Latest news with #Al-Nasser
Kuwait Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
Kuwaiti athletes shine at Asian athletics, weightlifting tournaments
Ibrahim Al-Thafiri grabs 800 meters gold; Mohammad Al-Nasser earns u-96 kg gold GUMI/DOHA: Kuwait's athletes continued to shine during their participation in Asian competitions over the weekend, as Ibrahim Al-Thafiri won the men's 800 meter's gold medal at the 26th Asian Athletics Championships on Saturday. Thafiri finished the race in a time of 1:44.59; a new personal record, during the continental tournament held in Gumi, South Korea. His victory adds to a list of achievements by Kuwaiti athletics team athletes in recent years during their participation in international and continental championships, achieving distinguished numbers and winning various medals. In Doha, Kuwait's weightlifting athletes won 11 medals on Friday, seven of them gold medals, at the Asian Masters Weightlifting Championships. Mohammad Al-Nasser won a gold medal in the 45-year-old category, under 96 kg, while Musa Mubarak won a silver medal in the under-102 kg category. In the women's competition, Hawra Al-Moussawi won a silver medal in the under-87 kg category, Amal Al-Sharifi won a gold medal in the under-55 kg category, and Maryam Bujbara won a gold medal in the under-64 kg category. Al-Zahraa Kamshad won a gold medal in the under-71 kg category, Arwa Al-Ateeqi won a bronze medal in the under-76 kg category, and Nour Al-Abdullah won a gold medal in the under-76 kg category. Abrar Al-Fahad won a gold medal in the under-81 kg category, Haya Al-Mayas won a silver medal in the under-71 kg category, and Shahad Al-Otaibi won a gold medal in the under-59 kg category. DOHA: Kuwait's Mohammad Al-Nasser celebrates his victory at the Asian Masters Weightlifting Championships in Doha, Qatar. - KUNA photos Outstanding records Al-Nasser's achievement comes days after he won the gold medal at the recently concluded World Championships in Taiwan, thus confirming his preference and superiority in all international and continental participations. Al-Nasser achieved outstanding records, surpassing his competitors from Iran, Tajikistan, Philippines and Pakistan. Al-Nasser dedicated the Asian crown to Kuwait's leadership and people, emphasizing that he will continue to exert all efforts to achieve more success and raise the Kuwaiti flag high in all international forums. Al-Nasser appreciated the great public support he received after winning the world's gold, which was a great motivation before the Asian championship to add yet another gold medal to his international competitive career. Separately, Kuwait's Athbi Jumaan won second place in the Qatar Squash Federation International Championship held in the Qatari capital, Doha, after losing to Iranian player Sapir Etemad (1-3) in the final on Thursday. In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Jumaan stressed the importance of participating in the tournament where world-class athletes participate, saying that participation in such tournaments helps raise participants' levels as they prepare to participate in international tournaments and raise the name of Kuwait high. Jumaan expressed appreciation to the Qatar Squash Federation for the excellent organization and generous reception. It is worth noting that the fourth edition of the Qatar Squash Federation International Championship, which is held as part of the International Squash Federation Tour, kicked off last Monday at the Khalifa International Complex in the Qatari capital, Doha.
Asharq Al-Awsat
23-04-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi VAT Refund Scheme Poised to Boost Tourism and Retail Spending
Saudi Arabia's recent decision to allow foreign tourists to reclaim value-added tax (VAT) on eligible purchases is expected to significantly enhance the Kingdom's appeal as a global tourist destination, while giving a strong boost to retail and non-oil economic sectors. The policy follows amendments to the executive regulations of the VAT law, approved by the Board of Directors of the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority. Effective April 18, international visitors are now eligible to reclaim the 15% VAT on goods purchased in Saudi Arabia, provided the items are for personal use and not consumed within the country. Refunds can be processed at departure points through designated service providers. The move comes amid Saudi Arabia's continued efforts to diversify its economy under Vision 2030. The Kingdom recorded more than 30 million foreign visitors in 2024, and international tourist spending reached a record SAR154 billion (USD41 billion), a 14% increase compared to the previous year. Tax expert Ali Al-Nasser told Asharq Al-Awsat that the VAT refund initiative marks a pivotal step toward positioning Saudi Arabia as a competitive tourism hub. 'Lowering the effective cost of shopping by 15% creates a powerful incentive for visitors to spend more. This will not only stimulate retail activity but also encourage businesses to improve services and tailor promotions to tourists,' he said. Al-Nasser advised tourists to keep tax invoices from participating retailers and ensure purchases are unused before departure. Refunds do not apply to services such as accommodation, food and beverages, tobacco products, or vehicle purchases. He also emphasized that refunds must be requested at the point of exit through officially approved channels. Experts anticipate that the new system will lead to a 15-20% rise in tourist arrivals in the coming years, driven by the added value and improved visitor experience. Al-Nasser also expects a 10-15% increase in average spending per tourist, especially as awareness of the refund system grows. Mohammed Al-Abdulkarim, a tourism expert, called the VAT refund scheme a 'strategic step' that aligns with Saudi Arabia's tourism ambitions. 'Allowing tax refunds makes Saudi Arabia more competitive with other global destinations, particularly for shopping tourism,' he said. 'It enhances visitor satisfaction and encourages both longer stays and repeat visits.' Al-Abdulkarim urged tourists to retain receipts and provide passport information at the point of sale. He added that refunds can be issued either in cash or via electronic payment at the airport before departure. Beyond tourism, the VAT refund program is expected to have a broader economic impact. Increased tourist spending will benefit retail outlets, while related sectors such as transport and hospitality are likely to see indirect gains.
