The Drone Racing World Cup, sponsored by Riyadh Season, has commenced today at Boulevard City in Riyadh. Organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, in collaboration with the World Air Sports Federation, the event takes place from Jan. 23 to 25.

This tournament, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa since its inception in 2016, highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the sector. The event offers participants and visitors prizes exceeding SR1.3 million ($346,470).

This edition features world champions in drone racing, including Kim Minjae, winner of the 2024 FAI World Drone Racing Championship; Killian Rousseau, winner of the 2023 FAI Drone Racing World Cup; Yuki Hashimoto, also winner of the 2024 FAI World Drone Racing Championship; Luisa Rizzo, winner of the 2024 Women’s FAI Drone Racing Championship; Min Chan Kim, winner of the 2023 FAI World Drone Racing Championship; Wanraya Wannapong, runner-up of the 2024 Women’s FAI Drone Racing Championship; Pawel Laszczak, runner-up of the 2023 Drone Racing World Cup; Jacob Capobres, runner-up of the 2023 FAI World Drone Racing Championship; Choi Wongyun, who placed third in the 2024 Drone Racing World Cup; and Roland Ronto, who placed third in the 2023 Drone Racing World Cup.

Several Saudi pilots will also compete, including Muhannad Al-Wohaibi, Ibrahim Al-Sultan, Dalia Al-Safar, Al-Anoud Al-Shalaan, Bader Mutlaq Al-Raqqas, Nawaf Al-Hamoud, and Salma Attallah Al-Aqbi.

The qualifying rounds, which start today, will continue until midday Friday, followed by the finals on Saturday.

The event hosts an activity zone featuring various accompanying activities, including a Drones Hub for teaching amateurs and professionals, a Drag Racing Zone for speed competitions on a straight path, a Fly Free Zone designed for testing and operating drones, a VR Drone Racing simulation using virtual reality glasses, Drone Workshops for training, designing, assembling, and building drones, and a Fans Zone dedicated to watching the Drone Racing World Cup competitions.

This edition marks the inaugural season of the Drone Racing World Cup, consisting of a series of rounds held in leading countries in the drone racing field.

Sahm, the first all-in-one online trading platform in Saudi Arabia, celebrated a significant milestone with its users at a workshop in Riyadh. The event marked Sahm’s remarkable achievement of surpassing 1 million users within just one year of its launch. The workshop provided an opportunity for investing influencers, users, and Sahm app developers to share insights, forge valuable connections, and grow together.

During the workshop, Sahm Capital’s General Manager Hadeel Bedeeri delivered an inspiring presentation, reflecting on the app’s journey from its launch on Dec. 26, 2023, to its rapid growth and the milestone of 1 million users by the end of 2024. “Our growth is a testament to the trust our users have placed in us,” Bedeeri said. “Sahm app was built around the needs of our users, and today, we are proud to see the app become an integral part of their investment journeys.”

Turki bin Mohammed Al-Namasi, a user of the Sahm app, traveled more than 600 km to attend the workshop. He said: “Sahm app is one of the platforms I trust deeply. Their clear policies, diverse programs, and genuine commitment to the community and financial awareness set them apart. I owe my confidence to God and the leadership of their exceptional team and board.”

Abdullah Almalki, another user, praised Sahm’s ease of use and flexibility: “What truly stands out about Sahm is its seamless access to both Saudi and US markets. It allows me to diversify and manage my investments in one place, opening up global opportunities at my fingertips. The ability to trade across multiple markets without barriers is a feature I genuinely appreciate. I’ve recommended it to everyone I know because it makes investing so simple and efficient.”

In celebration of its first anniversary and 1 million users, Sahm launched a special giveaway campaign, offering SR1 million ($266,530) in rewards. This campaign is designed to thank existing users for their continued support and to encourage new users to join the growing Sahm community.

During the workshop, Bedeeri revealed Sahm’s future plans, which include expanding its financial products, introducing new features, and providing comprehensive financial learning resources to enhance investors’ knowledge. 

“The world changes, markets change, and so do users’ needs. Staying still is not an option for us,” she said. “Our mission has always been to stay focused on our users. Their needs guide every update, every feature we add. We evolve, so users can continue to trust us to give them what they deserve.”