Saudi Arabia, a Hub for Global Sporting Events, Breathtaking Landmarks

As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Quality of Life Program has contributed to turning the Kingdom into a regional and international attraction with numerous international sporting events, including the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup. (SPA)
As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Quality of Life Program has contributed to turning the Kingdom into a regional and international attraction with numerous international sporting events, including the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, a Hub for Global Sporting Events, Breathtaking Landmarks

As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Quality of Life Program has contributed to turning the Kingdom into a regional and international attraction with numerous international sporting events, including the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup. (SPA)
As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Quality of Life Program has contributed to turning the Kingdom into a regional and international attraction with numerous international sporting events, including the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup. (SPA)

As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Quality of Life Program has contributed to turning the Kingdom into a regional and international attraction with numerous international sporting events, including the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup that the Kingdom will soon host for the first time in Jeddah from December 12 to 22, SPA said on Thursday.
In anticipation of this global landmark tournament, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) is highlighting several tourist, heritage, and cultural sites that Jeddah proudly embraces. One of these sites is Historic Jeddah (Al Balad), which stands out thanks to the support it has received by the Saudi leadership throughout the Kingdom’s history.
‘Historic Jeddah’
Historic Jeddah has received special attention from Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, who launched the "Revitalize Historic Jeddah" project as part of "Historic Jeddah Development Project.” The revitalization project aims to enhance the living environment in the area, making it a vibrant hub for business and cultural projects and a prime destination for ambitious entrepreneurs.
The project serves as a testament of the leadership's commitment to preserving and rehabilitating historical sites, aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030, while showcasing the Arabian and Islamic heritage of the Kingdom as a pillar of the vision.
Historic Jeddah gains significance as a historical crossroads and a maritime gateway for pilgrims heading towards Makkah and a hub for interaction between civilizations. Al Balad was the second area to be listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site following the Hegra (Mada'in Saleh).
‘Breathtaking waterfront’
Additionally, Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea, is famous for its waterfront. This vista makes the city a major tourist destination with visitors from all over the country flocking to enjoy its stunning beachscapes, soft sands, and extensive facilities. Jeddah has also become a year-round hotspot for leisure activities, sports, and entertainment. Visitors line up to enjoy the breathtaking view of the sea and the sky's vibrant colors during sunset. Photography enthusiasts do not miss the chance to capture this moment.
Adding to Jeddah’s maritime magic, the Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina was established on the city’s waterfront, becoming the Kingdom's first tourist marina.
‘Jeddah Flagpole’
The Jeddah Flagpole is another example of the beautiful landmarks that the city embraces, carrying the words of monotheism at a height of 172 meters. Green areas of 9,000 square meters surround the flagpole and thirteen lights are there to represent the thirteen provinces of the Kingdom.
‘South Obhur Waterfront’
Jeddah also embraces its newly inaugurated South Obhur Waterfront project, which features swimming beaches covering an area of 5,800 square meters and dry sandy beaches spanning 10,350 square meters. The project also includes pathways and squares with a total area of 42,000 square meters, entertainment spots covering 560 square meters, and green spaces measuring 27,000 square meters.
‘Jeddah Superdome’
Furthermore, the Jeddah Superdome takes the lead as the world's largest column-free dome. Located on the Madinah Road, west of King Abdullah Sports City, the superdome has an indoor area exceeding 34,000 square meters with a height of 46 meters and a diameter of 210 meters, accommodating 5,200 parking spaces.
The construction of the dome aims to allow the area to host various events and conferences in the governorate.



War-damaged Souks Reopen in Syria's Aleppo

People walk along an alley during the reopening of restored bazaars that were damaged during the Syrian conflict in the northern city of Aleppo © - / AFP
People walk along an alley during the reopening of restored bazaars that were damaged during the Syrian conflict in the northern city of Aleppo © - / AFP
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War-damaged Souks Reopen in Syria's Aleppo

People walk along an alley during the reopening of restored bazaars that were damaged during the Syrian conflict in the northern city of Aleppo © - / AFP
People walk along an alley during the reopening of restored bazaars that were damaged during the Syrian conflict in the northern city of Aleppo © - / AFP

Four historic souks in northern Syria's Aleppo, heavily damaged during some of the most intense fighting of the 13-year civil war, reopened this week following their restoration.

"After I reopened my old shop, following the renovation of the market, I felt my spirit return with it," said merchant Omar al-Rawwas, 45, who inherited his family's carpet business at the revived Saqtiya 2 souk.

Once famous for its bustling markets and old citadel, Aleppo's Old City was rendered almost unrecognizable by some of the worst violence in Syria's conflict between government forces and opposition that began after mass protests in 2011.

The fighting in Aleppo, which lasted until 2016 when Damascus recaptured the area with Moscow's support, completely destroyed many of the famed markets in the city previously considered Syria's economic capital.

Four souks in the Old City, restored through combined public and private efforts, reopened Wednesday evening -- drawing officials, residents and charity representatives to the celebration.

"Thank God, things have improved and the country has gotten better," Rawwas told AFP, noting that some of his business is from people returning to Aleppo since calm returned.

"Today, expatriates return from abroad to their homes, finding their rugs damaged by moths. They have them repaired because some of these rugs hold personal memories and others have special value to them."

The revived strip of shops, some reduced to ashes at the start of the conflict, stretches for about 100 metres (330 feet) across the Old City.

In previous years, three other souks of the total of 37 that once surrounded the citadel were restored.

The Saqtiya 2 souk was relatively spared the damage that hit other markets, where restoration work is continuing, albeit slowly, due to the country's economic crisis.

According to UNESCO, as much as 60 percent of Aleppo's Old City was badly damaged in fighting, and of that 30 percent was completely destroyed.

The Syrian army recaptured eastern Aleppo from opposition groups after a siege and heavy bombardment that forced tens of thousands of civilians and fighters to flee.

"In 2012, we fled the souk under bombardment and gunfire. We didn't leave by choice but were forced to," said Abdallah Chawwa, 49, who sells Aleppo's famous olive oil soap.

"I am now back in my shop and my spirit has returned to me."