Latest news with #Neom
The National
3 days ago
- Business
- The National
Triathlon set for $65m boost as events organiser looks to expand in Middle East
An organiser of international triathlon events is looking for investors to expand the sport in the Middle East. Supertri has been running successful competitions in Neom, Saudi Arabia, and believes there is strong potential for triathlon to take off in the region. At Olympic level, triathlon involves a 1.5km swim, cycling 40km and then running 10km, and in the lronman event competitors swim 3.8km, cycle 180km and run the marathon distance of 42.2km. But shorter versions of the event have been introduced in recent years in a bid to popularise the sport. Supertri combines an elite league featuring British Olympic champions Alistair and Jonny Brownlee and Alex Yee, as well as France's Cassandre Beaugrand, with entry level mass-participation events. There are currently two Middle East-based professional teams competing in the event, Bahrain Victorious and Crown Racing. The organisation is now in talks to raise $65 million to acquire up to 50 additional events in the US, Europe and the Middle East. Half of that money is understood to already be assured with the remaining $30 million expected to be secured by September. As well as the familiar format, there will also be an expansion of Supertri-E sport, which combines real life and virtual racing. Athletes swim in an Olympic-standard pool then switch to stationary bikes and self-powered treadmills positioned poolside. The cycling and running segments are tracked and visualised using advanced platforms such as Dubai-based MyWhoosh, allowing both in-person and virtual spectators to follow the action in real time. Supertri also wants to build a global community on a digital platform similar to the popular Strava app. Jonny Brownlee, who owns a Supertri franchise team, described the new format as 'shorter and sharper, with action and drama throughout', which he believes can help to expand the sport. 'We need to inspire the next generation of triathletes and triathlon fans, and Supertri brings fresh thinking that makes the sport highly engaging and accessible to many people, both for fans and participants,' said Jonny, who won a gold medal in the mixed relay event at the Tokyo Olympics in 2022. 'It's also a great way for me to race against the best in an exciting and competitive format that's unlike anything else. I still want to test myself against the best in the world while I can still be competitive. Supertri is constantly innovating to make the sport better.' He offered hope for the average competitor without his superhuman endurance who want to take part in amateur events. 'You can be averagely fit and with a bit of training enter a 'By Supertri' mass participation event – it's much more accessible and enjoyable and fun,' he said. Michael D'hulst, the co-founder of Supertri and its chief executive, said the company's plans are 'designed to inspire and engage new and existing triathletes alike'. MyWhoosh was founded in 2019 by Akhtar Hashmi, a UAE-based entrepreneur who is chief executive of many technology companies. In 2023, the company was granted the rights to organise the Esports World Championship by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) for the next three years. It is also the official indoor cycling platform of the World Tour UAE Team Emirates and its rider, Tadej Pogacar. Supertri has been operating in Saudi Arabia since 2019 and kicked off last year's Neom Beach Games, which was covered by the Saudi Sports Channel and beIN Sports. In 2023, viewing figures rose by 146 per cent, including a 66 per cent surge in live viewers, while Supertri's annual YouTube viewership from the country has grown more than 6000 per cent since 2022. Participation in the Saudi Triathlon Federation events increased 24 per cent from 2022 to 2023. Dr Dina Al Tayeb was the first Saudi female triathlete and also the first from the country to take part in the Ironman World Championship, in 2018 and 2019 in Hawaii. She has competed in 18 full and 45 half Ironman events and more than 100 races in the past 20 years. She now plays a prominent role as a board member of the Saudi Arabia Triathlon Federation, overseeing the development of the women's section of the sport.
Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Intersec Saudi Arabia returns with record exhibition space showcasing the innovations securing the Kingdom's future
The seventh edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia, featuring increased government support, will be held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC) from 30 September to 2 October Intersec Saudi Arabia will showcase innovations in security, safety and fire protection, hosting industry experts from around the world The size of the exhibition has increased by 25% following a record-breaking edition in 2024, with over 27,000 visitors expected to attend Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Intersec Saudi Arabia , the premier industry platform for security, safety and fire protection, will return to the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC) from 30 September to 2 October. Aligning global innovation with national priorities, Intersec Saudi Arabia brings together government authorities, industrial leaders and international solution providers to secure the infrastructure, environments and communities building the nation's prosperous future. Organised by 1 st Arabia and licensed by Messe Frankfurt, Intersec Saudi Arabia will be held in association with a range of government entities under the theme Securing progress, igniting safety: Unveiling tomorrow's solutions for Saudi Arabia. With a series of giga-projects underway in Saudi Arabia, including Neom, Qiddiya, and Red Sea Global, and major global events on the horizon, such as Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the Kingdom is undergoing a significant transformation. Together, these developments mark a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia's evolution, positioning it as a key player in global tourism, sports, and industry. Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, said: 'Intersec Saudi Arabia provides an important platform for decision makers across Saudi Arabia's major projects to connect with global innovators and work together to build a secure, future-ready environment. We look forward to facilitating important business connections that support the country's growth and long-term success.' After a record-breaking edition in 2024, this year, Intersec Saudi Arabia will showcase over 370 exhibitors from more than 35 countries, with over 27,000 visitors anticipated to attend. Intersec Saudi Arabia will feature over 1,000 brands across seven halls, and the exhibition space has been extended by 25% this year to cover 13,908 net square metres, reflecting the growing interest in the event. Intersec Saudi Arabia now features CPD-certified content theatres, including the Future Security and Safety Summit Powered by ASIS, and the Fire Protection & Technology Summit. The event will also introduce a Thought Leadership Pavilion and see the return of The Premium Club, providing a host of benefits for select buyers and influencers. The Future Security and Safety Summit will feature the latest insights and engaging discussions on emerging global threats, crisis response strategies and responsible AI innovation among other vital industry topics. The high-level speakers for the summit include representatives from FIFA, Red Sea Global, Diriyah Company, Kearney and Saudi Aramco, among many others. The Fire Protection and Technology Summit at Intersec Saudi Arabia will gather the most prominent fire and emergency service leaders from across the region to address key challenges, opportunities, standards, policies, and technologies. During the summit, attendees will gain valuable insights from Saudi Civil Defense, International Maritime Industries, and AESG alongside other industry experts. Riham Sedik, Exhibition Director, Intersec Saudi Arabia, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: 'The conference and events element of Intersec Saudi Arabia continues to grow each year and will once again bring together the brightest minds in security, safety and fire protection from around the world. The event will offer interactive showcases, live demonstrations and engaging panel discussions, all tailored to the unique needs of the Kingdom.' Intersec Saudi Arabia will be held in Halls 1-7 at RICEC and a purpose-built outdoor area. The event comprises five product sectors, which include Commercial & Perimeter Security, Homeland Security & Policing, Fire & Rescue, Safety & Health and Cybersecurity. Intersec Saudi Arabia is organised by 1 st Arabia, licensed by Messe Frankfurt. About Intersec Saudi Arabia: Intersec Saudi Arabia, licensed by Messe Frankfurt GmbH, is a world-leading emergency services, security, and safety event that will take place from 30 September to 2 October 2025 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. This will be the 7th edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia as the leading exhibition dedicated to the safety, security & fire industry in the Kingdom. About 1st Arabia: 1st Arabia Tradeshows & Conferences is a leading exhibition & conference organizer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Headquartered in Riyadh, 1st Arabia has regional offices in Jordan and is set to expand its operations in more countries regionally. 