Saudi Arabia: Sports Boulevard Participates in Cityscape 2023 Global Exhibition as Strategic Partner

Sports Boulevard acts as a strategic partnership in the Cityscape 2023 Global exhibition. SPA
Sports Boulevard acts as a strategic partnership in the Cityscape 2023 Global exhibition. SPA
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Saudi Arabia: Sports Boulevard Participates in Cityscape 2023 Global Exhibition as Strategic Partner

Sports Boulevard acts as a strategic partnership in the Cityscape 2023 Global exhibition. SPA
Sports Boulevard acts as a strategic partnership in the Cityscape 2023 Global exhibition. SPA

Sports Boulevard acts as a strategic partnership in the Cityscape 2023 Global exhibition, which takes place at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Convention Center from September 10 to 13 under the theme "The Future of Living.”

The exhibition is expected to tackle the future of the real estate sector, across the globe, and ways to strengthen companies emerging to develop the sector locally. It will also discuss ways of boosting innovation and creativity in design and architecture.

The Sports Boulevard pavilion will show visitors at the exhibition the Sports Boulevard project in virtual reality, and introduce the cycling bridge through a simulated design in the exhibition halls, as well as a 3D model of the project.

The Sports Boulevard team will make presentations about the characteristics and objectives of the project, investment opportunities, and the features of the Sports Boulevard Design Code.

Sports Boulevard CEO Jayne McGivern will participate in the main panel discussion at the exhibition, titled “Building Tomorrow - Investments and Projects Shaping the Kingdom’s Future as a Global Destination”. She is slated to talk about the important role of the Sports Track Project and its developments, which will create a qualitative shift in Riyadh as a city, in response to the objectives of the Kingdom’s vision 2030, as it will connect the western and eastern parts of the city to become an innovative hub for a healthy and lifestyle where sport is practiced.

“We are proud to be among the projects that contribute to the prosperity of Riyadh and enhance the quality of life of its citizens, as we aim at making it a most convenient city for living in,” said Sports Boulevard Foundation Chief Communications Officer Ahmad BinAskar.

The Sports Boulevard is one of the major projects in Riyadh launched by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in March 2019. Its progress is being followed up on by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister.

The project aims to boost the position of Riyadh in the global classification, making it one of the best cities to live in, in the world, by promoting physical, psychological and social health, and instilling a healthy lifestyle in the community.

The project extends over more than 135 kilometers along Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road. It connects Wadi Hanifa, in the west of the city, with Wadi Al Sulay, in its east, and includes more than 4.4 million square meters of open green spaces, more than 50 sites for various sports, and distinctive artistic landmarks. It also hosts investment areas on a total area of more than 2.3 million square meters.



The Barnacle, Spaniards’ Favorite Christmas Dish, Imperiled by Climate Change

Adriana, 31, buys boxes with barnacles in front of Israel Martinez, an auctioneer, that were caught off the Atlantic coasts of Galicia during an auction ahead of Christmas celebrations in the port of Coruna, Spain December 21, 2024. (Reuters)
Adriana, 31, buys boxes with barnacles in front of Israel Martinez, an auctioneer, that were caught off the Atlantic coasts of Galicia during an auction ahead of Christmas celebrations in the port of Coruna, Spain December 21, 2024. (Reuters)
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The Barnacle, Spaniards’ Favorite Christmas Dish, Imperiled by Climate Change

Adriana, 31, buys boxes with barnacles in front of Israel Martinez, an auctioneer, that were caught off the Atlantic coasts of Galicia during an auction ahead of Christmas celebrations in the port of Coruna, Spain December 21, 2024. (Reuters)
Adriana, 31, buys boxes with barnacles in front of Israel Martinez, an auctioneer, that were caught off the Atlantic coasts of Galicia during an auction ahead of Christmas celebrations in the port of Coruna, Spain December 21, 2024. (Reuters)

On the craggy rocks on northwestern Spain's treacherous Costa da Morte (Death Coast), wetsuit-clad fishermen dodge crashing waves as they pick barnacles, a prized Christmas delicacy facing decline due to climate change and other factors.

Fetching up to 200 euros ($208) per kilogram (2.2 pounds) during the holiday season, the gooseneck barnacle from the Galicia region has long been treasured by Spaniards for both its flavor and difficulty to harvest.

However, the rise in sea temperatures driven by climate change has severely affected barnacle habitats, as they thrive in icy waters. A recent study by the University of Vigo also linked changing wave patterns to lower quality in the shellfish.

Israel Martinez, an auctioneer in the A Coruna fish market, said that there used to be double or triple the number of barnacles just 10 years ago.

Despite state regulations - such as limiting daily harvests to 7 kg per fisherman - illegal fishing has surged due to the barnacles' high value.

Licensed percebeiros, or barnacle pickers, have called for increased policing of the coast to deter poachers.

Their job is classified as a risky profession due to the adverse work conditions.

"The percebeiro trade on the Costa da Morte is dying. This is due to climate change, absurd laws, illegal fishing and a lack of workers," 36-year-old Roberto Vidal, who started out as a percebeiro at 16, told Reuters.

He said there used to be between 100 and 200 percebeiros in his town of Corme. Now, there are around 30.

Fellow percebeiro Serafin Rodriguez said that future generations would be unable to follow in his footsteps due to declining barnacle populations.