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Andertoons by Mark Anderson for Sat, 22 Feb 2025 | Arabian Weekly
Saudi U-20 team secures spot in 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup with last-minute winner over China
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Arabian Weekly report
BEIJING — The Saudi U-20 national team clinched qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup after a dramatic 1-0 victory over China in the quarterfinals of the AFC U-20 Championship.
With the match heading toward extra time, Ammar Al-Yahibi struck a thunderous shot in the final moments of stoppage time, sealing Saudi Arabia’s 10th appearance in the U-20 World Cup and propelling the team to the tournament’s semifinals.
The closely contested match, played on Chinese soil, saw Saudi goalkeeper Hamed Youssef play a crucial role in keeping a clean sheet.
The tension peaked when China was awarded a penalty, but Youssef’s heroics denied the hosts a lead, keeping Saudi hopes alive.
Saudi Arabia’s journey in the tournament began with a victory over Jordan, followed by a narrow defeat to Iraq, before bouncing back with a win over North Korea to reach the knockout stage.
With the hard-fought quarterfinal win against China, the team not only advanced to the AFC U-20 Championship semifinals but also secured its place in the World Cup, set to take place in September 2025.
This marks Saudi Arabia’s first U-20 World Cup appearance since 2019, when the tournament was held in Poland.
Head coach Marcos Soares started the match with Hamed Youssef in goal, supported by Nawaf Al-Ghulaimish, Saud Haroun, Mohammed Barnawi, and Awad Aman in defense. The midfield featured Bassem Hazzazi, Abdulmalik Al-Harbi, Farhat Al-Shamrani, and Hussein Al-Raqwani, while Saad Haqwi and Thamer Al-Khaibri led the attack.
As the final whistle blew, Saudi players celebrated their hard-earned victory, knowing their journey on the road to the FIFA U-20 World Cup was now secured.
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Crown Prince attends Saudi Cup horse race in Riyadh
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Arabian Weekly report
RIYADH — Under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman attended the Saudi Cup horse race on Saturday at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh.
Upon his arrival, the Crown Prince was received by Prince Faisal bin Bandar, Emir of Riyadh Region, Prince Bandar bin Khalid bin Faisal, Chairman of the Equestrian Authority and the Horse Racing Club, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Emir of Riyadh, and Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, a board member of the Horse Racing Club and Chairman of the Technical Committees.
Accompanying the Crown Prince were Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Emir of Madinah, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Minister of Sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, Minister of Interior, and Prince Abdullah bin Bandar, Minister of the National Guard.
The event began with the playing of the royal anthem, followed by the parade of participating horses from the paddock to the presentation arena, where all jockeys were present.
The highlight of the evening was the ninth race for the Saudi Cup, after which Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman proceeded to the awards podium.
He personally congratulated Fujita Susuma, the representative of Forever Young’s owner, as the horse secured victory in the prestigious race.
The Crown Prince also extended his congratulations to trainer Yahagi Yoshito and jockey Ryusei Sakai, who received commemorative awards, including a horse figurine and a jockey’s helmet.
The ceremony concluded with a commemorative photo session to mark the occasion.
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Bergwijn, Benzema lead Al-Ittihad to dominant 4-1 Clasico win over Al-Hilal
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Arabian Weekly report
JEDDAH — Al-Ittihad delivered a statement victory in the Saudi Clasico, dismantling Al-Hilal 4-1 at King Abdullah Sports City on Friday in a match that showcased their dominance at the top of the Saudi Pro League.
Despite an early lead for Al-Hilal through Marcos Leonardo in the 23rd minute, Al-Ittihad mounted a stunning comeback.
Hassan Kadesh equalized in the 29th minute, followed by Steven Bergwijn’s first goal just before halftime to give the home side control.
Bergwijn struck again in the 51st minute, and Karim Benzema sealed the rout in the 86th minute to cap off a commanding performance.
With the win, Al-Ittihad extended their lead at the top of the league to 55 points, seven clear of Al-Hilal, who continue to struggle after two consecutive draws.
