Pakistani cricketers Saud Shakeel, Noman Ali break into ICC top 10 Test rankings

RIYADH: The Saudi Esports Federation and King Saud University Medical City have agreed to collaborate on implementing physical and mental wellbeing initiatives, developing health programs and conducting advanced research for electronic sports players.

Specific areas of joint focus include groundbreaking research into anti-doping in e-sports, the importance of physical activity for e-sports athletes and preventing and managing injuries. A medical committee will be established to combat doping.

The agreement, which aligns with the aims of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, will last for three years and is one of the first of its kind in the world.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “The memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Esports Federation and King Saud University Medical City positions Saudi Arabia as a global leader in e-sports governance and integrating health and wellness into e-sports. The words innovative and groundbreaking are often overused but it is impossible to overstate how important this MoU could be for implementing physical and mental wellbeing initiatives not just in our nation, but in our industry. This is particularly prevalent considering that there remains a lingering public perception among some that gaming is an unhealthy pastime.

“As a global-leading federation, we at SEF relish the responsibility of enhancing best practice in gaming and e-sports and improving the lives of our community, and feel this collaboration is full proof of that in action. The MoU advances public health, fosters innovation and fully focuses on e-sports excellence and the health requirements that are vital to ensure e-sports excellence.”

The work achieved through the agreement will go towards the aims of Saudi Arabia’s National and Gaming Esports Strategy, which has ambitions to make the country a global hub for the gaming industry by 2030.

The research into anti-doping in e-sports is especially groundbreaking. As part of that, the agreement will help establish what exactly is doping in e-sports and how to combat it. Currently, the e-sports industry lacks consistent anti-doping standards, with few organizations adhering to any guidelines, and those that do often follow fragmented and inconsistent practices. It is hoped that the research by SEF and KSUMC could in time develop specific e-sports processes and guidelines on anti-doping.

The MoU will also help with the future implementation of health-related regulatory issues in e-sports as a global industry. It will help encourage healthy practices among gamers not just in Saudi Arabia but, when the research is shared, the wider world.

In addition, the agreement will assist all those in the SEF Career Pathway Strategy, which is implemented through the SEF Academy and the member clubs in Saudi Arabia. All professional, semi-professional, retired, youth and amateur players — male and female  will benefit from the work conducted through the SEF and KSUMC.

ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club has announced its 2025 showjumping calendar, with a series of events that will see local and international stars compete for a total prize purse of $1.36 million.

Among the highlights is the Abu Dhabi International Showjumping Event, which will take place from Jan. 24 to 26 and feature the renowned CSI4*-W International Show Jumping Competition, and the prestigious Grand Prix World Cup Qualifier.

This announcement coincides with the unveiling of the ADEC’s state-of-the-art equestrian and lifestyle destination, an expansive venue spanning 54 acres.

The facility features indoor, covered, and outdoor arenas, lush grass paddocks, extensive hacking tracks, and premium arena seating.

Ali Al-Shaiba, director-general of the ADEC, said in a statement: “We are proud to unveil this new, immersive venue in time for the showjumping season. This world-class development further affirms the UAE’s commitment to preserving and promoting our equestrian heritage on a global stage.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and President of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club for his continuous support and guidance, which has been instrumental in elevating the sport to international audiences.”

The Abu Dhabi International Showjumping Event will also feature a Country Flags Parade and Indoor Drone Show.