief asset delivery officer at KAFD Development and Management Co.
“The skywalk network reflects a mobility strategy that connects assets, enhances walkability, and supports our goal of delivering a smart city experience.”
Mbali Nkosi, official adjudicator for Guinness World Records, said: “First set in Minneapolis in 2016, this record has now been redefined by KAFD. In an era where sustainability drives innovation, KAFD’s skyway network sets a new benchmark for walkable urban design.”
The district hosts more than 90 international and local companies and 19 regional headquarters, including Goldman Sachs, Bain & Company, and PepsiCo.
Qassim shines as date harvest fills local markets
- Qassim contributes more than 390,000 tonnes annually to Saudi Arabia’s total date production
- With more than 11 million palm trees, Qassim produces popular varieties such as sukari, barhi, saggi, ajwa, khalas, mabroom, safawi and anbari
JEDDAH: Qassim region is abuzz as the early date harvest begins, yielding more than 50 varieties and filling local markets, reaffirming the region’s role as a major center for date cultivation and marketing in the Kingdom.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Qassim contributes more than 390,000 tonnes annually to Saudi Arabia’s total date production.
This output strengthens its leadership in food security and boosts Saudi agricultural exports, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
With more than 11 million palm trees, Qassim produces popular varieties such as sukari, barhi, saggi, ajwa, khalas, mabroom, safawi and anbari.
This abundance supports local food security and supplies dates to more than 100 countries worldwide, the SPA added.
Date farmer Abdulaziz Al-Baridi praised the support farmers receive from the ministry branch in Qassim, including education on irrigation techniques and pest control, and preparation of markets for date trade.
As the harvest gains momentum, preparations are underway for the Buraidah Dates Festival. It is expected to boost economic activity, raise nutritional awareness, and strengthen market links between farmers and consumers.
The festival aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by promoting agricultural sustainability and diversifying the economy.
Islamic coalition hosts training program in Riyadh
RIYADH: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition launched a specialized training program titled “Collection Management” on Sunday at its Riyadh headquarters.
This initiative is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to support and build the capacities of nominees from coalition member states, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goal to enhance integration and cooperation among member states in the fight against terrorism.
It targets 25 nominees from 14 member states, providing theoretical knowledge and practical skills in collection operations, data analysis, and supporting decision-makers in counterterrorism and anti-extremism.
The five-day program, supervised by military and information experts, includes training sessions, simulations, and workshops to improve institutional readiness and capacity for current security challenges.
This training is part of a broader coalition effort, now comprising more than 46 specialized programs covering areas like ideology, terrorism financing, military coordination, and media engagement.