The victory also served as redemption after their 3-1 defeat to Al-Hilal in the first half of the season, and reinforced their superiority after knocking their rivals out of the King’s Cup quarter-finals in January.
Al-Hilal started the match on the front foot, creating early chances through Salem Al-Dawsari and Sergej Milinković-Savić, while Brazilian winger Malcom forced a crucial save from Al-Ittihad goalkeeper Predrag Rajković in the 17th minute.
Their persistence paid off when Leonardo converted a low cross from João Cancelo in the 23rd minute, becoming the second-youngest player to score in a Saudi Clasico at 21 years old, behind Musab Al-Juwair.
But Al-Ittihad quickly turned the match around. Renan Lodi’s defensive intervention denied a dangerous chance for Benzema, and in the 29th minute, Kadesh rose highest to head in a Moussa Diaby corner, leveling the score.
Just before the break, Bergwijn put Al-Ittihad ahead, following up on his own rebound after Yassine Bounou saved his initial header, becoming the first Dutch player to score in a Saudi Clasico.
Bergwijn wasn’t done. Just six minutes into the second half, N’Golo Kanté surged down the right flank and delivered a precise cross, which Bergwijn converted with a clinical finish past Bounou to make it 3-1.
Al-Hilal thought they had pulled one back in the 70th minute, but VAR ruled out Leonardo’s goal due to an offside on Milinković-Savić.
Moments later, Al-Ittihad also saw a goal overturned when Benzema’s strike was disallowed for offside during the celebrations.
Diaby, who provided three assists in the match, missed a golden opportunity in the 77th minute, but Benzema ensured there would be no late drama.
In the 86th minute, the French striker met another Diaby corner with a first-time finish, securing Al-Ittihad’s emphatic victory. VAR confirmed the goal, putting the final stamp on a dominant Clasico win.
With four consecutive league victories, Al-Ittihad now look poised for a serious title push, while Al-Hilal will need to regroup quickly as they continue to slip in the standings.
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Founding Day celebrations continue with cultural showcases and traditional performances
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Arabian Weekly report
JEDDAH — The Founding Day celebrations in Jeddah continued on Friday at Prince Majed Park, where an evening filled with traditional performances, cultural exhibitions, and heritage showcases brought Saudi Arabia’s rich history to life.
The second day of festivities featured folk arts such as the Saudi Ardah, Mizmar, Samri, and Khobayti, along with horse and camel shows that immersed attendees in the Kingdom’s storied past.
Traditional handicraft displays and interactive exhibits also allowed visitors to explore the cultural legacy that has shaped Saudi Arabia for over three centuries.
The celebrations began Thursday at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, drawing large crowds eager to witness various heritage performances.
Prince Majed Park carried the momentum into Friday, creating a lively atmosphere that emphasized the importance of national pride and cultural identity.
The events are set to continue with more heritage activities designed to deepen public engagement with Saudi history and traditions.
Meanwhile, the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority launched its own Founding Day festivities in Laynah, as part of the Darb Zubaydah Winter Festival.
The event included Arabian horse shows, Saudi Ardah performances, and a variety of cultural exhibits. Visitors were also given commemorative souvenirs to mark the occasion.
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Abu Dhabi and China Forge Strategic Economic Alliances | Arabian Weekly
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Abu Dhabi has solidified its economic partnership with China through a series of strategic agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and investment. A delegation led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development visited China, culminating in several key collaborations designed to introduce Abu Dhabi’s investment opportunities to Chinese businesses and investors.
One significant outcome of the visit was the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s strategic cooperation agreement with the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce. This pact focuses on promoting bilateral trade, mutual investment collaboration, and supporting Chinese companies seeking expansion into Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi-Shanghai Business Forum, organized by ADCCI, served as a platform for businesses from both regions to establish connections and negotiate agreements through business-to-business meetings.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office also played a pivotal role by signing landmark agreements with prominent Chinese firms, including Fosun International Limited, Wind Information, and Hejun Group. These collaborations aim to bolster economic ties and facilitate investments between Abu Dhabi and China, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global investment hub and a gateway to the Middle East for Chinese enterprises.
