Latest news with #Saudi-based
NBC Sports
3 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Al Hilal draw Real Madrid at Club World Cup as Bounou saves stoppage-time penalty
The Club World Cup is producing high drama, as Al Hilal pulled off a shock draw with Real Madrid thanks to heroics from a familiar face. Longtime La Liga goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved a VAR-awarded penalty in stoppage time to keep the score 1-1 and secure a point for his Saudi-based club on Wednesday. Real took a first-half lead through 21-year-old Goncalo Garcia but Ruben Neves converted a penalty for Al Hilal before halftime and neither team could score in the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The stoppage-time deadlock looked set to be broken when Mohammed Hamad Al Qahtani's careless flailing arm in the 18 caught chasing Fran Garcia in the face. VAR saw the foul, as replays saw Al Qahtani look back for Garcia before swinging his arm toward the player. That's when Bounou, the Quebec-born Moroccan international read Fede Valverde's penalty low and to his right, making the save. Yassine 'Bono' Bounou saves Real Madrid penalty at Club World Cup (video) 90+1' THIS IS INSANE! Penalty to @realmadrid, Valverde from the spot and Bono SAVES IT! We are still level in Miami! 😮 Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 - July 13 | Every Game | Free | | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #RMAHIL
Tourism Breaking News
4 days ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
flyadeal to train 800 Saudi cabin crew as tourism ambassadors by 2030
Post Views: 18 flyadeal announced a regional first with Saudi cabin crew to be trained as certified tour guides in support of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to build a dynamic tourism industry. The programme will target 800 crew by 2030 for comprehensive tour guide training in which they will embrace wider learnings of Saudi Arabia's culture and historical attractions. Upon completion, they will receive a licence as tourism ambassadors enabling them to hone their skills as official guides engaging with passengers, and with visitors in a private capacity. Over the next few weeks, the Saudi-based airline will open applications for courses specifically designed for Saudi nationals. A training institute accredited to Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism will conduct the courses. flyadeal is promoting several developments at the show including its upcoming summer season flying programme and new year-round destinations. Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: 'flyadeal continues to push the boundaries with employee initiatives designed to enhance their personal development and professional skills. This new training programme, the first of its kind in the Middle East, will empower crew and equip them with the skills and confidence to engage with visitors as official tourism ambassadors. 'As licensed tour guides, the beauty of the programme allows our crew to use their new-found skills while interacting with passengers but also harness their experience by taking tourists on guided tours around the wonderful historic sites that the Kingdom is so renowned for.' To kick-off the programme, flyadeal crew were given a guided tour of the fascinating Dirayah district – the birthplace of Saudi Arabia – in the Kingdom's capital, Riyadh. They explored and learned more about the traditional mud-brick architecture and cultural sites being restored to their former glory, but more importantly gained insights into what it takes to become a certified tour guide. Massive investment is underway in the Dirayah project being developed as the nation's foremost historical, cultural and lifestyle destination.