1st Arabia organizes top international trade exhibitions and conferences that provide unparalleled networking and business opportunities for companies looking to excel and grow within the Kingdom. Apart from conducting quality and high profile B2B trade fairs, country specific shows, corporate events, conferences, events management and festivals, 1st Arabia also provides a complete marketing tool and exhibition solutions to their valued clients. 1st Arabia is the only MICE organization in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who is a member of the International Organizations like IAEE, ICCA, MPI PCMA, SISO and, UFI.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Incredible continent-spanning ‘Moses bridge' linking Africa and Asia across Red Sea is ‘ready to be built'
It is hoped that the bridge will better connect Saudi Arabia's NEOM megaproject to Egypt PARTING THE SEA Incredible continent-spanning 'Moses bridge' linking Africa and Asia across Red Sea is 'ready to be built' A MINDBLOWING multibillion-dollar bridge connecting two continents across the Red Sea dubbed the "Moses bridge" is set to be built. The extraordinary bridge will link Saudi Arabia and Egypt across the sea that Moses is said to have parted over 3,200 years ago. 4 Saudi Arabia will finance a bridge megaproject aimed at bringing NEOM closer to Egypt Credit: Rise 4 Aerial of a bridge linking to the Farasan islands, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Credit: Getty 4 Egyptian city of Sharm El Sheikh, which will connect to Ras Hamid once the bridge is built Credit: Getty 4 Ambitious plans for the incredible bridge were announced nearly a decade ago in 2016 by Saudi Arabia's King Salman. The mind-boggling megaproject is expected to cost an eye-watering $4billion - financed by the Arab Kingdom. Egyptian transport minister Kamel al-Wazir has now confirmed that the planning stage has now been completed. He said: "We have now completed the planning for the bridge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia and are ready to implement it at any time, whether a bridge or a tunnel." read more world news DESERT DISASTER ZONE Inside Saudi's blood-soaked $8.8TRILLION Neom megacity project The minister added that the current solution for connecting the two countries was the Arab Bridge Maritime Co., which currently holds 13 vessels and transports cargo between the nations. The new build will make trading cargo much more efficient - and will compliment Saudi Arabia's megalomaniac NEOM project. The jaw-dropping bridge will connect Egypt's Sinai Peninsula with the Arab Kingdom, crossing the Straits of Tiran. Ras Hamid in Saudi Arabia will be linked to the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheik in Egypt. Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi previously suggested naming the structure "King Salman bin Abdulaziz Bridge" in 2016. But it has been dubbed the "Moses Bridge" for its iconic location. Saudis unveil more plans for 'landscraper' but only 1% will be ready by 2030 It is hoped that the project will create thousands of jobs on each side of the sea. The bridge will also provide an alternative pilgrimage route, and is expected to hold over a million travellers per year. The idea for a Red Sea bridge linking the two countries has been proposed several times before but has always failed to become a reality. Floated ideas for the revolutionary structure date back to 1988. A slew of delays for the Saudi-Egypt bridge has also plagued its long-running history. The completed plans come as a separate bridge is also being planned over the Red Sea, spanning 20 miles and being headed by Osama Bin Laden's brother. The structure, dubbed the 'Bridge of the Horns', is expected to be a combination of causeway and suspension bridge with four piers. It also comes as Saudi Arabia continues to struggle with its groundbreaking $500billoin megacity project. The Middle Eastern nation's NEOM project - which would see a high-tech utopia built from scratch near the country's border with Jordan - has long been cursed. One former employee shared their story of working at the gigaproject with The Sun, shedding light on the atrocities taking place behind NEOM's doors.
