RIYADH: The construction of the $24.95 million ($6.65 million) King Salman Abdul Aziz Mosque, which is a donation from Saudi Arabia, started in the Maldives on Thursday, according to Maldives Ambassador to the Kingdom Abdullah Hameed.
Hameed said that Minister of Housing and Infrastructure of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizz announced on his Twitter account that the mosque “is a symbol of the strong relations between the two countries.”
“When it’s finished, the King Salman Abdul Aziz Mosque will be the biggest in the island republic of 444,259 people,” Hameed told Arab News on Friday.
Hameed said that the 41,500-square-foot mosque will have six floors, four lifts and 44,100 sq. feet of parking space. The mosque will include multi-purpose halls, an international library, and classrooms.
To illustrate how big the mosque is, Hameed said that it could accommodate 6,000 people praying at the same time.
Hameed added that the government of Maldives and its citizens are grateful to King Salman because the mosque is a personal gift from him, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi people for the brotherly relationship between the two countries.
“Such a relationship is not only reflected by the donation of the mosque, which was agreed on last year, but also with the Kingdom’s involvement in the socio-economic development of Maldives,” he said.
Construction commences on Maldives mosque donated by Kingdom
Construction commences on Maldives mosque donated by Kingdom
Saudi Arabia to build world-class horse racing venue in Qiddiya
- The 21,000-seat facility, with turf and dirt tracks and an equine hospital, will host the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race
RIYADH: Qiddiya Investment Co. has announced plans for a new horse racing venue in Qiddiya City, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s equestrian heritage.
The venue is planned as a national site for sport, culture and entertainment, and will host the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Abdullah Aldawood, the company’s managing director, said: “Every element, from racing performance and equine welfare to hospitality and fan engagement, has been designed to meet the expectations of the world’s leading racing jurisdictions.
“In line with our wider vision for Qiddiya City, this state-of-the-art venue is designed to be fully accessible, pioneering a new chapter in spectator engagement and experience.”
The facility will feature a flexible racing configuration to support a range of international race formats, ensure optimal conditions for horses, and improve visibility for spectators.
The venue will include the region’s first straight-mile turf course, a 2,200-meter main turf track, and a 2,400-meter inner dirt track, bringing top-level racing together in one location.
A 21,000-seat grandstand will anchor the venue, with capacity expandable to 70,000 for major race days, the SPA reported on Tuesday.
A 110-meter parade ring will place horses and riders at the center of the spectator experience, showcasing the skill and tradition of the sport.
Equine welfare is a priority for the development. A world-class equine hospital will provide veterinary services, including diagnostics, surgery, rehabilitation and emergency care.
Meawhile, Qiddiya Investment Co. and the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding during the Asian Racing Conference to promote collaboration and long-term development of horse racing in the Kingdom.
