Saudi Arabia
Esports Olympics to debut in Saudi Arabia later than expected in 2027
The first Olympic Esports Games will be hosted in Riyadh in 2027, two years later than expected when a 12-year deal with Saudi Arabia was signed last year.
The International Olympic Committee said Tuesday its founding partner for the event will be the kingdom’s Esports World Cup Foundation.
The first annual Esports World Cup was held last July and August in Riyadh with tens of millions of dollars in prize money paid for games including Call of Duty, Fortnite and Street Fighter.
It is unclear which, if any, shooter games the IOC will allow on the Esports Olympics program, which it has repeatedly said must align with Olympic values.
A six-person panel, co-chaired by veteran IOC member Ser Miang Ng and Saudi sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, will work on deciding the games program, the IOC said.
Details of the inaugural Esports Olympics were confirmed two days after Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted a visiting Olympic delegation in Riyadh, including its president Thomas Bach, who leaves office in June.
IOC president Thomas Bach plans to leave office next year. He says the Olympics needs a change
The 12-year deal was confirmed last July on the eve of the Paris Olympics as the latest prime sporting asset for the oil-rich kingdom to own or host. FIFA confirmed Saudi Arabia as host of the 2034 World Cup in men's soccer in December.
IOC members were told in Paris the vision for the Esports Olympics was to hold it every two years starting in 2025, with “physical, simulated and electronic games” included.
Qualifying competitions for national teams are set to start this year.
4 days ago
BNP's Babar hospitalised in Dubai on way to Saudi
Former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar has been admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suddenly falling ill en route to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
Mirza Haider Ali, Babar’s personal assistant said Babar, along with his son Labib Ibn Zaman left Dhaka for Saudi Arabia via Dubai on an Emirates Airlines flight from Dhaka at 6pm on Thursday to perform Umrah.
He said Babar fell severely ill with breathing difficulties while en route to Madinah from Dhaka aboard the Emirates Airlines flight.
After the plane landed in Dubai, Haider said, the BNP leader was quickly taken to a clinic near the airport, where doctors advised immediate hospitalisation after conducting a check-up.
"He is currently admitted to a hospital in Dubai and is under intensive observation by the doctors," he said.
Haider said Babar’s eldest son is with him at the hospital.
Read: BNP’s Babar under close observation in United Hospital
He said Babar will go to Saudi Arabia form Dubai to perform Umrah after he is discharged from the hospital.
Haider said Babar and his son Labib Ibn Zaman, left for Madinah on an Emirates flight at 6pm.
A few hours earlier, Babar’s wife and other family members had also departed for Madinah on a separate flight.
Upon reaching Madinah, they were informed that Babar had been hospitalised in Dubai, Haider said.
Babar had planned to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia, starting in Madinah and then proceeding to Makkah with his family.
Read more: Babar breaks down in tears at Ziaur Rahman’s grave
Earlier on January 19, Babar was admitted to United Hospital in the capital with chest pain and received treatment under close observation in its Coronary Care Unit (CCU).
The former state minister was released from prison on January 16 after 17 years of incarceration, following his acquittal in all cases against him.
2 weeks ago
Saudi Arabia club Al-Hilal says contract with Neymar has been terminated by mutual consent
Saudi football club Al-Hilal announced on Monday that its contract with Brazilian striker Neymar has been terminated by mutual agreement.
Details of the termination were not disclosed. Neymar, once celebrated as one of the world's top players, made only seven appearances for the club, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
The 32-year-old has been out of action since October 2023 due to an ACL injury sustained while playing for Brazil. Despite his limited contributions, Neymar was part of the squad that secured the Saudi Pro League title last season.
His contract with Al-Hilal had been set to run until after this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled for June 15 to July 13 in the United States. The club, in a social media statement, expressed gratitude for Neymar’s contributions during his brief stint.
Barcelona's attack flourishes under Flick, setting records in all competitions
Neymar joined Al-Hilal in August 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain for a transfer fee of €90 million ($94 million). However, his tenure was cut short after suffering the most severe injury of his career. Neymar made a brief return to play in October, with his last appearance in November. Media reports speculated that coach Jorge Jesus might not rely on him for the remainder of the season.
Day Crespo, Neymar's spokeswoman in Brazil, stated that the player would comment on his future plans later. Reports suggest Neymar and his father are exploring a potential six-month return to Santos, his boyhood club where he first gained fame before joining Barcelona in 2013. Santos fans, eager for his return, have circulated tributes, including a video featuring the voice of the late Pelé urging Neymar to don the club's iconic No. 10 jersey again.
