A Super ShowDown with the stars: A young WWE super fan’s dream comes true

Nassir Al-Khlaiwi, right, in a light mood. (Photo/Supplied)
Updated 07 June 2019
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A Super ShowDown with the stars: A young WWE super fan’s dream comes true

  • Super fan Nassir took a road trip with his father Faisal and younger brother Abdullah from Riyadh to attend the event

JEDDAH: Various activities are taking place in Saudi Arabia to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr, among them the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Super ShowDown in Jeddah on June 7-8. 

The event is hosted by the General Sports Authority (GSA) at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

Nassir Al-Khlaiwi, 18, a WWE super fan with special needs, took a road trip with his father Faisal and younger brother Abdullah from Riyadh to attend the event. 

Abdullah came up with the idea as a gift to Nassir, who said he has watched every WWE program for the last eight years. 




Nassir with a replica belt. (Photo/Supplied)

“Out of all the shows, I like the Royal Rumble the best because it has lots of people in the ring (at the same time),” Nassir told Arab News. 

“I’m excited to watch the matches live for the first time, and I’m looking forward to watching Roman Reigns in action the most.”

Faisal said: “It’s a good opportunity to spend quality time with my kids during Eid. To have them watch the Super ShowDown live is an added bonus.”

Abdullah said he is looking forward to watching The Undertaker take on Goldberg. Both brothers said they are looking forward to the Battle Royal, which increased the number of participants from 30 to 50 for the first time in its history in Jeddah in April 2018.

The WWE’s latest event in the Kingdom will include Triple H, Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler, Golberg, The Undertaker, and Saudi Arabia’s own Mansour Al-Shehail.


Preparations intensify for the Hail Toyota International Baja

Updated 22 January 2026
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Preparations intensify for the Hail Toyota International Baja

  • Lineup underscores the rally’s growing stature on the regional and global motorsport calendar
  • Route passes through the Great Nafud Desert, one of the region’s most distinctive natural landscapes

HAIL: With just seven days remaining until the start, attention across the motorsport and rally community is turning to Hail, as preparations intensify for the Hail Toyota International Baja, scheduled to take place from Jan 28–31.

The rally is organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport, in cooperation with the Hail Region Emirate and the Hail Region Development Authority. Jameel Motorsport is the official partner, alongside the Saudi Motorsport Marshals Club.

This year’s edition brings together a strong slate of international and regional championships, including the FIA World Baja Cup, the FIA Middle East Baja Cup, the FIM World Baja Cup and the FIM Asia Baja Cup, in addition to the opening round of the Saudi Toyota Baja Championship. The lineup underscores the rally’s growing stature on the regional and global motorsport calendar.

Competitors will face demanding conditions, with the rally staged amid Hail’s cold winter climate and across varied terrain. The route passes through the Great Nafud Desert, one of the region’s most distinctive natural landscapes, known for its towering dunes, expansive golden sands and technically challenging tracks that demand high levels of driving skill and navigational precision.

The rally program features broad participation across multiple categories and consists of three competitive stages. Action begins with a prologue covering 35 kilometers, including a 6-kilometer timed special stage. This is followed by the first stage spanning 417 kilometers, with 245 kilometers against the clock, before the second and final stage over 323 kilometers, including a 151-kilometer timed section.

Alongside the sporting action, the 2026 Hail Toyota International Baja will offer a comprehensive program of accompanying activities, providing an integrated experience for visitors and residents alike. The program combines sport, entertainment and community engagement, contributing to increased tourism and economic activity in the Hail region.