Arabian Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Saudi AviLease inks record Airbus deal at Paris Air Show
Arabian Post Staff A pivotal moment unfolded on the opening day of the Paris Air Show as Saudi-based aircraft lessor AviLease confirmed a major five-year supply pact with Airbus. The agreement comprises 10 A350F freighters and 30 A320neo family aircraft, with options enabling expansion to 22 freighters and 55 single‑aisle jets—a potential total of 77 planes. This marks AviLease's inaugural direct procurement from Airbus, signalling a strategic pivot in its procurement framework. Edward O'Byrne, AviLease's CEO, underscored the importance of the Airbus partnership in bolstering the company's credentials as a full‑service global lessor. He emphasised that modern, fuel‑efficient delivery options meet growing airline demand both in Saudi Arabia and internationally. ADVERTISEMENT Airbus Executive VP Benoît de Saint‑Exupéry described the dual order as reaffirming confidence in the A350F's unrivalled cargo capabilities—particularly its 20% fuel reduction and expansive cargo volume—and the A320neo's global popularity as a workhorse single‑aisle jet. Deliveries are slated to begin in 2030 and continue through to 2033, giving AviLease a multi-year runway to deploy next‑generation jets across its expanding network of airline clients. This agreement sits at the core of Saudi Arabia's broader aviation ambitions under Vision 2030. AviLease—established in 2022 and now managing around 200 aircraft leased to more than 50 airlines—has secured roughly US$6 billion in capital to underpin its ascent into the world's top ten leasing companies. AviLease has previously pursued multiple procurement strategies, including sale‑and‑leasebacks, acquisition of portfolios, partnerships, and recent indirect orders with Boeing. The Airbus deal introduces a 'fourth prong' in its acquisition model: speculative direct purchase, O'Byrne confirmed. The A350F, optimised for modern global logistics, features the largest main‑deck cargo door in its class, modular design and advanced composites reducing take‑off weight by 46 tonnes compared with rival derivatives. It will be fully compliant with ICAO's stringent CO₂ emissions standards coming into force in 2027. Meanwhile, the A320neo family continues to lead the single‑aisle market, delivering up to 20% better fuel performance per seat via new engines, sharklets and cabin optimisation— sustaining its position as Airbus's most ordered aircraft series. Saudi Arabia's national aviation strategy aims to eclipse established regional hubs by scaling cargo volumes and strengthening logistics infrastructure. The freighter order aligns with this trajectory, as Riyadh pushes to double cargo throughput and capitalise on cross‑continental trade flows. In parallel, state‑backed startup Riyadh Air is reportedly expected to finalise an order for 25 A350‑1000 aircraft during the event, with options for additional units—continuing the momentum of Saudi engagement with Airbus this week. The Paris Air Show has been tempered by the recent tragedy of an Air India 787 crash, which took more than 240 lives, as well as geopolitical tensions, prompting some exhibitors—like Boeing—to scale back their presence. Despite this subdued climate, Airbus and its partners came forward with strong announcements. Saudi Arabia's AviLease agreement underscores the kingdom's rapid climb in aviation leasing—a sector traditionally led by European and US players. It highlights the country's appetite to blend modern fleet composition with environmental responsibility and to carve a central role in the global aviation ecosystem.
Broadcast Pro
12-06-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Sony Music Middle East partners with LuxuryKSA to champion Saudi music talent
The move comes amid significant industry momentum in the MENA region, which recorded a 22.8% rise in recorded music revenues in 2024, according to the IFPI Global Music Report 2025. Sony Music Middle East has announced a strategic alliance with Saudi-based entertainment company LuxuryKSA, aimed at nurturing and promoting Saudi Arabian music talent. The partnership strengthens Sony Music's regional presence and aligns with its long-term vision to grow Khaliji pop artists across the Middle East and on the global stage. The announcement comes amid a boom in the region's music industry. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has emerged as the fastest-growing music market globally for the second time in three years, registering a 22.8% increase in recorded music revenues in 2024, according to the IFPI Global Music Report 2025. LuxuryKSA, headquartered in Riyadh, has carved a strong reputation in the local industry, developing artists like Ayed Youssef and Sultan Al Murshed for mainstream success. Ayed, who has garnered more than 500m views across digital platforms and received the 'Favorite Artist' award at the Joy Awards in both 2024 and 2025, recently topped the IFPI MENA charts with his single Tala'et Abeh. He currently has seven tracks charting in Saudi Arabia's IFPI listings. Sultan, another rising star discovered and nurtured by LuxuryKSA, has also made a mark in just three years, with several hit releases and his 2025 album entering the IFPI charts. Commenting on the collaboration, HRH Prince Khaled Bin Mansour Bin Saud Bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of LuxuryKSA, said: 'Partnering with Sony Music isn't just a milestone; it's a powerful evolution for an already vibrant Saudi music scene. As a leading force in the market, we are dedicated to amplifying our exceptional local artists who reflect our rich heritage. Together, we will elevate their voices on regional and global stages and redefine the future of entertainment.' Shridhar Subramaniam, President for Asia and Middle East, Sony Music, added: 'The Middle East is a priority market for us, with Saudi Arabia at the centre of a cultural and creative transformation. Our partnership with LuxuryKSA is part of a broader strategy to deepen our roots in the region, champion local voices, and support sustained artist development. As the music industry in MENA continues to grow at pace, we are committed to working with partners to shape its future and bring the richness of the region's music to a global audience.' Rami Mohsen, Managing Director for Middle East, Sony Music, stated: 'LuxuryKSA is renowned for nurturing Saudi talent and positioning them on a regional and global scale. Through this partnership, we're working on building a talent incubator with LuxuryKSA in Saudi Arabia, designed to nurture and develop the next generation of stars. With artists' creativity our utmost priority, this partnership strengthens our local presence in Saudi Arabia and expands opportunities for our artists in a culturally rich and diverse region.' Ayed Youssef commented: 'I'm thrilled about this partnership with Sony Music and LuxuryKSA! It's an amazing chance to bring Khaliji pop to new fans everywhere. I can't wait to share my music and connect with people while staying true to my roots.'