Neymar achieved six titles with Santos, including the 2010 Brazilian Cup and the prestigious 2011 Copa Libertadores. However, during a June visit to Brazil, Neymar dismissed speculation about a return to Santos, citing his existing contract with Al-Hilal.
In January, Neymar hinted at a possible return to Brazilian football, naming Flamengo and Santos as potential destinations. While he expressed love for his boyhood club, he also admitted interest in playing for Flamengo, Brazil's most popular team. Santos officials have expressed interest in Neymar's return but denied rumors that he and his father plan to purchase the club’s soccer department.
Man City rising after win over Chelsea while Liverpool stays 6 points clear
Brazilian national team coach Dorival Júnior recently confirmed that Neymar is still not fit for international duty. The striker is expected to miss Brazil's upcoming World Cup qualifier against Argentina in March.
Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 125 matches, remains focused on regaining full fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America, which could be his final tournament.
Earlier this month, Neymar sparked controversy by suggesting that his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappé felt “jealous” after Lionel Messi joined the club in 2021. Neymar also attributed PSG’s struggles in key matches to the clash of egos among its star players.
2 weeks ago
KSA has all capabilities to support crude oil-based project: Ambassador
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Issa bin Yousef Al-Duhailan on Thursday said his country has all the necessary capabilities to support any crude oil-based project on commercial terms of supply.
US Embassy Dhaka welcomes Tracey Ann Jacobson as Chargé d’affaires
He also emphasised that Saudi Aramco's investment plans do not include investing in the refinery construction project in Bangladesh.
1 month ago
KSA revises fees for visa, Iqama renewals
The Saudi Ministry of Interior's Absher Business platform has updated fees for seven services available to establishments.
The fee for extending an exit and reentry visa has been revised to SR103.5. The renewed fees for residency permit (Iqama) renewals and final exit are now SR51.75 and SR70, respectively, reports Gulf News .
Besides, the fee for issuing an Iqama is SR51.75, while the cost for requesting an employee report is SR28.75.
Expatriates will now pay SR69 for updating passport information.
Absher Business clarified on its X (formerly Twitter) account that these fees apply to value-added services specifically for those implemented through the Absher Business platform.
Bangladesh seeks roadmap from Malaysia for stranded workers
They are not part of the annual subscription package for employers.
The Absher platform has recently introduced several new services, including one through the Absher Individuals platform, allowing host individuals to report absconding cases for visitors who entered Saudi Arabia on a visitor visa.
Absher outlined five conditions for submitting an absconding report: the visitor's visa must be a personal or family visit visa; the report can only be filed seven days after the visa expires; reports cannot be submitted more than 14 days after the visa expiration; the visa status must be expired; and only one report can be filed per visitor. Once submitted, the report cannot be cancelled.
1 month ago
Afghanistan welcomes Saudi Arabia’s decision to reopen embassy in Kabul
Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry has expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s move to reopen its embassy in Kabul, marking the first time since the Taliban assumed control in 2021.
The Saudi Embassy in Kabul announced on X on Sunday that it had resumed operations, emphasizing the government’s commitment to delivering services to the Afghan people.
Ex-Israeli spy agents describe attack using exploding electronic devices against Hezbollah
Zia Ahmad Takal, Afghanistan’s Deputy Foreign Ministry spokesperson, welcomed the decision and assured full cooperation while prioritizing the embassy staff’s security.
Takal expressed hope that the reopening would strengthen bilateral relations and improve cooperation. He also highlighted its potential to address the needs and issues of Afghans residing in Saudi Arabia more effectively.
Rocket from Yemen Hits Tel Aviv, Injuring 16 People
Although no country officially recognizes the Taliban as Afghanistan’s legitimate government, several nations maintain diplomatic engagements with them.
1 month ago
Saudi Arabia’s film industry thrives as Red Sea festival highlights growth
After a 35-year cinema ban, Saudi Arabia's film industry is rapidly evolving, marked by the success of the Red Sea International Film Festival.
This transformation was celebrated when Roula Dakheelallah, star of *My Driver and I,* received the Chopard Emerging Saudi Talent award on Thursday.
“My heart is attached to cinema and art; I have always dreamed of a moment like this,” said Dakheelallah, reflecting on her journey from volunteering in small productions to her first major film role.
