Saudi legend Mohammad Noor announced in EA SPORTS FC 25 hero team

Saudi legend Mohammad Noor announced in EA SPORTS FC 25 hero team
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Updated 13 August 2024
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Saudi legend Mohammad Noor announced in EA SPORTS FC 25 hero team

Saudi legend Mohammad Noor announced in EA SPORTS FC 25 hero team

RIYADH: Saudi football legend Mohammad Noor has been included in a team of heroes for the upcoming EA SPORTS FC 25 release, the game maker annouced.
The retired player’s inclusion will mark the third time a Saudi player has been included in the set, officially called the Ultimate Team, which are usable game cards featuring retired players.
Noor spent the majority of his career with Al-Ittihad Club and is renowned for his illustrious career and numerous accolades.
His tenure at the Jeddah club is marked by his pivotal role in securing back-to-back AFC Champions League titles in 2004 and 2005. Representing the Green Falcons, he participated in multiple AFC Asian Cups and World Cups, contributing significantly to the national team's successes on the international stage.
EA SPORTS FC 25 has featured legendary players from the world’s game as in-game Heroes, including Saudi players Sami Al-Jaber and Saeed Al Oweiran.  Noor’s addition continues this tradition, celebrating the rich history of Saudi football and its impact on the global stage.
SPORTS FC 25 is due to be released on Sept. 27, 2024.


Chief of Bahraini National Guard participates in Pakistan Day celebrations

Chief of Bahraini National Guard participates in Pakistan Day celebrations
Updated 4 min 50 sec ago
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Chief of Bahraini National Guard participates in Pakistan Day celebrations

Chief of Bahraini National Guard participates in Pakistan Day celebrations
  • Sheikh Mohammed conveyed greetings from the Bahraini king and crown prince to Pakistani officials
  • Saudi leadership sent separate cables of congratulations to President Zardari on his country’s National Day

LONDON: Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the commander of Bahrain’s National Guard, participated in the Pakistan Day celebrations held on Sunday in Islamabad.

The public holiday celebrated on March 23 each year commemorates the day in 1956 when Pakistan adopted its first constitution and became the world’s first Islamic republic.

Sheikh Mohammed conveyed greetings from King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa to the Pakistani leadership, the Bahrain News Agency reported.

Senior Pakistani political and military officials attended the Pakistan Day celebrations at the Presidential Palace in Islamabad on Sunday, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and various foreign delegations.

Sheikh Mohammed expressed his wishes for Pakistan’s continued progress, prosperity, and stability, according to BNA.

He has been on an official visit to Pakistan since last week, where he met senior military and political officials, including Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber, the country’s air force chief, and Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza, the chairperson of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.

On Sunday, the Saudi leadership sent separate cables of congratulations to President Zardari on his country’s National Day, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wished Zardari continued good health and happiness and the people of Pakistan steady progress and prosperity.


Saudi Arabia pushes for global water cooperation

Saudi Arabia pushes for global water cooperation
Updated 20 min 47 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia pushes for global water cooperation

Saudi Arabia pushes for global water cooperation
  • Minister outlines Kingdom’s strategies to combat water scarcity; KSrelief’s global efforts reach millions with clean water projects

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation in the water sector to address global challenges, emphasizing the need for integrated water resources management to ensure sustainability, overcome water scarcity, and develop resources.

Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani, deputy minister for water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, said that Vision 2030 prioritizes water sustainability as a key pillar of national development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

At the “Value of Water Community” forum in Rome, Al-Shaibani noted that, due to the Kingdom’s natural water scarcity, strategies have been implemented to improve efficiency, balance supply and demand, and ensure long-term sustainability.

The forum addressed Italy’s water challenges, including climate change, declining groundwater levels, and the need for advanced technologies to sustain water resources.

Al-Shaibani outlined the National Water Strategy 2030, focusing on developing alternative water sources, reducing dependence on non-renewable groundwater, enhancing desalination, improving distribution networks, and minimizing water loss.

He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s global efforts in water, including participation in initiatives like the G20 and collaboration with UN organizations.

Al-Shaibani emphasized investment opportunities in the Saudi water sector, especially in private sector partnerships, advanced technologies, and contributions to research and infrastructure development.

On World Water Day, observed on March 22, Saudi Arabia is recognized as the world’s largest water producer and a leader in water innovation, using artificial intelligence in desalination to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact, according to SPA.

