JEDDAH: A video shot at the Dakar Rally has gone viral after appearing to show a pickup truck outperforming other vehicles in the race.
The video features a Nissan Datsun 2015 model, whose driver outperforms a Belgium racer.
But the video was a practical joke played by 24-year-old Saudi driver Mishal Al-Schlowi, who through cunning camera angles and ingenuity, staged the whole thing.
Al-Shlowi was driving parallel to the Belgian, but off the track, giving him an advantage.
The video received a large number of reactions on social media after it went viral on Twitter.
It was shot by one of the helicopter videographers who usually follow the rally racers.
Al-Shlowi, from Taif, told Arab News that he is a big fan of the rally.
“On Friday morning, I was driving at an approximate speed of 110 to 120 kilometers per hour. Once we saw the Belgium racer on the road, me and my friend next to me became super excited,” he said.
“The videographer in the helicopter gave us some signs to go ahead once we started to drive in a parallel track, and his signs gave me the courage to go faster and outperform the racer.”
The adventurous driver said that he was cautious and aware of what he was doing. “I was driving on the other side of the main rally track to avoid any sudden accidents.”
Al-Shlowi added that before he completed the stunt, he was on his way to check on nearby livestock. He praised the efforts of the organizers in informing local farmers of the race, so as to avoid accidents.
“I drive in off-road areas, about 50 kilometers per day, to reach my college in Taif city. I know how to deal with difficult landforms very well,” he said.
One of Al-Shlowi’s dreams is to take part in the Dakar Rally, but he said that it is very costly. “My biggest role model in the race is our amazing champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi. I wish to be part of upcoming Dakar rallies,” he added.
Yazeed Al-Rajhi himself commented on the viral video, and said: “The rally car that appeared in the viral video is an old classic car. It has a different route than the main one. Usually, it is for amateur first-time participants.”
Another well-known Saudi car enthusiast, Hasan Kutbi, shared the video in a tweet with a funny comment: “The Datsun driver announces winning the race, and he demands an award as well.”
Dakar Rally 2022 marked its third edition in Saudi Arabia and the 44th in history on Jan. 1. The race ended on Jan 14.
Qatari racer Nasser Al-Attiyah won first place, while Saudi driver Yazeed Al-Rajhi placed third for his first Dakar podium finish in his eighth attempt.
The event is considered one of the most prestigious and challenging in the world of motor sports. This year’s edition was the largest in terms of participation, drawing 650 racers from more than 70 countries around the world.
It included 430 vehicles across all race categories. The Dakar Classic category included 148 vehicles designed before 2000, as well as vintage cars and trucks.
Amateur Saudi truck driver steals spotlight at Dakar Rally in viral video
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Amateur Saudi truck driver steals spotlight at Dakar Rally in viral video
- Yazeed Al-Rajhi himself commented on the viral video, and said: “The rally car that appeared in the viral video is an old classic car
Najran’s camels are embedded in local culture and traditions
- Several distinct camel breeds are found in the region
- Animals permeate Arab consciousness, says expert
RIYADH: In Najran, camels are not only a vital livestock resource but also a cornerstone of local identity and tradition.
According to Hadi Benyan Al-Amer, head of Najran’s Camel Association, the region has several distinct camel breeds.
Principal among them is the Awarik, an ancient Arabian lineage linked to territories where arak trees flourish, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
These light-colored, sparsely-haired camels possess remarkable resilience, and are prevalent across southern Arabia.
The Majahim are characterized by dark hues spanning black to brown, and excel in both milk yield and endurance.
The Asayil are prized for their sleek, lean physiques, and dominate in speed-based competitions.
Al-Amer said traditional water sources known as Odood, or traditional water wells and artesian wells, have sustained herders navigating the Empty Quarter’s grazing lands for generations.
These permanent water points, equipped with dedicated drinking basins for camels, showcase the animals’ extraordinary environmental resilience.
Among the principal wells accessible from Najran are Al-Minkhali, Abu Shadid, Hamra Nathil, Tamani, Umm Al-Wahat, and Khujaima.
Countless additional wells dot the Empty Quarter and adjacent territories, forming the backbone of camel owners’ far-reaching pastoral networks.
Dr. Hind bint Dawood Al-Shuqair of Najran University’s Arabic Language Department explained how camels have permeated Arab consciousness through legends and stories spanning thousands of years.
Representing endurance, power, and grace, they have become inseparable from Arab cultural identity.
Archaeological evidence at Al-Ukhdood, Mount Al-Tharwa and Hima, preserves through carvings and ancient artwork the deep bond between people and camels, Al-Shuqair said.
She drew attention to Saudi Arabia’s substantial investment in camel heritage, exemplified by proclaiming 2024 as the Year of the Camel.
This designation emphasizes their importance to national prosperity and cultural heritage while backing global initiatives to promote awareness of camels as valuable economic and cultural assets.
The Kingdom further demonstrates its commitment to protecting the animals through the annual King Abdulaziz Festival, the SPA reported.