Under the agreement with Hejun Group, ADIO will introduce Abu Dhabi’s investment prospects to Hejun’s extensive network of over 2,000 publicly listed companies and leading private enterprises in China. In return, ADIO will provide dedicated support to these Chinese companies, assisting in their business setup and long-term growth within Abu Dhabi.
These agreements are part of a broader strategy to deepen economic ties between Abu Dhabi and China, focusing on sectors such as technology, infrastructure, and energy. The initiatives aim to enhance investment intelligence, support the international expansion of Chinese companies, and create a conducive environment for business growth in both regions.
The recent collaborations build upon the strong foundation of UAE-China relations, which have seen significant growth in bilateral trade and investment over the years. With bilateral trade projected to reach $200 billion by 2030, Abu Dhabi is reinforcing its position as a vital conduit for Chinese products entering Middle Eastern and African markets.
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Arabian Weekly strives to deliver the most accurate and reliable information to its readers. If you believe you have identified an error or inconsistency in this article, please don’t hesitate to contact our editorial team at editor[at]thearabianpost[dot]com. We are committed to promptly addressing any concerns and ensuring the highest level of journalistic integrity.
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Saudi Arabia Commits $3.57 Billion to Expand Qurayyah Power Plant by 3.01 GW | Arabian Weekly
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Saudi Arabia has announced a significant investment of SR13.4 billion to expand the Qurayyah Independent Power Plant in the Eastern Province. This expansion aims to add 3.01 gigawatts of power generation capacity, addressing the Kingdom’s growing energy demands and supporting its economic development.
The Saudi Power Procurement Company , the nation’s sole licensed electricity buyer, has signed a power purchase agreement with the Saudi Electricity Company and ACWA Power for this project. The Qurayyah plant, already recognized as the world’s largest combined-cycle gas-fired independent power station, will see its capacity significantly increased through this initiative.
The expansion project is designed with future sustainability in mind. Plans include the readiness to incorporate carbon capture units, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. By integrating advanced technologies, the project aims to improve electricity generation efficiency and diversify the Kingdom’s energy sources.
ACWA Power, a leading developer in the energy sector, holds an effective 35% shareholding in the project. The company’s involvement underscores its commitment to advancing large-scale power projects that align with national energy strategies. The collaboration between SEC and ACWA Power is expected to leverage both entities’ expertise to ensure the project’s successful execution.
The Qurayyah plant’s expansion is part of a broader strategy to bolster Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure. In November 2024, SPPC signed PPAs for five independent power producer projects totaling 9,200 MW, reflecting the Kingdom’s proactive approach to meeting its energy needs. These initiatives are crucial as Saudi Arabia experiences increased domestic energy consumption driven by industrial growth and urbanization.
The financial structuring of the Qurayyah expansion involves significant investments from both national and international stakeholders. The National Bank of Kuwait, for instance, signed agreements totaling $1.6 billion during the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh, including a $690 million framework agreement with ACWA Power to support its expansion plans. Such collaborations highlight the confidence of financial institutions in Saudi Arabia’s energy sector and its long-term viability.
The project aligns with global trends of transitioning towards more sustainable energy solutions. By preparing for carbon capture integration, the Qurayyah expansion not only addresses immediate energy demands but also positions the Kingdom as a forward-thinking player in the global energy landscape.
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This article first appeared on Greenlogue and is brought to you by Hyphen Digital Network
Notice an issue?
Arabian Weekly strives to deliver the most accurate and reliable information to its readers. If you believe you have identified an error or inconsistency in this article, please don’t hesitate to contact our editorial team at editor[at]thearabianpost[dot]com. We are committed to promptly addressing any concerns and ensuring the highest level of journalistic integrity.
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King Salman orders naming of 15 Riyadh squares after Saudi rulers to commemorate Founding Day
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Arabian Weekly report
RIYADH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz has issued a directive to name 15 major squares in Riyadh after the imams and kings of Saudi Arabia, following a proposal by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
The initiative coincides with the Kingdom’s annual Founding Day celebrations on February 22.
