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.


Pakistani PM, Turkish president discuss Middle East crisis, express ‘unwavering solidarity’ with Palestinians

Pakistani PM, Turkish president discuss Middle East crisis, express ‘unwavering solidarity’ with Palestinians
Updated 2 min 46 sec ago
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Pakistani PM, Turkish president discuss Middle East crisis, express ‘unwavering solidarity’ with Palestinians

Pakistani PM, Turkish president discuss Middle East crisis, express ‘unwavering solidarity’ with Palestinians
  • Turkish President Erdogan meets Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad
  • Development takes place as life limps back to normalcy in war-ravaged Palestine

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan voiced “unwavering solidarity” with the Palestinian people, Sharif’s office said on Thursday, reiterating Palestinians’ right to self-determination under a two-state solution. 

The development takes place as life limps to normalcy in war-ravaged Gaza, where Israel killed at least 48,000 people during the 15-month war triggered by Hamas’ surprise attack on Oct. 7, 2023. Around 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 were taken as hostages in Hamas’ lightening offensive. 

Israel and Hamas last month reached an uneasy truce that has halted 15 months of war between the two sides. Aid trucks continue to supply food and medicines to the Palestinian people in Gaza as the fragile truce holds. 

The recent interaction between Erdogan and Sharif follows the Turkish president’s bilateral meeting with Sharif. Erdogan arrived in Pakistan late Wednesday for a two-day visit to boost trade and investment ties between the countries. 

“Both leaders also discussed recent developments in the Middle East during the course of which they expressed unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said. 

He reiterated Pakistan’s call for a two-state solution with an independent and sovereign state of Palestine with pre-1967 borders and Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital, Sharif’s office said. 

The statement also comes in the wake of recent controversial remarks by American President Donald Trump to resettle Gaza’s Palestinian residents and redevelop the enclave.

Under Trump’s scheme, Gaza’s about 2.2 million Palestinians would be resettled in Egypt, Jordan and other countries, and the United States would take control and ownership of the coastal territory, redeveloping it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

On Wednesday, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan also expressed concern in a phone call about Trump’s proposal to displace Palestinians from Gaza.

Trump’s comments have been rejected by Egypt and Jordan, while Arab countries and Pakistan have strongly criticized it. 
 


Kuwait’s PM affirms country’s diplomatic neutrality, leads delegation to Munich Security Conference

Kuwait’s PM affirms country’s diplomatic neutrality, leads delegation to Munich Security Conference
Updated 5 min ago
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Kuwait’s PM affirms country’s diplomatic neutrality, leads delegation to Munich Security Conference

Kuwait’s PM affirms country’s diplomatic neutrality, leads delegation to Munich Security Conference
  • Kuwait committed to leading humanitarian efforts in disaster-hit countries

LONDON: Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah arrived in Germany on Thursday to participate in the 61st session of the Munich Security Conference, which is being held from Feb. 14 to 16.

Sheikh Ahmad is leading the Kuwaiti delegation at a conference that brings together hundreds of decision-makers and opinion leaders to discuss global security.

The prime minister reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to building strong connections with the international community while advocating for the resolution of conflicts through dialogue and supporting efforts for peace and security.

Sheikh Ahmad said Kuwait had maintained its diplomatic ties by upholding neutrality and remaining at an equal distance from conflicting parties, the Kuwait Press Agency reported.

He added that Kuwait was committed to leading humanitarian efforts in disaster-stricken countries, and actively mediating to resolve regional and international crises.

Reem Mohammed Al-Khaled, Kuwait’s ambassador to Germany, along with embassy staff, received the prime minister on his arrival.


Hijazi Saudi night at French consulate in Jeddah

Hijazi Saudi night at French consulate in Jeddah
Updated 6 min 52 sec ago
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Hijazi Saudi night at French consulate in Jeddah

Hijazi Saudi night at French consulate in Jeddah
  • Event brought together prominent figures to celebrate cultural exchange and strong Saudi-French ties
  • Saudi and Hijazi music brought the rich history, deep emotions and cultural beauty back to the Saudi audience

JEDDAH: The Consulate General of France in Jeddah hosted a special Hijazi dinner followed by a musical evening on Wednesday.

The event brought together prominent figures to celebrate cultural exchange and strong Saudi-French ties. It featured a stellar lineup of Saudi artists, including Abdullah Rashad, Al-Aidrous, Mohammed Hashem and Mohammed Hamdi, who delivered a captivating performance that blended Hijazi authenticity with artistic creativity.

The Saudi and Hijazi music brought the rich history, deep emotions and cultural beauty back to the Saudi audience. “Ya Musafir Wahdak,” first sung by Mohamed Abdel Wahab, is a classic song about a traveler saying goodbye to a loved one. “Layla Ya Layla,” performed by Al-Aidrous and originally sung by Mohamed Abdu, is a beloved song that reflects Hijazi musical traditions. “Mudhilla,” by Abdul Majeed Abdullah, is known for its beautiful lyrics and melody.

“Ya Mustajeeb Lil-Da’i,” a traditional Hijazi song, was also originally sung by Mohamed Abdu and is deeply connected to Saudi heritage. Lastly, “Al-Khayzarana,” performed by Abdullah Rashad, evoked the lively spirit of Hijazi folklore.

