Saudi Arabia Poised for Dakar Rally 2025 Launching on January 3

 The rally will run from January 3 to 17th  (File Photo via Dakar Rally)
The rally will run from January 3 to 17th (File Photo via Dakar Rally)
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Saudi Arabia Poised for Dakar Rally 2025 Launching on January 3

 The rally will run from January 3 to 17th  (File Photo via Dakar Rally)
The rally will run from January 3 to 17th (File Photo via Dakar Rally)

In just nine days, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will kick off the 2025 edition of the world-famous Dakar Rally, marking the sixth consecutive year the Kingdom hosts this prestigious event.
The rally, which runs from January 3 to 17th, is organized by the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the Saudi Motorsport Company, with oversight from the Ministry of Sport, SPA reported.
This year, the adrenaline-fueled rally will start in Bisha, in the south of the Kingdom, and travel from south to north before heading east to the final destination in Shubaytah, located in the Empty Quarter—the largest continuous sand desert in the world.

Over 14 thrilling days, competitors will navigate various terrains, giving them the opportunity to explore stunning natural landscapes and ancient archaeological sites along the way.



Messi to Get Presidential Medal of Freedom from Biden

Argentina's Lionel Messi was involved in both goals on Thursday night, setting up the second for Lautaro Martinez in the 88th minute and extending his tournament assists record to 18. Photograph: Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images
Argentina's Lionel Messi was involved in both goals on Thursday night, setting up the second for Lautaro Martinez in the 88th minute and extending his tournament assists record to 18. Photograph: Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images
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Messi to Get Presidential Medal of Freedom from Biden

Argentina's Lionel Messi was involved in both goals on Thursday night, setting up the second for Lautaro Martinez in the 88th minute and extending his tournament assists record to 18. Photograph: Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images
Argentina's Lionel Messi was involved in both goals on Thursday night, setting up the second for Lautaro Martinez in the 88th minute and extending his tournament assists record to 18. Photograph: Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images

Joe Biden on Saturday will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 honorees, bestowing the highest civilian honor in the United States to entertainers, sports stars, politicians and diplomats.

Among those to receive honors from the outgoing US president are basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson and soccer superstar Lionel Messi, AFP reported.

The honorees "are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world," the White House said in a statement,