The directive reflects the leadership’s commitment to honoring the legacy of Saudi rulers who played a pivotal role in the foundation, unification, and development of the nation over the past three centuries.
The initiative aims to preserve their historical contributions and reinforce their lasting impact on Saudi Arabia’s progress, security, and prosperity.
The designated squares are located along major roads in the Saudi capital and will bear the names of key figures in the country’s history.
Among them are Imam Mohammed bin Saud, Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed, Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz, Imam Abdullah bin Saud, Imam Turki bin Abdullah, Imam Faisal bin Turki, Imam Abdullah bin Faisal, and Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal. Additionally, the names of Saudi kings who shaped the modern state will be commemorated, including King Abdulaziz, King Saud, King Faisal, King Khalid, King Fahd, King Abdullah, and King Salman.
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Al-Ettifaq stuns Al-Nassr with late winner as Ronaldo protests refereeing decisions
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Arabian Weekly report
RIYADH — Al-Ettifaq secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Al-Nassr on Friday in a heated Saudi Pro League clash, as Cristiano Ronaldo voiced his frustration with the refereeing decisions.
The result lifted Al-Ettifaq to 28 points, placing them eighth in the league standings, while Al-Nassr remained at 44 points in fourth place.
The defeat leaves Al-Nassr three points ahead of Al-Ahli, who sit in fifth, while they trail Al-Qadsiah by three points in third place, and Al-Hilal by four points in second.
League leaders Al-Ittihad hold an eight-point advantage over Al-Nassr ahead of their highly anticipated showdown against Al-Hilal on Saturday.
Al-Nassr opened the scoring early in the second half when Ayman Yahya found the net in the 47th minute, but Al-Ettifaq responded swiftly as Georginio Wijnaldum equalized in the 55th minute.
Mohammed Al-Fatil restored Al-Nassr’s lead in the 65th minute, but an own goal by Al-Fatil in the 82nd minute handed Al-Ettifaq a crucial equalizer.
Just as the match appeared to be heading for a draw, Wijnaldum struck again in the 89th minute, sealing a stunning win for Al-Ettifaq.
Tensions flared in stoppage time as Al-Nassr’s John Duran received a red card in the second minute of added time for an off-the-ball incident involving AbduliIlah Al-Malki.
Ronaldo and Al-Nassr players vehemently protested the decision, arguing that Duran’s contact was not severe enough to warrant a dismissal.
The victory extends Al-Ettifaq’s strong form under head coach Saad Al-Shehri, who took charge following the departure of Steven Gerrard.
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Saudi Media Forum concludes with key industry partnerships and award recognitions
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Arabian Weekly report
RIYADH — The fourth Saudi Media Forum, held from February 19 to 21 under the theme ‘Media in an Evolving World,’ concluded with a closing ceremony attended by Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary and other dignitaries, where the winners of the forum’s awards across 14 media and communications categories were announced.
As the largest specialized media gathering in the Middle East, the forum attracted over 80,000 local and international visitors and featured more than 80 dialogue sessions and 30 workshops, drawing strong participation from industry leaders and professionals.
The event facilitated strategic opportunities for local media companies to connect with global counterparts and establish partnerships addressing the rapid transformations in the media sector.
In addition to industry discussions, the forum launched five initiatives aimed at developing national media talent and hosted six interactive experiences showcasing emerging trends in the sector.
Meanwhile, the Future of Media Exhibition (FOMEX) highlighted the latest advancements in media technology and innovation, with over 250 local and international companies participating.
The event also fostered significant collaborations, leading to the signing of 16 strategic memoranda of understanding and cooperation agreements between government agencies and the private sector. These agreements focus on broadcasting, media training, and the development of national expertise in tourism and sports storytelling, contributing to the national economy in alignment with Vision 2030.
Over three days, the forum provided a platform for exploring global and local media experiences, analyzing the potential of new media, and examining the role of soft power in modern communication.
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