RIYADH: This year’s Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia is a stage for sharing the breathtaking beauty of the Kingdom with the world, in addition to it being a test of endurance for drivers.
Running until Jan. 17, the rally spans 7,737 km, including 5,129 km of timed special stages, and features 439 vehicles across multiple categories.
It takes participants through some of the Kingdom’s most stunning natural landscapes and archaeological treasures.
At the heart of the spectacle lies the media’s vital role in connecting global audiences to the rally’s excitement and adventure.
Journalists, photographers, and broadcasters are the storytellers who will bring the Dakar experience to life while showcasing unique Saudi beauty and culture.
This year’s rally has attracted 618 accredited journalists from 128 media outlets, representing 48 nationalities. Their collective efforts highlight the universal fascination with the Dakar Rally and its ability to transcend borders.
As the drivers push their limits across sand dunes, rugged mountains, and rocky trails, the media captures more than just the competition: They shine a light on the Kingdom’s vast, untouched landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offering viewers a window into Saudi Arabia’s diverse beauty.
From ancient archaeological wonders to sweeping desert vistas, the rally’s route becomes a showcase of the Kingdom’s allure.
Through articles, interviews, photos, and live broadcasts, journalists showcase narratives of human resilience and adventure.
Their work transcends the race itself, sharing stories of perseverance, teamwork, and cultural exchange with millions of followers globally.
The Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2025 is a celebration of exploration and storytelling.
Thanks to the dedication of the international media, the world gets to experience the beauty of the rally and the Kingdom, one story at a time.
Dakar Rally provides a platform for sharing Kingdom’s breathtaking beauty with the world
https://arab.news/vskw9
Dakar Rally provides a platform for sharing Kingdom’s breathtaking beauty with the world
- Journalists, photographers, broadcasters are the storytellers to bring the experience to life, showcasing unique Saudi attractions
- Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2025 is celebration of exploration, storytelling
Real Madrid handed shock home loss as Celta Vigo spring surprise
- Celta jumped from 14th to 10th while the defeat ended Real’s 100 percent home league record this season after six successive wins
MADRID: Real Madrid suffered a shock 2-0 loss and finished with nine men against Celta Vigo in LaLiga on Sunday after Williot Swedberg scored an audacious goal with his heel and a second in stoppage time to leave the hosts four points off leaders Barcelona.
Swedish substitute Swedberg cleverly diverted a cross from Bryan Zaragoza past Thibaut Courtois in the 53rd minute to put Celta ahead and had an easy finish three minutes into added time, going around the goalkeeper to wrap up the points.
Real’s cause was not helped by the 64th minute dismissal of Fran Garcia, who picked up two yellow cards in 60 seconds, but they laid siege to the visitors’ goal for the last 20 minutes as Celta went into a defensive shell to hold onto their advantage.
Real defender Alvaro Carreras was also dismissed for two cautions, his second coming in stoppage time at the end of the game as the home side’s frustrations boiled over.
It was a second clean sheet in 15 league games this season for Celta, whose keeper Ionut Radu made a first-half save from Jude Bellingham’s header and stopped a second-half free-kick whipped in by Kylian Mbappe.
Real stay on 36 points from 16 games as Celta celebrated a first win at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in 19 years, leaving the Galician club with 19 points.
“With the team they have and their quality, it’s difficult to match them, but we read the game well,” said Celta striker Borja Iglesias. “We had possession, we played in their half, we played a fantastic match.”
Celta jumped from 14th to 10th while the defeat ended Real’s 100 percent home league record this season after six successive wins.
Xabi Alonso’s stuttering Real team have now won only one of their last five league games as they await the midweek arrival of Manchester City in the Champions League.
Earlier on Sunday, Espanyol moved up to fifth as Roberto Fernandez’s first half penalty handed them a 1-0 home win over Rayo Vallecano as both sides finished with 10 men.
Elche’s Rafa Mir scored twice as they ran out 3-0 home winners over struggling Girona, while hosts Valencia and Sevilla remained in the bottom half of the table after a 1-1 draw.