Guests indulged in an authentic Hijazi feast, highlighting the rich flavours of traditional cuisine. Signature dishes included mutabaq, kibdah (liver), mantu, farmoza, and kabab miro, along with a variety of grilled specialities that showcased the depth of the region’s culinary heritage.

In his address, French Consul General in Jeddah Mohamed Nehad emphasized the strength of bilateral relations between France and Saudi Arabia, commending the strategic partnership and collaboration in various fields, particularly in culture and the arts.

Nehad told Arab News: “This evening brings together Saudi artists performing timeless songs from the country’s rich heritage. The event serves as a celebration of cultural exchange and camaraderie, uniting friends in Jeddah for a memorable musical night. As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, guests can immerse themselves in the spirit of tradition and shared appreciation for art and music.”

With Ramadan approaching, the event took on an added significance, providing a platform for cultural dialogue and strengthening bonds between attendees in an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.

Through this gathering, the consulate reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cultural dialogue and fostering deeper cooperation and mutual understanding between the Saudi and French communities.


Saudi Arabia, IMF lead talks on economic resilience at AlUla summit

Saudi Arabia, IMF lead talks on economic resilience at AlUla summit
Updated 19 min 18 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia, IMF lead talks on economic resilience at AlUla summit

Saudi Arabia, IMF lead talks on economic resilience at AlUla summit

JEDDAH: Policymakers, economists, and industry leaders will gather in Saudi Arabia next week for the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, where discussions will focus on global economic shifts, challenges, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in driving growth. 

The event, set for Feb. 16-17, is a joint initiative between Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance and the International Monetary Fund. The annual conference aims to serve as a key platform for addressing structural changes in the global economy and their impact on emerging markets, according to the Saudi Press Agency.  

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the forum would provide an opportunity for decision-makers to exchange insights on economic policies designed to navigate current challenges. 

“The conference will also showcase the latest regional and global economic developments, focusing on enhancing prosperity and resilience,” Al-Jadaan said. 

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva highlighted the significance of the event, noting that it comes at a time of rapid transformation. 

 “It will provide a vital platform for policymakers, the private sector, and key stakeholders to discuss how emerging economies can take advantage of the opportunities offered by current economic shifts, strengthen their competitiveness, and achieve strong growth driven by the private sector,” Georgieva said. 

A January report from Moody’s projected that oil production and large-scale investment projects would accelerate annual economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa by 0.8 percentage points in 2025. 

Saudi Arabia, which is leading economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030, has increasingly positioned itself as a hub for global economic dialogue. The AlUla conference underscores the Kingdom’s efforts to foster international cooperation amid shifting economic dynamics. 


Lulu brings world-class shopping to holy city of Madinah

Lulu brings world-class shopping to holy city of Madinah
Updated 20 min ago
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Lulu brings world-class shopping to holy city of Madinah

Lulu brings world-class shopping to holy city of Madinah

Lulu Retail, a leading hypermarket chain in the Middle East, has expanded its presence in Saudi Arabia with the opening of its latest express store in Madinah.

This expansion aligns with Lulu's commitment to providing world-class shopping experiences to residents and visitors while supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative for economic growth and job creation.

Mazen bin Ibrahim Rajab, chairman of the Madinah Chamber of Commerce, inaugurated the new Lulu express store in the presence of Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, consul general of India in Jeddah, Yusuffali M.A., chairman of Lulu Group, along with other dignitaries.

The new Lulu store, developed in partnership with Al Manakha Urban Project Development Company, spans a retail space of 23,000 square feet.

The store is designed to offer a modern shopping experience, catering to the diverse needs of customers with a well-curated selection of daily need essentials, fresh food, and departmental offerings similar to Lulu’s Jabal Omar store in Makkah.

Officials from Jabal Omar Development Company and Al Manakha Urban Project Development Company expressed their confidence in Lulu store’s role in enhancing the success of these prestigious shopping mall projects.

As a leading retail entity in the region, Lulu continues to redefine the shopping experience by bringing quality, variety, and affordability under one roof.

On this occasion, Yusuffali expressed his profound joy in expanding Lulu’s footprint in the holy cities.

“To contribute to the development of amenities in Makkah and Madinah has been a long-cherished dream of mine. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi Arabian government for their unwavering support. The Lulu remains committed to delivering a world-class retail experience while generating employment opportunities for Saudi citizens,” he said.

Lulu is planning significant expansion across Saudi Arabia, with three additional major projects already in the pipeline for Madinah, he added.

Suri said that the opening of the new Lulu store will mark a pivotal role in advancing the regional development of Saudi Arabia.

He also praised Lulu's efforts in extending its services to pilgrims, calling them highly commendable.

The store will feature a well-designed layout inspired by the city’s cultural and architectural essence.

Customers will enjoy a spacious and easily navigable shopping environment, ensuring convenience and comfort.

The store includes    a fully stocked express store offering fresh produce, grocery essentials, and international products; a special focus on Saudi-grown products, including premium-quality Madinah dates; dedicated fresh food sections providing high-quality fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood; select departmental items, reflecting the range available at Lulu’s Jabal Omar store in Makkah.

The store will be open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight, providing extended shopping hours to accommodate the needs of both residents and visitors.

Also present on the occasion were Shehim Mohammed, director of Lulu Saudi; Rafeeq Yarathingal, business development director of Lulu; Noushad M.A., regional director of Lulu Jeddah; and other guests.