Latest news with #WissamKhalil
Vogue Arabia
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
This Woman Becomes First Person to Walk Across Saudi Arabia from North to South
What new perspective did walking through AlUla with archaeologist Wissam Khalil offer? Wissam said, 'Walk with an archaeologist and you will never look up again.' He was right! He found artefacts just lying on the ground. At Dadan, we found a shift schedule carved into stone—a kind of ancient timesheet. It was a powerful reminder of how connected we are to our ancestors. What have your camel companions, Lulu and Juicy, taught you? They're crucial team members—and full of personality. Camels are clever, funny, and sensitive. They'd start fast in the mornings, so we had to jog to keep up. They also love snacking, often yanking me toward tasty bushes. I've learned patience and humour from them. Walking 930km over seven weeks is a major feat. What were your biggest challenges? Blisters. My feet blistered badly on day one and worsened. I spent three weeks in real pain. Mentally, I had to block it out and keep going. It was tough, but I managed. You speak fluent Arabic and have years of experience in the region. How does this journey reflect changes you've seen in Saudi Arabia? From an outsider's perspective, the transformation is incredible. Women's roles are evolving fast—not just in dress codes, but in deeper ways. I've met so many Saudis who are proud of their country and optimistic about the future. It's inspiring. You explored environmental projects like species reintroduction. How important is conservation in this region? It's clear that significant investment is being made in conservation. I applaud those efforts—they reflect a broader vision for sustainable development and respect for nature. In today's digital world, what role does long-form storytelling still play? People crave connection. Following a real journey—even digitally—is like watching a serial drama. Will my feet hold up? What's Juicy going to do next? Whether it's a TikTok or a long article, people engage with stories that unfold over time. With Stage Two starting in October, what are you most looking forward to—and what will you do differently? I can't wait to see my team again—Shaya, Lulu, and Juicy. I'll definitely prepare my feet better and invest in better socks! But mostly, I'm looking forward to more days of discovery.
Web Release
24-03-2025
- Automotive
- Web Release
Yas Marina Circuit and Porsche Centre Abu Dhabi, Ali & Sons, Extend Strategic Partnership – Featuring the Latest Porsche Taycan Turbo and Expanded Driving Experiences
Yas Marina Circuit and Porsche Centre Abu Dhabi, Ali & Sons Co. LLC, have officially announced the extension of their long-standing partnership, reinforcing their shared commitment to delivering world-class automotive experiences in the capital. The renewed collaboration continues to merge Porsche's performance legacy with Yas Marina Circuit's state-of-the-art facilities, offering exclusive customer activations, bespoke track day events, and premium access to the circuit's iconic motorsport calendar – including the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. As part of the partnership, the latest-generation Porsche Taycan Turbo has joined the DriveYAS fleet, offering guests a premium electric driving experience that combines thrilling acceleration, advanced handling, and sustainable performance. Ali Al Beshr, General Manager of Yas Marina Circuit, commented: 'Our partnership with Porsche Centre Abu Dhabi is rooted in a shared pursuit of excellence. The addition of the new Taycan Turbo to our DriveYAS fleet reaffirms our commitment to bringing the latest innovations in performance driving to the heart of Abu Dhabi. Together, we are creating unforgettable experiences for fans, drivers, and automotive enthusiasts alike.' Wissam Khalil, General Manager of Porsche Centre Abu Dhabi, added: 'Extending our partnership with Yas Marina Circuit allows us to continuously engage with our customers in unique and meaningful ways. From dynamic track days to electrifying DriveYAS sessions, and the incredible backdrop of Formula 1 weekend, this collaboration showcases the full potential of Porsche's performance in a setting that's as extraordinary as our vehicles.' The Porsche Taycan Turbo is a technological marvel – boasting up to 680 PS (671 hp) with overboost power, lightning-fast 0 to 00 km/h acceleration in just 3.2 seconds, and Porsche Active Suspension Management for exceptional track handling. With its all-electric drivetrain, the Taycan Turbo delivers powerful, sustainable performance without compromise – making it the ideal fit for Yas Marina Circuit's forward-looking driving experiences. In addition to its presence on the DriveYAS lineup, Porsche Centre Abu Dhabi will continue to activate during major motorsport events, including exclusive displays and VIP experiences during Formula 1 weekend, while also hosting tailored track day events for Porsche owners and prospects throughout the year. This extended partnership represents a dynamic blend of innovation, heritage, and high-performance culture – bringing together two brands that share a passion for driving excellence.
