AlUla to Host Arab Cup and World Championship for Camels

The event is part of their broader initiative to establish AlUla as the premier destination for traditional sports in the region. (SPA)
The event is part of their broader initiative to establish AlUla as the premier destination for traditional sports in the region. (SPA)
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AlUla to Host Arab Cup and World Championship for Camels

The event is part of their broader initiative to establish AlUla as the premier destination for traditional sports in the region. (SPA)
The event is part of their broader initiative to establish AlUla as the premier destination for traditional sports in the region. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia's Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate announced on Wednesday its plans to host the inaugural Arab Camel Cup and the World Camel Endurance Championship, in collaboration with the Arab and International Camel Federations.

The event is part of their broader initiative to establish AlUla as the premier destination for traditional sports in the region.

The Arab Camel Cup is scheduled to take place on May 3 at the Mughira Heritage Sports Village. Elite camels from 15 countries will compete in 13 rounds for prizes exceeding SAR3 million.

The World Camel Endurance Championship will kick off on May 4, featuring camels and jockeys from various corners of the globe, vying for prizes totaling SAR2 million.

The race consists of two stages, spanning a distance of 16 kilometers. Both men and women will participate in two categories, utilizing the riding techniques of Hail, Thanaya Bakkar, Zamoul, and Thanaya Qadan.

Each first-place winner in the two categories will be awarded a prize of SAR500,000, while the remaining prizes will be distributed among the winners of the other categories.



Formula 1: Red Bull Names Lawson as Partner for Verstappen for 2025 Season

(FILES) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 23: Liam Lawson of New Zealand looks on from the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images/AFP
(FILES) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 23: Liam Lawson of New Zealand looks on from the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images/AFP
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Formula 1: Red Bull Names Lawson as Partner for Verstappen for 2025 Season

(FILES) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 23: Liam Lawson of New Zealand looks on from the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images/AFP
(FILES) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 23: Liam Lawson of New Zealand looks on from the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images/AFP

Liam Lawson will be the partner for world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull for the 2025 season, the Formula 1 team said on Thursday.

Lawson, a New Zealander, replaces Sergio Perez, who was dropped on Wednesday after months of poor results.

Red Bull announced on Wednesday the termination of Perez's contract two years early, and said a replacement will be announced “in due course.”

Nicknamed “Checo,” Perez started the 2024 season with four podium finishes from the first five races, but he wasn't in the top three since. His last race finish higher than sixth was in May. Verstappen won nine races and his fourth consecutive title this year.

The last time there was such a gulf in results between an F1 champion and the team’s other driver in F1 was in 1994, when Verstappen’s father Jos was dropped before the end of the season as Michael Schumacher won the title with Benetton.

“Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience and I’ll always cherish the successes we achieved together,” Perez said in a team statement.

“We broke records, reached remarkable milestones, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way," he added.

"A special thank you to the fans around the world, and especially to the Mexican fans for your unwavering support every day. We’ll meet again soon. And remember... Never give up."