RIYADH: King Salman will present prizes to the winners of the King Abdul Aziz Camel Race competition Thursday as part of the King Abdul Aziz Camel Festival. The contest kicked off at Remah Field and King Abdul Aziz Camel Race Field yesterday.
Spokesman for the festival Sultan Al-Baqmi said the competition featured 221 rounds, with categories including Haqaiq, Liqaya, Jizaa, Thanaya, Heel and Zamoul. Valuable cash prizes have been allocated for top winners in these rounds.
Al-Baqmi said plans for the competitions have been under way since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the establishment of a special racing field in the Saudi Camel Village. Competition rounds began Wednesday with the Haqaiq (Bakkar and Qadan) category over a 4 km distance in Remah Field. The 40 rounds were divided over morning and evening sessions.
Today there will be 31 rounds, 17 in the morning and 14 in the evening, he said. Meanwhile, rounds of the category of Liqaya (Bakkar and Qadan) will be held on Friday and Saturday over a 5 km distance. Friday’s competition will consist of 30 rounds, with 15 in the morning and 15 in the evening, while Saturday will have 17 morning rounds and four evening rounds.
Referring to Sunday and Monday programs, he said rounds of Jizaa category (Bakkar and Qadan) will be launched over a 6 km distance. Thirty rounds will be held on Sunday, with 20 in the morning and 10 in the evening, while Monday will feature 12 rounds, eight in the morning and four in the evening.
On Tuesday, the category of Thanaya will compete in 8 km distance over 27 rounds, with 16 in the morning and 11 in the evening, while Wednesday will feature the Heel and Zamoul category for 8 km distance consisting of 20 and six rounds in the morning and evening sessions, respectively.
He said Thursday will be the closing session of the competition in King Abdul Aziz Camel Race Field at the Saudi Camel Village. Here, four rounds of Heel and Zamoul category will be held for the King Abdul Aziz Camel Race Award on 8 km distance, including two rounds for Heel category and two for Zamoul category, he said.
Saudi king to close final session of camel race
Saudi king to close final session of camel race
India Embassy, consulate celebrate Republic Day
- Flag hoisting, cultural performances, and a reception highlight India–Saudi friendship and growing partnership
JEDDAH: The 77th Republic Day of India was celebrated in Riyadh and Jeddah on Monday.
Th events brought together the Indian community, Saudi dignitaries, and members of the diplomatic corps, highlighting the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia.
The celebrations in Riyadh began with Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan unfurling the tricolour, the singing of the national anthem, and floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s bust.
Khan read the Indian president’s message to the nation and Indians worldwide, followed by cultural performances by schoolchildren and the Indian community.
The performances included special features marking the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, Vande Mataram.
A photo booth highlighting the song’s significance was set up, and later, the ambassador interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and local journalists.
In Jeddah, the celebrations began in the morning with the unfurling of the Indian national flag at the Consulate General of India.
Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri read out a message from the president of India, acknowledging the dedication of the Indian diaspora in strengthening ties between the two nations.
Patriotic performances by students from the International Indian School added a festive touch, and the consul general addressed the performers while interacting with community members.
The celebrations continued in the evening with a reception at Al-Sohba Hall, Park Hyatt, attended by consuls general from different countries, along with prominent Saudi and Indian dignitaries.
Fareed bin Saad Al-Shehri, director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the chief guest, said he always feels delighted at such events, which showcase the blending of Saudi and Indian cultures.
The guest of honor was Capt. Ali Salem Al-Mehwari, director-general of the Jeddah Islamic Port.
Speaking to Arab News, the Indian consul general said the reception reflects the strength of India–Saudi Arabia relations and underscores the complementary visions of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and India’s Vision 2047.
“Both countries are working toward inclusive growth, economic diversification, and long-term partnership,” he added.
Suri said: “India and Saudi Arabia share a robust strategic partnership that has strengthened in recent years across trade, investment, energy, education, and cultural exchange.
“Educational and professional cooperation is expanding, people-to-people ties are deepening, and cultural interactions continue to thrive. This partnership is creating long-term opportunities for mutual growth and shared prosperity.”
