AlUla set to host Arabian Warrior: The Ultimate Obstacle Course Race in May

AlUla is set to host Arabian Warrior: The Ultimate Obstacle Course Race in May. (Supplied)
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Updated 26 March 2025
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AlUla set to host Arabian Warrior: The Ultimate Obstacle Course Race in May

  • Event is expected to attract over 1,500 participants, including a number of elite OCR athletes
  • Arabian Warrior aims to promote fitness and community engagement across the Kingdom

ALULA: The Arabian Warrior, the premier Middle Eastern obstacle course race series, is set to make history with its first-ever event in AlUla.

The event will take place against the background of one of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic historical sites and is expected to attract over 1,500 participants, including a number of globally recognized OCR athletes.

Event highlights will include:

Two days of thrilling competition: Featuring elite 10-km and 20-km races for both men and women, with two further elite team races both in a 50-km ultra-endurance format, a dynamic 5-km team race, along with open categories for 5-km, 10-km, and 20-km distances.

KSA schools championships: Encouraging youth participation with races for under-13 teams and 13+ team competitions.

Immersive camping experience: Participants can enjoy three nights under the stars with a range of glamping and traditional camping options. Discover Saudi and Nirvana Europe tour operators both provide tailored travel packages for racers looking to explore AlUla beyond the event.

The Arabian Warrior series has seen significant growth since its inception in 2024. Following the resounding success of events in Jeddah in December of last year, Riyadh in January 2025, and Half Moon Beach in Dammam on Feb. 15, 2025, AlUla promises to elevate the series to new heights.

In partnership with AlUla Moments and the Saudi Sports for All Federation, Arabian Warrior aims to promote fitness and community engagement across the Kingdom.


Iranian women’s football team member changes mind on asylum in Australia

Updated 57 min 9 sec ago
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Iranian women’s football team member changes mind on asylum in Australia

  • Seven members of Iran’s visiting women’s football team had claimed asylum in Australia after they were branded “traitors” at home over a pre-match protest

Sydney: An Iranian women’s football team member who sought sanctuary in Australia has changed her mind after speaking with teammates, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Wednesday.
Seven members of Iran’s visiting women’s football team had claimed asylum in Australia after they were branded “traitors” at home over a pre-match protest.
One player and one support member sought sanctuary before the side flew out of Sydney to Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday evening in emotional scenes, joining five other athletes who had already claimed asylum.
Burke said in parliament on Wednesday that he had since been advised one of the group “had spoken to some of the team mates that left and changed their mind.”
“She had been advised by her team mates and encouraged to contact the Iranian embassy,” he said.
“As a result of that it meant the Iranian embassy now knew the location of where everybody was.”
The remaining players have been moved from a safe house to another location, he said.
The traveling squad arrived in Malaysia early Wednesday morning after flying out from Sydney, AFP photos at Kuala Lumpur International Airport showed.
There were fears male minders traveling with the team might try to prevent other women seeking asylum.
Burke said each player was separated from the squad at Sydney Airport and given time to mull the offer in private.
Australian officials had “made sure this was her decision” he said, referring to the Iran team member who had changed her mind.