RIYADH: Arab News, the Middle East’s leading English-language daily, has struck a partnership deal with the Saudi Women Bowling Championship, which is being held in the Kingdom for the first time.

The championship, hosted by the Saudi Bowling Federation, takes place in three cities and comes as the country is rapidly developing sporting facilities for women.

Arab News will be the exclusive English media partner for the event, with the newspaper’s logo appearing on the participants’ kit.

The bowling tournament will be held on Oct. 6 at Riyadh’s Universal Bowling Center, on Oct. 13 at the Al-Gosaibi Bowling Center in Khobar, and on Oct. 20 at Jeddah’s Iceland Bowling Center. The games are held from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Dr. Razan Baker, member of the board of directors and head of media and women’s participation at the Saudi Bowling Federation, welcomed the partnership with Arab News.

“We are happy that Arab News is our English media partner and hopefully with such support we can increase participation and awareness about our game. Bowling is an old hobby practiced by many residents and citizens in the Kingdom and we look forward to welcome, nurture, and create excellent opportunities for all,” Baker said.

“The Saudi Bowling Federation is proud and excited to host the first bowling championship for women this month. Women from various parts of the country have been contacting us with interest in learning how to play and practice bowling professionally. And is the time to try it out — or succeed and become the first Saudi bowling champion through one of our three championships.”

The event will be covered by Arab News’ team of reporters, with coverage in the newspaper and online at www.arabnews.com.

Saudi Arabia, driven by its Vision 2030 reform plans, is rapidly developing its sporting facilities. Reforms have included allowing physical education for schoolgirls, opening female-only gyms, and allowing women to attend football matches.