Technologies based on palm trees are also being developed to fight erosion and extend water infrastructure. These innovations strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global water technology hub, showcasing its commitment to sustainability, climate change adaptation, and environmental protection.

The Saudi Water Authority, in collaboration with all water sector stakeholders, is redefining sustainable water management to maintain the Kingdom’s leadership in efficient water resource management despite scarcity.

The authority oversees the daily production of approximately 15 million cubic meters of water, which is distributed across 14,000 km of pipelines to 135,000 km of networks throughout the Kingdom.

KSrelief has supported water and sanitation sectors in affected countries, implementing 105 water-related projects worth over $301 million across 16 nations to create safe environments and enhance water security.

Yemen is the largest beneficiary, with 46 projects totaling more than $238 million, including drinking water distribution, well drilling, and improving access to water and sanitation in healthcare centers.

In Syria, KSrelief has completed four projects to improve water security, including emergency services for earthquake victims, establishing water purification stations, and rehabilitating water stations and waste management systems in Idlib.

KSrelief has also implemented five major projects in Sudan, benefiting nearly six million people, including the drilling of 33 medium-depth wells.

In Mali, KSrelief has drilled 250 shallow and 15 medium-depth wells, and 52 wells in Ghana, providing clean water, reducing waterborne diseases, and supporting agriculture and livestock.

KSrelief recently signed a joint agreement with the UN Development Programme to assist Gaza’s water and sanitation sector, benefiting one million people.

The agency’s projects extend to Iraq, Somalia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Niger, aiming to improve water security and sustainability, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to addressing global water challenges for future generations.


Saudi national team continue preparations for crucial World Cup qualifier against Japan

Saudi national team continue preparations for crucial World Cup qualifier against Japan
Updated 28 min 47 sec ago
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Saudi national team continue preparations for crucial World Cup qualifier against Japan

Saudi national team continue preparations for crucial World Cup qualifier against Japan
  • Saudi Arabia will be looking to secure a positive result to keep their World Cup hopes alive

SAITAMA, Japan: The Saudi Arabian national football team continued their preparations on Sunday evening ahead of their highly anticipated clash against Japan in the eighth round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday.

Under the guidance of head coach Herve Renard, the Green Falcons trained at Saitama Stadium 2002, where they focused on tactical drills following a warm-up session.

The training concluded with a full-pitch game between two groups before wrapping up with stretching exercises.

The team will hold its final training session on Monday at 7:00 PM (Japan time). The first 15 minutes of the session will be open to the media, offering a glimpse into the squad’s final preparations.

Meanwhile, Renard is set to address the media in a pre-match press conference at 6:00 PM (Japan time) in the stadium’s press conference hall. He is expected to discuss the team’s strategy and readiness for the encounter.

Saudi Arabia will be looking to secure a positive result against Japan as they continue their quest for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.


Algeria’s Nabil Anane defeats Muay Thai icon Superlek at ONE 172 in Japan

Algeria’s Nabil Anane defeats Muay Thai icon Superlek at ONE 172 in Japan
Updated 44 min 40 sec ago
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Algeria’s Nabil Anane defeats Muay Thai icon Superlek at ONE 172 in Japan

Algeria’s Nabil Anane defeats Muay Thai icon Superlek at ONE 172 in Japan
  • 20-year-old dominates Thai veteran across 3 rounds at Saitama Super Arena

JAPAN: Algeria’s Nabil Anane picked up the biggest win of his career against Superlek Kiatmoo9 on Sunday in Japan at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang.

Anane showed improved striking skills and growing confidence en route to an impressive victory inside the Saitama Super Arena against the martial arts icon who is largely considered the world’s best Muay Thai athlete.

The thrilling matchup was contested across three rounds despite being initially scheduled as a ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title unification bout, with Superlek entering as the division’s titleholder and Anane as interim world champion. The rules changed after Superlek failed his pre-match hydration test and was stripped of his belt.

Even without the chance to unify the world title, Anane had a point to prove against the only man to beat him in the ONE Championship, back in 2023 via first-round-knockout on his promotional debut.

The Algerian put in a much-improved performance, dominating the Thai veteran across three rounds of quick-paced action. Anane’s slick movements made it impossible for Superlek to land big shots, while the 20-year-old utilized his height and reach advantage to unleash powerful punches, kicks, and knees.

