Day: April 19, 2024

Al-Qurayyat, The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Festival, organized by the Reserve Development Authority, concluded on Thursday evening at the Cultural Center in Al-Qurayyat Governorate. The festival aimed to introduce tourists and locals to the reserve's recreational sites and enhance the participation of the local community in its activities. The festival provided enjoyable activities and unique experiences for visitors of all ages, combining entertainment with opportunities to learn about the natural diversity and wildlife within the reserve. The event attracted a significant number of visitors to its nine sections, including the craftsmen's market, folk shows, wildlife area, reserve pavilion, performing arts theater, children's area, interactive competitions, afforestation and agriculture area, and restaurants and cafes area. Attendees at the festival had a great time sitting on tent seats and learning how to grow plants and seeds in designated cultivation basins. They also received education about the wildlife and natural diversity found in the reserve, as well as the conservation efforts to reintroduce endangered creatures to their natural habitats and increase their populations. Additionally, the handcraft path allowed visitors to learn about the contributions of participating craftsmen and craftswomen. Saudi Horse Archers Bader and Hisham Al-Tamimi Win Gold Medal in Horseback Archery Asian Championship Riyadh: Students Bader Ali Al-Tamimi and Hisham Ali Al-Tamimi, from the College of Business Administration of Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in Hotat Bani Tamim, accomplished a national achievement by winning the gold medal in Horseback Archery Asian Championship, which was held in Kazakhstan recently. This achievement is exceptional for the country and Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in particular. It is an affirmation of the Kingdom's superiority in the field of equestrian sports at the Asian level. #CT#Sports/CT# Source: Saudi Press Agency

National News Agency correspondent in Tyre reported that Israeli enemy aircraft raided the area between the southern Lebanese towns of Al-Mansouri and Majdal Zoun. At around 5;30 pm this afternoon, enemy warplanes raided the town of Aitaroun, launching two air-to-surface missiles at the targeted area. Source: National news agency - Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. George Kallas, on Friday left Beirut bound for Cairo, at the head of a delegation from the ministry, at the invitation of the Arab Federation for Sports Culture (ASCA). The Federation is headed by Egyptian media figure Ashraf Mahmud. Minister Kallas will participate in the annual ceremony to be held by the Arab Federation tomorrow afternoon, Saturday, where he will receive the 'Arab Sports Culture Award for Youth Initiatives for the Year 2023,' which was won by 'Beirut, Capital of Youth 2023.' Kallas is scheduled to meet with the Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports, Head of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Youth and Sports Ministers, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, and senior officials in the League of Arab States. Source: National news agency - Lebanon

Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has hailed the commitment of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) towards lifting the standards of the game. Shaikh Salman, who held fruitful discussions with FFSL President Jaswar Umar during his visit to Colombo, praised the recent initiatives undertaken by the FFSL and also noted the progress of the Sri Lanka Men's National Team, AFC said on its website. Earlier this February, President Jaswar unveiled the 'Football Forward Sri Lanka 2024-2027' strategic plan, which will see 1 billion Sri Lankan Rupees (USD3.34m) being allocated to a total of 15 different projects with the aim of boosting football across all levels in the country. These include the establishment of a domestic calendar for all competitions, such as a new women's football league, as well as long-term plans for the various national teams. Last month, the Golden Army hosted and took part in the first ever FIFA World Series, where they held Papua New Guinea and beat Bhutan - both higher-ranked opponents - in Colombo. Sri Lanka will also contest the Qualifiers Playoff Round of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027S in September 2024. Shaikh Salman said: 'It is very heartening to witness the concrete and ambitious plans that are being undertaken by the Football Federation of Sri Lanka to elevate football in the country to the next level. 'The adoption of the Federation's statutes in line with the AFC and FIFA's good governance principles, alongside the unity demonstrated by its members under President Jaswar's leadership, is indeed commendable. I am confident that these collective efforts towards governance stability will greatly benefit Sri Lankan football.' Noting that a portion of the funding for the Football Forward plan comes from the AFC Enhance Programme, Shaikh Salman reiterated the AFC's support for the FFSL and underlined the AFC's firm commitment towards developing its Member Associations. FFSL President Jaswar expressed his gratitude towards t he AFC President for his unwavering support and added that the FFSL is determined to work closely together with the Confederation in order to uplift football in Sri Lanka. Source: Bahrain News Agency

The UAE expressed its deep concern over ongoing regional tensions, and has called for refraining from any steps that further exacerbate escalation in the region. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the UAE called for exercising the utmost restraint in order to avoid serious repercussions, and the region being pulled into new levels of instability. The Ministry affirmed the importance of reaching substantial solutions to the ongoing disputes and crises in the region aimed at de-escalating tensions, in addition to resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomatic channels, and for adhering to the rule of law and respecting the United Nations Charter. The Ministry reiterated its call on the United Nations and the UN Security Council to fulfill their responsibilities to enhance international peace and security by resolving long-standing issues and conflicts in the region that threaten global security and stability. Source: National news agency - Lebanon