Arab Times
06-03-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwaiti delegation heads to Italy for Special Winter Olympics
KUWAIT CITY, March 6, (KUNA): The head of Kuwait's Olympic delegation for intellectual special cases, Khaled Al-Nasser, affirmed on Thursday that Kuwaiti athletes are determined to excel in the Special Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy. Speaking to KUNA before the team's departure, Al-Nasser highlighted that Kuwait will compete in the 12th edition of the event, held from March 8 to 15. He emphasized that the athletes had undergone intensive training camps in the UAE and Egypt under expert supervision. The Kuwaiti team features Mariam Dhiab in snowboarding and Hajar Al-Rashidi in snow running, both aiming for strong performances on the international stage. Hoda Al-Khaldi, Executive Manager of Al-Tomooh Sports Club for Intellectual Disabilities, expressed confidence in Kuwait's delegation, stating that she expects the athletes to achieve remarkable results in Turin. Dr. Ismail Habash, a specialized emergency physician accompanying the team, noted that his participation aligns with the Ministry of Health's commitment to supporting athletes with special needs. The Special Winter Olympic Games in Turin, set to commence on March 15, will host 1,500 competitors and 1,000 trainers from 100 countries, fostering inclusivity and excellence in sports.
Arab Times
02-03-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait targets new milestones at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin
TURIN, March 2, (KUNA): The Kuwaiti Special Olympics delegation is set to participate in the 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025, hosted in Turin, Italy, from March 8 to 15. The delegation has been preparing through several training camps to secure a national sporting achievement. Hana Al-Zawawi, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kuwaiti Special Olympics, shared with the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Sunday that the athletes' spirits are high, which serves as a major motivation to achieve top positions and further enhance the country's record in sporting achievements. Al-Zawawi emphasized that despite limited training facilities for winter sports in Kuwait, the delegation has worked diligently under the guidance of the Special Olympics technical and administrative staff to achieve optimal results. She noted that the athletes are determined to overcome challenges, particularly the cold weather and their lack of experience with snow. She expressed hope that the delegation would set a new milestone for Kuwaiti sports, particularly for athletes with intellectual disabilities. The delegation consists of three athletes and their parents, as well as the head of the delegation and a doctor, who will be involved in the health screening program for athletes during the Games, which is affiliated with Special Olympics. Khaled Al-Nasser, head of the delegation, stated to KUNA that Kuwaiti athletes will face stiff competition, especially since participants from other countries are more accustomed to winter sports and cold weather. However, he emphasized that the technical staff of Kuwaiti Special Olympics has made great strides in preparing the athletes to bring home a new achievement. Al-Nasser also highlighted that camps were held in Egypt and the UAE to help athletes acquire the necessary skills to face the challenges of the Games. The Kuwaiti athletes participating in the Games are Maryam Diab in snowboarding, and Hajar Al-Rashidi and Abdullah Al-Ali in snow running. Al-Nasser expressed hope that the team would secure strong placements, mirroring the success of Kuwaiti Special Olympics athletes who won 21 medals at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin (2023). Dr. Bibi Al-Amiri, a child and adolescent psychiatry consultant accompanying the delegation, spoke with KUNA about her pride in representing Kuwait in this global event, noting that the participation of athletes embodies determination and resilience. Dr. Al-Amiri highlighted her role in the health program, titled "Strong Minds," which focuses on the mental health of the athletes. She explained that the program will help create a comfortable environment for the athletes, especially considering their unfamiliarity with snow and cold temperatures. It also addresses the psychological pressures that come with competition and being away from home. In addition to mental health support, the health program includes eye and hearing exams, physical therapy, and dental care. Dr. Al-Amiri emphasized the importance of daily psychological support to ensure the well-being of the athletes and to help the Kuwaiti delegation achieve strong results. The 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 in Turin will be the largest sporting event for people with intellectual disabilities, with more than 1,500 athletes from 102 countries competing in eight winter sports, including mountain skiing, snowboarding, indoor soccer, and snow running, among others.
