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Guinness World Records Recognizes Riyadh Drone Racing World Cup Edition as Largest

This is the Kingdom's hosting of the first-ever championship in the Middle East and North Africa - SPA
This is the Kingdom's hosting of the first-ever championship in the Middle East and North Africa - SPA
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Guinness World Records Recognizes Riyadh Drone Racing World Cup Edition as Largest

This is the Kingdom's hosting of the first-ever championship in the Middle East and North Africa - SPA
This is the Kingdom's hosting of the first-ever championship in the Middle East and North Africa - SPA

Riyadh has hosted the largest edition of the Drone Racing World Cup, held under the patronage of Riyadh Season and organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, in collaboration with the World Air Sports Federation, reflecting the Kingdom's ambitious aspirations and vision to enhance its global standing.
The Riyadh edition of the Drone Racing World Cup set a record in the Guinness World Records as the largest edition in terms of the number of participating countries, reinforcing the Kingdom's status as a global destination for hosting major sports and technology events, SPA reported.
The Kingdom's hosting of the first-ever championship in the Middle East and North Africa is a continuation of its strategy to promote innovation and support technical sports, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to make the Kingdom a global hub for unique events and a destination for innovation and creativity.
The Kingdom's recognition in this edition further enhances its global standing in the field of technical sports, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to developing and organizing global events and reflecting its ambitious vision for leadership on the international stage.
The Guinness World Records, established in 1955, recognizes exceptional achievements and world records across diverse fields like sports, arts, technology, and science. Each record is carefully verified and registered according to strict criteria by a panel of experts.

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Japan's Osaka Bans Street Smoking Ahead of Expo 2025

People walk across the Ebisu bridge (C) into the Shinsaibashi-suji shopping street in central Osaka on January 18, 2025. (Photo by Richard A. Brooks / AFP)
People walk across the Ebisu bridge (C) into the Shinsaibashi-suji shopping street in central Osaka on January 18, 2025. (Photo by Richard A. Brooks / AFP)
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Japan's Osaka Bans Street Smoking Ahead of Expo 2025

People walk across the Ebisu bridge (C) into the Shinsaibashi-suji shopping street in central Osaka on January 18, 2025. (Photo by Richard A. Brooks / AFP)
People walk across the Ebisu bridge (C) into the Shinsaibashi-suji shopping street in central Osaka on January 18, 2025. (Photo by Richard A. Brooks / AFP)

The Japanese city of Osaka on Monday imposed a smoking ban on public streets as part of efforts to become more visitor-friendly ahead of this year's World Expo, Agence France Press reported.

Around 160 countries and regions are participating in Expo 2025, the latest edition of an event held every five years in different global locations.

"The World Expo begins in April. We want to welcome many people from all over the world, so we want to make Osaka a city where people feel safe with smoke-free streets," mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama said in early January.

Before Monday, smoking was banned in six zones including the area around Osaka station. This has been expanded to the whole city and violators face a fine of 1,000 yen ($6.40), AFP said.

Local regulations already ban smoking while walking in most places in Japan, but opposition from some lawmakers has prevented strict national laws.

From April, the wider Osaka region will prohibit smoking in eateries with seating areas larger than 30 square meters (320 square feet), although lighting up in a separate space, such as a smoking room, is allowed.

Current national laws ban smoking in establishments with dining areas over 100 square meters.

Expo 2025 has struggled with slow ticket sales and public concern over the construction budget.

About 7.5 million tickets had been sold by early January for the six-month event -- half the organizers’ target.

The capital outlawed smoking in all restaurants in 2018, in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics.

Smoking outdoors remains allowed in some Tokyo districts.

Japan's central and local governments earn a yearly total of around two trillion yen ($13 billion) in cigarette tax revenue.

The national government also owns a one-third stake in Japan Tobacco, the world's third largest tobacco company.

Tobacco use in Japan has been falling in line with a broader global trend, with the ratio of smokers standing at 15.7 percent in 2023.