Dania Akeel comes third in World Cup for the Desert Rally Championship

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Saudi rally rider Dania Akeel. supplied
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Saudi rally rider Dania Akeel finished in third place in the T3 category of the World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas fifth round. supplied
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Updated 31 August 2023
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Dania Akeel comes third in World Cup for the Desert Rally Championship

  • Despite muddy conditions due to heavy rains before and during the race, Akeel finished with a podium place

POLAND: Saudi rally rider Dania Akeel finished in third place in the T3 category of the World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas fifth round, which took place last weekend in Poland. 

Despite muddy conditions due to heavy rains before and during the race, Akeel finished with a podium place alongside her navigator, Ty Perry.

“After the ideal kick off we had during the first demonstration stage, we set off on the second and third day amidst harsh weather conditions that made the track slippery and rocky,” Akeel said.

“We were careful and had to change our tactics on some of the tracks, namely on the stages of the second day, to be able to reach the end line,” she added. 

The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation congratulated Akeel, who will take a break after the first five rounds, four of which took place in Europe. 

Akeel, who is sponsored by Toyota (Abdul Latif Jameel Motors), the Saudi Tamer Group, Hertz, Toyota Oils & Fluids, BFGoodrich Tires, and Magrabi Hospitals and Centers Group, in addition to Red Bull energy drink, will participate in the sixth round of the championship in Portugal from Oct. 26 to 28.


AlUla Trail Race 2026 opens for runner registration

Updated 11 December 2025
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AlUla Trail Race 2026 opens for runner registration

  • Open to beginners and experienced athletes worldwide
  • Distances from 1.6km to 100km for children and adults

ALULA: Registration has now opened for the AlUla Trail Race to be held on Jan. 22 and 23 next year.

The contest offers local and international participants a selection of distances and challenges set against the dramatic landscapes and ancient heritage sites of AlUla, located in Madinah.

According to a Saudi Press Agency report on Wednesday, the race is open to beginners and experienced runners.

The series includes a Kids Run (1.6 km) for children aged 5 to 12, Sunset Run (3 km) for those 13 and above, and a 10 km and 23 km for more experienced participants.

There are also demanding 50 km and 100 km ultra trail races for the most resilient and skilled runners. All routes will end in Old Town, ensuring an exciting finish for both runners and spectators.

On the first day, runners will arrive to collect their race packs before taking part in the Kids Run and the Sunset Run. Race kits can be collected at the event village, which will be located at the amphitheater in Old Town.

AlUla Trail Race 2026 offers participants a selection of distances and challenges set against the dramatic landscapes and ancient heritage sites of AlUla. (SPA)

Day two will host the competitive distances, beginning at sunrise with the 100 km, followed by the 50 km, 23 km, and 10 km. Medal ceremonies will take place throughout the day as runners cross the finish line.

The organizers said every participant will receive an official AlUla Trail Race 2026 pack, including a tote bag, buff, race T-shirt, timing chip, and bib number. Entry fees begin at SR100 ($26) and SR50 for children.

The contest is a part of the AlUla Moments 2025/26 calendar, a year-round schedule of events and festivals designed to promote the area as a premier destination for tourism, sports, culture, and heritage.

Other world-class sports events include the professional cycling AlUla Tour, AlUla Desert Polo, and the Al-Fursan Endurance AlUla — one of the most prestigious endurance races on the equestrian calendar.