Saudi Arabia's cultural shift began in 2018 with the reopening of cinemas, ending a ban imposed under ultraconservative religious influence. The kingdom has since invested heavily in its film sector, building cinemas and launching programs to support local talent.
The Red Sea International Film Festival, launched in 2019, showcases Saudi films and international productions, attracting stars like Viola Davis and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
These developments align with Vision 2030, a reform initiative aimed at reducing the kingdom's reliance on oil. As part of the plan, Saudi Arabia aims to construct 350 cinemas with over 2,500 screens. By April 2024, 66 cinemas were already operating in 22 cities.
Allu Arjun arrested over woman’s death at 'Pushpa 2' Screening
The industry’s growth includes the opening of Al Hisn Studios near Riyadh, a production hub with film studios and workshops for carpentry, blacksmithing, and fashion. “These facilities will stimulate filmmakers,” said actor Mohammed Elshehri, emphasizing that creators now have the resources to bring their visions to life.
Media company Telfaz11, a key player in this transformation, has partnered with Netflix to produce original Saudi content. Films like Mandoob (Night Courier) and Naga explore sensitive social issues, marking a shift in Saudi storytelling. “When you tell your story naturally, it will resonate globally,” said Elshehri.
Some films like “The Goat Life” remain unavailable domestically. Even “My Driver and I, a story about a Sudanese driver caring for a girl, initially faced resistance due to its sensitive themes.
Filmmaker Ahd Kamel and Dakheelallah represent a growing number of women shaping Saudi cinema. “I see the change in Saudi cinema, a very beautiful change,” Dakheelallah remarked. “We need to guide the truth of this artistic movement at a steady pace.”
2 months ago
Saudi’s 2034 FIFA plans raise environmental concerns
Experts warn that Saudi Arabia's plans to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup could significantly harm the environment due to large-scale construction and emissions. The Gulf nation, recently confirmed as the host, aims to build or renovate 15 stadiums, develop a futuristic city, and expand airports to accommodate millions of visitors.
These developments will generate substantial greenhouse gas emissions from producing and transporting materials like concrete and steel, as well as from operating heavy machinery and cooling new facilities.
Such emissions are a major contributor to climate change. Andrew Zimbalist, an economics professor at Smith College, criticized the plan as “environmentally wasteful in the extreme.” He argued that the World Cup should be hosted in nations with an established soccer infrastructure to avoid unnecessary construction.
Seth Warren Rose, founding director of the Eneref Institute, emphasized the urgency of climate action. “By 2034, we’ll be living in a different climate and that’s not a metaphor,” he said, urging organizers to either take meaningful steps to cut emissions or abandon the event.
Saudi Arabia's plans rely heavily on concrete, responsible for 8% of global emissions and steel, which adds another 7%. The construction of eight new stadiums and the expansion of three currently underway for the tournament’s first-ever 48-team format raise concerns about the potential for “white elephant” venues—facilities left unused after the event.
FIFA names Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host
The Saudi bid includes sustainability measures, such as powering stadiums with clean energy, adopting natural ventilation, and enforcing green building standards. However, Karim Elgendy, a fellow at Chatham House, warned that the vast scale of the project and the distances between host cities could make it the most carbon-intensive World Cup to date.
Without robust mitigation, he said, the event's emissions could nearly double the record set during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
In comparison, this year’s Paris Olympics achieved a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by using renewable energy, recycled materials, plant-based food options, and energy-efficient infrastructure.
Critics question FIFA’s decision to fast-track Saudi Arabia’s unopposed bid, suggesting more suitable hosts like the UK, which already has numerous stadiums.
However, Walker Ross, a sport sustainability researcher at the University of Edinburgh, argued that global inclusivity should remain central to hosting decisions. “If this sport is truly for the world, then we have to be open to everyone hosting,” he said.
Previous events have also faced scrutiny. Qatar’s 2022 World Cup, which cost $200 billion and included seven new stadiums and extensive infrastructure, reportedly emitted 3.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. Claims of a “carbon neutral” tournament were met with skepticism.
Saudi Arabia’s growing emissions—533 metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2022—are compounded by its heavy reliance on fossil fuels. While the country aims to source 50% of its energy from renewables by 2030, renewable energy adoption remains minimal.
Khaled Diab of Carbon Market Watch criticized FIFA for seemingly ignoring lessons from Qatar. “It appears FIFA has learnt very little from the debacle with the World Cup in Qatar,” he said.
