Latest news with #TAIF
New Paper
30-07-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
Get ready for more Saudi racing
TAIF Saudi Arabia racing is back from a four-month break, with Singapore Pools offering wagering on the new season from Aug 1. Racing in the Middle East kingdom returned on July 26 with the Taif summer racing season getting under way with 20 race days over Friday and Saturday at King Khalid Racecourse. Situated at an altitude of 1,900m in the western mountains of Saudi Arabia, the picturesque Taif boasts a cooler climate all year round, making it the summer holiday destination of choice for many Saudis as well as the perfect location to host the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia's (JCSA) summer racing programme. The season then moves on to Riyadh and its crown jewel, the King Abdulaziz Racecourse, for its winter season from October to March, highlighted by the world's richest race, the US$20 million (S$25.8 million) Group 1 Saudi Cup (1,800m), slated to be run in 2026 on Feb 14. Top quality horses have already featured at Taif's opening meetings on July 25 and 26, including a number last seen flying the Saudi flag on Saudi Cup weekend. Among others, Muqtahem, who ran a super second to top US sprinter Straight No Chaser in the Group 2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint (1,200m) on Saudi Cup day on Feb 22, scored an easy win for top Saudi handler Thamer Aldaihani in the Open race over 1,200m, the highlight of the Taif Flower Festival Cup Prep meeting on July 26. Over the coming weeks, there will be 160 opportunities for thoroughbreds and 40 for Purebred Arabians and a schedule packed full of compelling action from 29 Championship Cups. Highlights of the season include September's Group 3 King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Cup (1,600m) and the Listed Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Cup (2,000m), both carrying a purse of 1 million riyals (S$343,0000) and open to Purebred Arabians. The top thoroughbred ranks from two-year-olds to older horses will be campaigned towards the Taif Cups series as well as the Okaz Cup (2,000m) for older horses, carrying a purse of 700,000 riyals and the 500,000 riyals National Day Cup (2,400m). The best juvenile contenders will work their way towards the JCSA's three-year-old programme in Riyadh, which culminates this season on Saudi Cup weekend. Another contest that will spice up the Taif season is the jockeys' premiership, held under the patronage of His Highness Prince Abdullah bin Saud bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz. The jockey chalking up the highest points will be crowned champion at the end of the season on Sept 27. JCSA
Saudi Gazette
14-07-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Al-Khateeb hails Taif's tourism appeal as Saudi Summer 2025 gets underway
Saudi Gazette report TAIF — Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb reaffirmed on Sunday that national talents are the backbone of the Kingdom's tourism sector. He highlighted the government's focus on training and empowerment programs to raise workforce competence and expand employment opportunities across tourism pathways. During a field tour of Taif, marking the launch of his site visits under the Saudi Summer 2025 program, Al-Khateeb praised the province's natural charm and moderate climate, which he said position it as one of the most promising tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia and the broader region. The visit included inspections of several key tourist landmarks and facilities in Taif, with a focus on evaluating visitor experience, reviewing available infrastructure, and supervising the quality of services. Al-Khateeb also visited Al-Shafa, a popular summer retreat known for its scenic landscapes and cool weather. According to official data, Taif welcomed over 3.6 million domestic and international tourists in 2024, a 9% increase from the previous year. Total tourism spending in the city reached SR3.4 billion. As of June 2025, Taif has 266 licensed tourism establishments and more than 10,220 hotel rooms. The Saudi Summer 2025 program showcases the strength and maturity of the Kingdom's tourism sector, offering over 250 exclusive promotions developed in partnership with more than 200 private sector entities. To support growing demand, more than 1 million additional airline seats have been made available across key tourist routes in collaboration with partners. Saudi Arabia is currently the fastest-growing tourist destination in the world. In 2024, it recorded more than 115.9 million visits, generating over SR283.8 billion in spending. In Q1 of 2025, the Kingdom led the world in year-on-year growth of international tourism revenue.
Saudi Gazette
17-04-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia edge South Korea on penalties to reach AFC U-17 Asian Cup final
Saudi Gazette report TAIF — Host nation Saudi Arabia clinched a thrilling spot in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup final after defeating South Korea 3-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regular time, in front of a packed crowd at Okaz Club Stadium on Monday night. In a dramatic semi-final clash, Aboubakr Saeed emerged as the hero, scoring a stoppage-time equalizer from the spot in the 12th minute of added time, keeping the Green Falcons' title dreams alive before goalkeeper Al Otaibi made two vital saves in the shootout. South Korea had taken the lead just before halftime through Ha Ram Oh, who finished on the rebound after his initial shot was parried. Despite dominant spells by the Saudis, it wasn't until the dying seconds of the match that they found the breakthrough, as Saeed converted from the spot after Abdulaziz Al Fawwaz was fouled in the box. With this victory, Saudi Arabia — two-time champions of the tournament — advance to the final, where they will meet the winner of the other semi-final between North Korea and Uzbekistan. South Korea started brightly and nearly took an early lead through Jung Hwi Seop, who headed just over in the 2nd minute. Saudi Arabia gradually grew into the game, with Abdulrahman Sufyani and Sabri Dhal creating danger down the flanks. The Green Falcons came close in the 38th minute when Sufyani met Al Fawwaz's cross with a powerful header that narrowly missed the target. South Korea's opening goal came in the 45th minute when Jin Jeon Young played a quick free kick to Kim Ji Yeon, whose cross evaded the defense and found Ha Ram Oh. The striker's initial attempt was saved, but he pounced on the rebound to give his side the lead. Saudi Arabia increased the pressure in the second half, testing the Korean defense with long-range efforts, particularly through Sufyani and Mutari. Their persistence paid off in the dying moments, as Al Fawwaz was brought down by the goalkeeper, allowing Saeed to fire home from the spot and send the match to penalties. In the shootout, Al Otaibi made two crucial saves, while Al Fawwaz, Sabri Dhal, and Thari Saeed scored for Saudi Arabia. Only Sufyani saw his attempt saved by Park Do Hoon.
Saudi Gazette
17-04-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Taif region produces 960 million roses annually
Saudi Gazette report TAIF — Taif roses are at the top of the list of aromatic plants and one of the agricultural and cultural treasures that Saudi Arabia is proud of. It's considered a symbol of agricultural identity and their fragrant scent spreads throughout Saudi Arabia. Their harvest season begins at the beginning of March and continues for about 45 days, which attracts many rose lovers and perfume makers from inside and outside Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture affirmed its interest in supporting Taif rose cultivation and its processing industry to enhance agricultural sustainability and develop the national economy. This support is provided by the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program (Rural Saudi Arabia) and funding from the Agricultural Development Fund. More than 400 farms receive support from the program, contributing to the provision of numerous job and marketing opportunities. The "Saudi Rural" program has provided support to numerous development projects in rose processing industry to open up investment prospects in them. Perfume extraction factories, smart field schools based on artificial intelligence, in and tissue culture laboratories to improve the quality of rose production are some of them. Taif is a major home for rose cultivation, with more than 910 rose farms spread across the heights of Al Hada and Al Shafa Mountains, Wadi Mahram, Al Talhat, Wadi Al Aamq, Wadi Al Bani, Bilad Tuwairiq, and Al Mukhadha. The cultivated area exceeds 193 hectares, which produce more than 960 million roses or 2,437 tons annually. The Ministry of Environment seeks to preserve natural resources and support the Taif rose processing industry, which extracts and manufactures a variety of derivatives, such as essential oils, rose water, and cosmetics and body care products. These products are widely popular in the market, combining cultural heritage with promising investment opportunities.
