Dakar Saudi Arabia 2024 to Kick off from AlUla 

The Dakar Rally’s fifth edition in Saudi Arabia will be held from January 5 to 19, 2024. (Dakar Rally)
The Dakar Rally’s fifth edition in Saudi Arabia will be held from January 5 to 19, 2024. (Dakar Rally)
TT

Dakar Saudi Arabia 2024 to Kick off from AlUla 

The Dakar Rally’s fifth edition in Saudi Arabia will be held from January 5 to 19, 2024. (Dakar Rally)
The Dakar Rally’s fifth edition in Saudi Arabia will be held from January 5 to 19, 2024. (Dakar Rally)

The Dakar Rally’s fifth edition in Saudi Arabia will be held from January 5 to 19, 2024, starting in the thousand-year-old city of AlUla, crossing the country in the direction of the Empty Quarter and finishing in Yanbu on the shores of the Red Sea, announced the race organizers in a statement.

“The Dakar competitors discovered the wonders of AlUla in the first edition of the rally in Saudi Arabia in 2020,” it continued.

“However, this time around, they will have the opportunity to immerse themselves even further in the atmosphere of the thousand-year-old archaeological sites: the principle of the start camp, which was a tremendous success among the competitors in its coastal version, has now been extended to the desert, with the bivouac located in the vicinity of the majestic temples built by the Nabataeans,” it added.

“Drawing inspiration from buildings that have stood the test of time, this is the perfect way to get into adventure and discovery mode before tackling the thousands of kilometers of the route,” said the statement.

Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Motorsports Company and the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), said: “I am delighted that Dakar Saudi Arabia returns for its fifth consecutive year. This prestigious rally has become a highly coveted annual tradition that showcases the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s valued position and remarkable stature in the world of motorsports.”

“Dakar Saudi Arabia is the jewel that adorns our distinguished and diverse sports calendar, solidifying our nation’s standing at the forefront of global motorsport events,” he stressed.

“The event embodies our ambitious plans to achieve further developments and accomplishments in the sports sector, keeping pace with the Kingdom’s overall progress and leadership across various sectors, such as tourism,” he added.

“A major global event, such as Dakar Saudi Arabia, continues to reflect the Kingdom’s strong commitment to developing the sports scene, making it a leading model in the region and beyond; a destination for sports stars, and a home for motorsports worldwide,” he remarked.

“We look forward to writing a new chapter in the journey of the Dakar Rally in the Kingdom. We hope to affirm the Kingdom’s deserving position as an ideal home for the most prestigious rally on Earth,” he said.

“We look forward to welcoming guests from all around the world to enjoy this exceptional competitive atmosphere on the Kingdom’s soil. Through this, we will once again showcase to the world the unique beauty and diverse landscapes that embody the splendor of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”



Nadal Says Will Retire from Tennis after Davis Cup Finals

FILE - Rafael Nadal reacts waves after the men's doubles quarter-final tennis competition at the Roland Garros stadium, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, July 31, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, file)
FILE - Rafael Nadal reacts waves after the men's doubles quarter-final tennis competition at the Roland Garros stadium, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, July 31, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, file)
TT

Nadal Says Will Retire from Tennis after Davis Cup Finals

FILE - Rafael Nadal reacts waves after the men's doubles quarter-final tennis competition at the Roland Garros stadium, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, July 31, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, file)
FILE - Rafael Nadal reacts waves after the men's doubles quarter-final tennis competition at the Roland Garros stadium, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, July 31, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, file)

Rafael Nadal announced Thursday he will retire from tennis at age 38 following next month's Davis Cup finals.
Nadal won 22 Grand Slam singles titles during an unprecedented era he shared with his rivals in the so-called Big Three, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
In an announcement on social media, the Spaniard indicated his decision was related to persistent injury problems.

"It has been some difficult years, these last two especially," Nadal, who won a record 14 French Open titles, said in a video.
"I am very excited that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup representing my country. It's closing the circle because one of my first joys was the final in Sevilla in 2004."
The Davis Cup knockout phase will be played from Nov. 19-24.
Nadal's career has been hampered by injuries and he missed the 2023 French Open and was beaten in the first round by German Alexander Zverev this year.
He won his last Roland Garros title in 2022 and left the Paris clay on a jaw-dropping 112-4 win-loss record.