As part of its commitment to nurturing sporting talent in the Kingdom, Jameel Motorsport collaborated with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation to launch the GR Saudi Driving School Future Co-Driver Program. This initiative will discover the next generation of professional co-drivers who will partake in cross-country rallies, bolstering Saudi Arabia’s presence on the regional and international motorsports stages.

The Future Co-Driver Program took place recently in Jeddah, bringing together the chosen participants with international industry experts. Led by renowned motorsports racer Captain Abdullah Bakhashab, the program provided aspiring co-drivers with a unique opportunity to undergo rigorous training to hone their skills and prepare them for the challenges ahead.

From a pool of around 600 applicants, the top 32 individuals were handpicked from four regions: the western region, Eastern Province, northern region, and central region. This selection process ensured that only the most deserving candidates progressed to the next stage.

Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the SAMF, said: “The launch of the GR Saudi Driving School Future Co-Driver Program marks a significant milestone in our efforts to empower the youth of the Kingdom. This initiative underscores our dedication to fostering a new generation of skilled professionals, equipped to navigate the challenges of the racing world with precision and proficiency. Through strategic collaboration and innovative training, we are laying the foundation for a future where Saudi talent shines on the global stage, driving our nation toward a thrilling era of success in motorsports.”

The program’s curriculum encompassed a comprehensive range of essential skills tailored to prepare participants for the dynamic role of a co-driver in motorsports. Candidates delved into the intricacies of their role, understanding the crucial responsibilities of navigating alongside the driver. They learned to read roadbooks with precision, utilize devices such as ERTF and Stella and gain valuable knowledge to navigate rulebooks effectively. Participants also learned about time management, including handling timecards and administrative tasks, as well as effective communication and collaboration techniques with drivers, fostering a cohesive team dynamic essential for success on the track.

Hassan Jameel, chairman of the board of managers of Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, said: “The GR Saudi Driving School Future Co-Driver Program marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and promoting excellence and leadership in motorsports. Our collaboration with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation focuses on cultivating promising young talents in the Kingdom, in line with Vision 2030’s Quality of Life program. By empowering aspiring co-drivers with world-class training and mentorship, this initiative not only elevates the standards of motorsports in Saudi Arabia but also paves the way for an even brighter future in the sport, fostering a culture of innovation and success.”

Upon completion of the program, all participants were awarded certificates, recognizing their dedication and accomplishment in mastering the complexities of co-driving.

With the launch of the Future Co-Driver Program, Jameel Motorsport and the SAMF are poised to inspire a new generation of motorsports enthusiasts, driving innovation and excellence across the Kingdom and beyond.

LuLu Hypermarket’s “Saudi Mango Festival” has turned the spotlight on the different varieties of the sweet fruit grown in Saudi Arabia. Twenty-four local varieties of Saudi mango are on display in the aisles of all Lulu outlets across Saudi Arabia for the duration of the festival, running from May 1-7.

The festival was inaugurated simultaneously in three cities — in LuLu Atyaf Mall, Riyadh by Muhammad Al-Abdullatif, assistant undersecretary for agricultural facilities and supportive services, and M. Suleiman bin Saleh Al-Jutaili, director general of the General Administration of Marketing and Agricultural Associations; in LuLu Al-Ruwais, Jeddah, by Majid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa, director general of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Makkah region branch, and his deputy Walid Al-Daghis; and in Dammam’s LuLu Hypermarket, Ash Shatea Ash Sharqi District, where the festival was organized in cooperation with the Alrowia Cooperative Society for Agricultural Marketing, and inaugurated by Fahd bin Ahmed Al-Hamzi, general manager of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture, Eastern Province branch.

The festival is part of a long-term program to promote Saudi agricultural products and support Saudi farmers. It presents shoppers with an opportunity to bite into the juicy goodness of popular Saudi mango varieties such as Sudani, Baladi (Kabeer, Koora and Zibta varieties), Zill, Thoomi, Keeth, Selastion, Shila, Zibta Ahler and others. Also on offer are varieties from other countries that were painstakingly grafted and cultivated in Saudi soil, such as the Langra, Thai and Indian varieties, some South American and African mangoes, and more.

The Saudi Mango Festival 2024 presents the juicy harvest in many celebrated forms, ripe and raw, cooked and lightly salted or dusted with complementary spices, in addition to desserts, curries, pickles and smoothies. There are also promotions galore and treats in the Lulu Hot Food and Cold Food section, including items such as mango fish curry, mango chicken curry, stuffed chicken breasts, traditional delicacies like aamras (mango puree) and puri bread, and healthy drinks.

“I am very pleased to inaugurate the mango festival this year. The Saudi mango has seen a bumper harvest this year and LuLu has highlighted this delicious fact,” said Al-Abdullatif. “We will keep innovating in our Saudi agricultural arena and hope to have many varieties of popular fruit and vegetables for the health-alert and taste-conscious Saudi shopper through LuLu.”

“Lulu Hypermarket is once again pleased to bring the goodness and deliciousness of mango to fans in Saudi Arabia and especially promote the 24 Saudi varieties,” said LuLu Saudi Director Shehim Mohammed. “Full of vitamins, fiber and taste, this is a great summer fruit and this promotion is a great way to applaud the efforts and success of Saudi farmers. We wish all our shoppers happy mango tasting!”

Also present at the Riyadh inauguration were Dr. Ibrahim Al-Turki; Nayef Al-Masoudi, director of agricultural projects at the Council of Associations; and Khaled Hanifat, Jordanian minister of agriculture.

The accompanying delegation in Jeddah consisted of Assistant Director General for Technical Affairs Dr. Abdul-Mane bin Issa Al-Khaibari, Director of the Agriculture Department at the Ministry’s branch in Makkah Muhammad bin Ali Al-Shehri, Director of the Office of the Minister of Environment in Jeddah Governorate Ahmed bin Al-Harithi, and his deputy Reem bint Ahmed Bahamdeen.