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
New Progress Report From World's Biggest Construction Project
Further progress has been announced at Saudi Arabia's vast Neom project with the completion of an underground tunnel to connect a ski resort in the desert at the world's largest construction site. Newsweek has reached out to the company for comment. The company's announcement signals continued progress at Saudi Arabia's Neom, despite reports of repeated budget overruns, delays, and a recent full review of project goals ordered by its new leadership. The outdoor ski resort-set in one of the world's hottest desert countries and due to rely largely on artificial snow-embodies the scale and ambition of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's megaproject, which is designed to help prepare the kingdom for a future beyond oil. Trojena has completed excavation of its B3 Tunnel, with a final blast breaking through the last section of rock to connect the 680-meter (2,200 feet) tunnel linking the Lake Access Road to the Vault, the company announced on LinkedIn. The Lake Access Road leads to the artificial lake at the center of the luxury tourist resort. Overlooking the site is the Vault, an architectural feature designed as a folded vertical village built into the mountainside. Perched on Saudi Arabia's Jebel al Lawz at over 8,500 feet, Trojena spans nearly 870 square miles, and features 18 miles of ski slopes, a dozen hotels, retail outlets and restaurants, and a massive man-made lake holding up to 15 billion gallons of water, according to Neom. Neom has recently appointed a new CEO in a push to fast-track flagship developments. Critics of the megaproject say that its sustainability claims amount to greenwashing-promoting an eco-friendly image while engaging in practices that harm the environment and violate human rights. Tomasso Ciancio, Construction Director at Webuild company, posted on Linkedin: "At Trojena, where every stone moved and every meter advanced reflects months of planning and sacrifice, I'm reminded daily why we push forward. Leadership in a place like this isn't just about progress-it's about resilience, belief, and the will to finish what we started. To everyone in this journey with me: thank you for waking up every day ready to build the impossible." Human Rights Watch in December 2024 report: "A worker who was employed as a supervisor in a NEOM project said, 'My job is to set targets for workers. Tasks must be completed within a fixed timeline, which puts undue pressure on workers.'" Saudi Arabia is racing to complete the ski resort ahead of the Asian Winter Games of 2029 which it is planning to host. Related Articles Will Saudi Arabia's Alcohol Ban be Lifted? Reports Prompt Flare-UpNew Boss Named for World's Biggest Construction ProjectSatellite Images Show Desert Ski Resort at World's Biggest Construction SiteSatellite Images Show Palace Emerging at World's Biggest Construction Site 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
New Progress Report From World's Biggest Construction Project
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Further progress has been announced at Saudi Arabia's vast Neom project with the completion of an underground tunnel to connect a ski resort in the desert at the world's largest construction site. Newsweek has reached out to the company for comment. Why It Matters The company's announcement signals continued progress at Saudi Arabia's Neom, despite reports of repeated budget overruns, delays, and a recent full review of project goals ordered by its new leadership. The outdoor ski resort—set in one of the world's hottest desert countries and due to rely largely on artificial snow—embodies the scale and ambition of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's megaproject, which is designed to help prepare the kingdom for a future beyond oil. Image combines two satellite photos of Trojena Ski resort in 2022 (left) and in2024 (right). Image combines two satellite photos of Trojena Ski resort in 2022 (left) and in2024 (right). Planet Labs PBC What To Know Trojena has completed excavation of its B3 Tunnel, with a final blast breaking through the last section of rock to connect the 680-meter (2,200 feet) tunnel linking the Lake Access Road to the Vault, the company announced on LinkedIn. The Lake Access Road leads to the artificial lake at the center of the luxury tourist resort. Overlooking the site is the Vault, an architectural feature designed as a folded vertical village built into the mountainside. Perched on Saudi Arabia's Jebel al Lawz at over 8,500 feet, Trojena spans nearly 870 square miles, and features 18 miles of ski slopes, a dozen hotels, retail outlets and restaurants, and a massive man-made lake holding up to 15 billion gallons of water, according to Neom. Neom has recently appointed a new CEO in a push to fast-track flagship developments. Critics of the megaproject say that its sustainability claims amount to greenwashing—promoting an eco-friendly image while engaging in practices that harm the environment and violate human rights. What People Are Saying Tomasso Ciancio, Construction Director at Webuild company, posted on Linkedin: "At Trojena, where every stone moved and every meter advanced reflects months of planning and sacrifice, I'm reminded daily why we push forward. Leadership in a place like this isn't just about progress—it's about resilience, belief, and the will to finish what we started. To everyone in this journey with me: thank you for waking up every day ready to build the impossible." Human Rights Watch in December 2024 report: "A worker who was employed as a supervisor in a NEOM project said, 'My job is to set targets for workers. Tasks must be completed within a fixed timeline, which puts undue pressure on workers.'" What Happens Next Saudi Arabia is racing to complete the ski resort ahead of the Asian Winter Games of 2029 which it is planning to host.