Scottish Sun
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford CONFIRMED for September 13 in Las Vegas with super-fight airing on Netflix
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CANELO ALVAREZ and Terence Crawford have finally CONFIRMED their Las Vegas super-fight - which will air on Netflix. After Canelo laboured past William Scull in Saudi Arabia in May, he won back his vacated IBF title to become undisputed super-middleweight king again. 3 Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez have confirmed their Vegas super-fight Credit: Getty And shortly after, unbeaten four-division champion Crawford stepped into the ring to face off with Canelo - flanked by Saudi boxing boss Turki Alalshikh. The bout was first set for Friday, September 12 in Vegas with Netflix to air the fight with UFC boss Dana White to promote. TKO Holdings - who own the UFC and WWE - signed a multi-year partnership this year to establish a boxing promotion alongside Alalshikh. As well as a UFC-style boxing league, two super-fights were set to be promoted by TKO and White every year. READ MORE IN boxing CAN DO ATTITUDE Canelo vs Crawford in another twist as White says he IS promoting fight And Canelo's blockbuster against Crawford was always due to kickstart the partnership. But then the cracks began to appear. At one point, it seemed White and Netflix were OUT of the picture after Alalshikh said the fight would be promoted by Saudi-based Sela on pay-per-view. He posted: "We have confirmed the promoter for Canelo vs. Crawford will be Sela for Riyadh Season. 3 CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "The broadcaster we have not decided yet but the date will be Saturday 13th September. More details soon." Alalshikh even said the fight could switch to New York or Los Angeles - despite the Las Vegas Raiders' £1.5BILLION stadium being pencilled in. Vegas will still host the fight but the Raiders' stadium is currently booked up for college football game. The game will need to be shifted in date for Canelo to fight Crawford at the 65,000-seater. As the details of the fight began to rapidly chop and change - White remained quiet fuelling speculation over his involvement. But when the American returned to the spotlight to promote UFC 316 in Newark - he finally offered some clarity. He told media after the event: "I'm promoting the fight. I'll let you guys know when it's time to let you guys know." White's re-involvement in the event is also said to have been the catalyst in getting Netflix back on board. The streaming service debuted in boxing in November when YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul faced the returning Mike Tyson. Despite the controversy surrounding Tyson's comeback aged 58 - still over 100 MILLION watched Paul's decision win causing the stream to crash. Netflix follow up with Katie Taylor's trilogy bout against Amanda Serrano on Friday, July 11 in an all-women's card in Netflix. The streaming giants are also in talks with the UFC over broadcasting rights - with ESPN's expiring at the end of the year. And White's role as promoter of Canelo vs Crawford is believed to have convinced Netflix to return as broadcaster. Canelo comes into the bout with all four 168lb titles while Crawford has not returned since beating Israil Madrimov for the 154lb title last August.
