His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a telephone call today (Sunday) from His Excellency President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria. This call marks the first official high-level contact between the two countries following the recent political developments in Syria, and opens a new chapter in the history of bilateral relations.

Historical context and radical transformations

This contact comes in the wake of rapid developments in Syria that led to a change in leadership, presenting the region with a new geopolitical reality. Relations between Saudi Arabia and Syria had been strained for over a decade due to the Syrian crisis. However, active Saudi diplomacy in recent years, culminating in leading efforts to reinstate Syria's seat in the Arab League in 2023, paved the way for a resumption of dialogue and the rebuilding of trust, reflecting the Kingdom's understanding of the importance of Syria's stability and unity as an integral part of Arab national security.

The importance of communication and its expected impact

This contact is of paramount strategic importance on several levels. On the Syrian level, it represents significant political support for the new leadership, giving it a strong boost toward gaining regional and international legitimacy. It also opens promising prospects for securing the necessary support for the reconstruction phase and achieving the economic and social stability that the Syrian people yearn for after years of suffering.

Regionally, this contact underscores Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role as a peacemaker and pillar of stability in the region. Through its direct engagement with the new Syrian leadership, Riyadh seeks to ensure an orderly transition of power and prevent a security vacuum that could be exploited by regional powers or extremist groups to destabilize the region. This rapprochement is expected to encourage other Arab states to intensify their engagement with Damascus, thereby strengthening joint Arab action to address the challenges.

Common causes and a promising future

In addition to reviewing bilateral relations and opportunities for strengthening them, the two sides discussed regional developments and issues of common interest. These issues likely include vital matters such as combating terrorism, securing borders, curbing drug trafficking, and coordinating the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees to their homeland. This dialogue represents a foundational step towards building a strategic partnership that serves the interests of both countries and contributes to the security and prosperity of the entire region.

The finals of the “Kammelna” Baloot Championship, the highlight of the Khobar Season, will kick off next Thursday, January 22nd, and will be held over two days at the Science and Technology Center (SciTech). This championship, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Sports, boasts a substantial prize pool of 100,000 Saudi Riyals, reflecting the growing importance of entertainment and sporting events in the Kingdom.

Cultural and historical background of the game of Baloot

Baloot is more than just a card game in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region; it's an integral part of the social and cultural fabric. Families and friends gather around it for various occasions, and it's considered a way to strengthen social bonds and enjoy quality time together. With technological advancements, this popularity has moved into the digital world, where apps like "Kammelna Baloot" have allowed millions of players to pursue their passion and compete online.

Digital platform and mass eliminations

The tournament's first stage featured massive online qualifying rounds held via the "Kammelna Baloot" app, with nearly 100,000 players from across the Kingdom participating. This impressive number highlights the successful integration of traditional culture with modern technology and opens new horizons for esports, which enjoys significant support as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, aimed at diversifying entertainment options and developing the digital economy.

The importance of the event within the context of the Al-Khobar season and Vision 2030

This tournament is part of the “Al-Khobar Season,” which is itself part of the “Saudi Seasons” initiative aimed at boosting domestic tourism and providing world-class entertainment options for citizens and residents. Such events contribute to achieving the goals of Vision 2030 by improving quality of life, supporting the entertainment and sports sectors, and making the Kingdom’s cities vibrant and attractive destinations both locally and regionally.

Valuable prizes and tournament details

Valuable prizes have been allocated for the winners, with the first-place winner receiving 30,000 riyals, the second-place winner 25,000 riyals, and the third-place winner 20,000 riyals. Incentive prizes of 5,000 riyals each will be awarded to those placing fourth through eighth, encouraging participants to give their best in the finals held in Al-Khobar.

Statements from organizers and the role of social responsibility

In this context, Bader Al-Zamil, CEO of the “Kammelna” app, affirmed that organizing the tournament in Al-Khobar is part of the company's commitment to its social responsibility towards the residents of the Eastern Province and the Kingdom as a whole. He noted that registration was open to everyone, with Al-Khobar, the company's headquarters, chosen to host the finals. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Sports and its branch in the Eastern Province, as well as to Al-Khobar Season and all relevant parties, for providing all the necessary resources to ensure the tournament was held to the highest standards, befitting the development of entertainment events in the Kingdom.

The Saudi Arabian Jockey Club has announced an immediate and urgent investigation into the outcome of the eighth race of the 62nd meeting, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (G3), a direct qualifier for the prestigious Saudi Cup. This official action follows a statement by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz, one of the Kingdom's most prominent horse owners, who raised questions about the race's result.

Background of the event and its importance in the Saudi racing calendar

Horse racing boasts a rich history and deep roots in Saudi Arabian culture, forming an integral part of the national heritage. With the establishment of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (formerly known as the Riyadh Equestrian Club), the sport entered a new era of professional organization aligned with international standards. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup is a prestigious local classic race, and its significance has been amplified by its role as the gateway and primary qualifying event for the Saudi Cup, the world's richest horse race, which attracts the attention of the global equestrian community.

Details of the official statement and confirmation of the committees' neutrality

In its official statement, the club clarified that it is closely following the remarks made by Prince Faisal bin Khalid, and that His Royal Highness, Chairman of the Board of Directors, has immediately directed an investigation into all aspects of the result and the prompt submission of the findings. The club emphasized the leading position of Prince Faisal bin Khalid's "Red Stable," considering it a cornerstone of horse racing in the Kingdom, and expressed its deep appreciation for his contributions and ongoing support of the sport. Similarly, the statement commended "Al-Areen Stable," owned by Sheikh Hamoud Al-Malik Al-Sabah, for its significant contribution to the racing system. The club stressed that the decisions of the technical committees are entirely independent and subject to approved international regulations and standards, affirming their complete impartiality.

Expected impact and importance of transparency for international standing

This incident comes at a time when the Kingdom is striving to solidify its position as a leading global destination for horse racing. Handling such situations with transparency and responsibility enhances the credibility of Saudi racing on the international stage. Maintaining the integrity of results and the independence of technical decisions is the cornerstone of gaining the trust of international owners, trainers, and jockeys, as well as the public and bettors worldwide. The club, in accordance with its regulations issued by a Cabinet decision, affirms that it is the sole authority for all matters related to speed racing in the Kingdom, thus bearing the responsibility of ensuring the application of the highest standards of fairness and integrity to enhance the global reputation of Saudi equestrianism.