Source: With inputs from wires
2 months ago
FIFA names Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host
FIFA has officially named Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup, marking a significant milestone for the Gulf nation as it continues its ambitious investment in global sports under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Saudi Arabia's bid was unopposed, with the decision confirmed during an online FIFA meeting led by President Gianni Infantino. The move received unanimous support, with over 200 member federations applauding virtually.
“The vote of the congress is loud and clear,” said Infantino, adding that he trusts Saudi Arabia to deliver a tournament that meets global expectations and serves as a “catalyst for positive social change and unity.”
The announcement also finalized plans for the 2030 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay hosting three matches to celebrate the tournament’s centenary.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting plan involves a major overhaul of infrastructure, including the construction and renovation of 15 stadiums, transportation networks, and accommodations, all part of the Vision 2030 modernization strategy. One proposed stadium in the futuristic city of Neom will be elevated 350 meters above ground, while another near Riyadh will be perched on a 200-meter cliff.
UN human rights chief pledges to advise FIFA and Saudi Arabia on 2034 World Cup concerns.
Crown Prince Mohammed expressed his ambition to host an “exceptional and unprecedented” tournament, highlighting the country's capabilities to unite global football fans. However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups, with Amnesty International calling it a “moment of great danger” for workers, many of whom are migrants from South Asia.
“FIFA’s reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensuring adequate human rights protections will put countless lives at risk,” said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s Head of Labor Rights and Sport.
Critics also argue that FIFA has not adequately addressed concerns stemming from Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, which faced scrutiny at the United Nations earlier this year. Many fear the kingdom’s vast spending on sports is an attempt to divert attention from such issues, a strategy often referred to as “sportswashing.”
Saudi Arabia’s deepening influence in global football includes sponsorships, investments in European clubs, and lucrative player contracts. This includes deals with FIFA, such as the state oil giant Aramco’s sponsorship and backing for the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States.
Source: With inputs from agencies
2 months ago
Saudi Arabia plans transparent, efficient recruitment: Spokesperson
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has said they want to streamline the recruitment process with "fairness and transparency" as the Kingdom is committed to ensuring that Bangladeshi workers continue to be "valued and integral members" of Saudi Arabia’s labour market.
"Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to strengthening this vital cooperation. As part of this commitment, we aim to streamline the recruitment process, ensuring fairness and transparency for both workers and employers," a spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development told UNB.
He said Bangladeshi expatriates have been an integral part of Saudi Arabia's workforce for decades, bringing their skills and dedication to a range of sectors in the Saudi labor market.
Their contributions complement the local workforce, fuelling the Kingdom’s development and enriching their social fabric, said the spokesperson.
Today, he mentioned, Saudi Arabia is home to over two million Bangladeshi expatriate workers and they deeply value the contributions they bring to their society.
Looking forward to next year with hopes for a better Bangladesh: Foreign Secretary
"We are fully committed to protecting their welfare, upholding their rights, and offering them wide-ranging opportunities to develop and grow their careers," said the spokesperson.
The Labor Reform Initiative (LRI) of 2021 marked a significant milestone in this commitment, aimed at creating a more transparent, fair, and equitable labor market, said the Saudi government.
By promoting job mobility and enhancing contractual relationships, the KSA said, the LRI has empowered expatriate workers across the Kingdom, setting new standards in the labor sector.
The Wage Protection System (WPS) plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the financial rights of workers by electronically tracking and ensuring the timely payment of wages in line with agreed contracts.
The system applies strict penalties to employers who fail to comply," said the Spokesperson.
‘Fighting my own shadow,’ says energy adviser about bureaucratic challenges
The WPS is now fully operational across all establishments, covering even those with as few as one employee, providing a comprehensive layer of protection for both Bangladeshi workers and the broader expatriate workforce.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan, during his recent meeting with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin in Dhaka recalled the invaluable contributions of Bangladeshi expatriate workers to the Saudi economy and society, praising them as diligent and hardworking.
The Saudi Embassy in Dhaka is issuing a good number of visas every day, which is adding up to the workforces employed in Saudi Arabia.
Workshop on financial inclusion, rural transformation towards achieving SDGs begins
The Ambassador expressed eagerness to recruit more workers, especially skilled and trained workforce to support its ambitious initiatives like ‘Green Saudi Initiative’ and mega projects under the Kingdom Vision 2030.
Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia underscored the necessity of maintaining continuous engagement between the two governments, including political consultations and the high-level Joint Economic Commission (JEC) as well as the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) on Manpower between the two countries.
2 months ago