In the course of the matchup, Anane also became the first man to ever score a knockdown with a high right kick that saw Superlek bounce off the ropes and land on the canvas.

Anane also became only the second athlete to beat Superlek in the ONE Championship, following Morocco’s kickboxing star Ilias Ennahachi.

The emphatic win raised Anane’s overall professional record to 40-5 and continued his stunning run in form after defeating Scotland's Nico Carrillo, former world title challenger Felipe Lobo, and Lethwei legend Soe Lin Oo.

Anane, who is the youngest-ever WBC Muay Thai world champion, later expressed his delight at beating the Muay Thai and kickboxing icon.

“I’m very happy now. My first dream just came true. I’m so happy; I’ve never been this happy in my life before,” Anane said as he thanked his friends, family, and coaching team led by Mehdi Zatout.

The event, which witnessed four world-title bouts, was headlined by the long-awaited five-round flyweight kickboxing contest in which Thailand’s Rodtang Jitmuangnon claimed a historic knockout win in the first round over Takeru Segawa.

Earlier in the event, Morocco’s Zakaria El-Jamari, who represented Arab nations on the fight card alongside Anane, suffered a disappointing first-round-knockout loss at the hands of Japan’s Hyu Iwata.


Ukraine, US teams begin talks in Saudi Arabia

Ukraine, US teams begin talks in Saudi Arabia
Updated 55 min 12 sec ago
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Ukraine, US teams begin talks in Saudi Arabia

Ukraine, US teams begin talks in Saudi Arabia
  • Ukraine defense minister says talks aim to bring ‘just peace closer’
  • US envoy upbeat, says Russia’s Putin ‘wants peace’

RIYADH: Ukrainian and US officials began talks on Sunday on proposals to safeguard energy facilities and critical infrastructure, Ukraine’s defense minister said, part of a diplomatic push by US President Donald Trump to end three years of war.

The meeting in Saudi Arabia, which precedes talks on Monday between the US and Russian delegations, came as US special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about the chances for ending Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two.

“I feel that (Russian President Vladimir Putin) wants peace,” Witkoff told Fox News on Sunday.

“I think that you’re going to see in Saudi Arabia on Monday some real progress, particularly as it affects a Black Sea ceasefire on ships between both countries. And from that, you’ll naturally gravitate into a full-on shooting ceasefire.”

Separately, White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said on Sunday the United States was talking through a range of confidence-building measures aimed at ending the war, including on the future of Ukrainian children taken into Russia.

Announcing the start of the Riyadh talks, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who is heading his country’s delegation, said on Facebook: “We are implementing the President of Ukraine’s directive to bring a just peace closer and to strengthen security.”

Putin agreed last week to Trump’s proposal for Russia and Ukraine to stop attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure for 30 days, but that narrowly defined ceasefire was soon cast into doubt, with both sides reporting continued strikes.

A large-scale Russian drone attack on Kyiv overnight killed at least three people, including a 5-year-old child, causing fires in high-rise apartment buildings and damage throughout the capital, Ukrainian officials said on Sunday.

Meanwhile Russian authorities said on Sunday that their air defenses had destroyed 59 Ukrainian drones targeting the country’s southwestern regions, adding that the strikes had killed one person in Rostov.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, facing continued advances by Russian troops in eastern Ukraine, has backed Trump’s call for a blanket 30-day ceasefire.

‘SOMEWHAT UNDER CONTROL’
Trump said on Saturday that efforts to stop further escalation in the Ukraine-Russia war were “somewhat under control.” The US hopes to reach a broad ceasefire within weeks, targeting a truce agreement by April 20, Bloomberg News reported on Sunday, citing people familiar with the planning.

Asked on Sunday about the goals for the broader negotiations, US National Security Adviser Waltz said that after a Black Sea ceasefire was agreed, “we’ll talk the line of control, which is the actual front lines.”

“And that gets into the details of verification mechanisms, peacekeeping, freezing the lines where they are,” Waltz said. “And then of course, the broader and permanent peace.”

Britain and France are leading European efforts to beef up military and logistical support for Ukraine, and a number of countries have announced plans to increase defense spending as they try to reduce their reliance on the United States.

However, Witkoff on Sunday played down concerns among Washington’s European NATO allies that Putin might be emboldened by any peace deal in Ukraine to invade other neighbors.

“I just don’t see that he wants to take all of Europe. This is a much different situation than it was in World War Two,” Witkoff said.