All eyes of camel racing enthusiasts are on the historic Janadriyah racecourse in Riyadh, where the curtain falls tomorrow, Wednesday, on the "Jathaa" category, one of the most prominent categories of the third edition of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival. The final day of this category will witness the crowning of the winners in four major races for the festival's cups, with prize money totaling 5.5 million riyals, reflecting the significant value of this sporting and cultural event.

The festival, held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, comes as part of national efforts to preserve the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage. Camel racing is not merely a sport; it is an integral part of the history of the Arabian Peninsula, where camels were the lifeblood of society and a symbol of strength and authenticity. The festival aims to revive this heritage and present it to new generations and the world in a modern way, while preserving its deep-rooted traditions. This aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to strengthen national identity and the tourism and cultural sectors.

The third edition of the festival kicked off last Friday and will run for 10 days, with wide participation from the most renowned camel owners from within the Kingdom and the Gulf countries. With total prizes exceeding 75 million riyals, the festival is considered one of the largest events in the world of camel racing. The competitions are divided into five approved age categories for camels, in addition to the traditional camel race for male and female riders, and the "beauty" competitions that celebrate the beauty of camels, all part of the accompanying events.

The "Jathaa" category (four-year-old camels) witnessed great excitement over the past few days, with 25 races held. The participating camels covered a total distance of 276 kilometers, with each race covering 7 kilometers. Owners and spectators eagerly await the final races, which represent the climax of the competition in this category, as everyone vies for the honor of winning the festival's most prestigious trophies.

Alongside the speed races, the accompanying beauty contests continue, crowning the most beautiful young female camels (bakar) in the individual category (mufarid) for the two popular colors, "al-wadh" and "al-majahim". The participating camels undergo rigorous evaluation by specialized judging panels according to strict aesthetic criteria, highlighting the significant attention given not only to the camels' speed but also to their beauty and rare breeds.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival represents a vital economic and social platform. It is not limited to sporting competitions; rather, it generates economic activity that supports owners, breeders, and those working in this sector. It also strengthens social ties among the people of the Kingdom and the Gulf region, and presents a bright image of the Kingdom's culture and authentic heritage to the world, thus solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global destination for heritage tourism and traditional sports.

Al-Ahli is preparing for a crucial and decisive match when they visit Al-Ettifaq in the 19th round of the Saudi Professional League. The match is of particular importance to both teams, who are looking to improve their positions in the standings. However, Al-Ahli enters the game with several key players absent, which could affect the plans of their German coach, Matthias Jäissle.

Absences hit Al Ahly's ranks

Leading the list of absentees for Al-Ahli is the solid Turkish defender Merih Demiral , who suffered a knee cartilage injury during the team's last match against Al-Khaleej, depriving the team of one of its most important defensive pillars. Adding to his absence are midfielder Valentin Atangana, who was left out by the coach's tactical decision, and Mohammed Abdulrahman, who has not yet reached full fitness to participate in matches.

General context and importance of the match

This match comes at a time of unprecedented competition in the Saudi Professional League, with top clubs vying for top positions that qualify them for Asian championships. Al-Ahli, returning to the top flight this season, currently occupies a strong position and is striving to remain among the elite and compete for the title. Meanwhile, Al-Ettifaq, under the guidance of English coach Steven Gerrard, is looking to achieve a positive result that will bolster the team's stability and propel them up the league table.

Expected impact of absences

The absence of Demiral, in particular, is expected to put significant pressure on Al-Ahli's back line, forcing coach Jääsle to find a suitable replacement to maintain the team's defensive balance. Despite the German coach's insistence on maintaining the starting lineup as much as possible, these forced absences will compel him to make tactical adjustments to counter Al-Ettifaq's attacking prowess. This match will be a true test of Al-Ahli's squad depth and the ability of the substitutes to fill the gaps and deliver the expected performance in a game where half-measures are not an option.

Al-Ahli had achieved a morale-boosting victory in their last match against Neom with a score of three goals to nil, and the team hopes to build on this victory to continue their journey of collecting points in the heated league race.

A recent photo of Prince Nawaf bin Saad, former president of Al-Hilal, and Portuguese star Ruben Neves, the team's midfielder, has sparked widespread speculation in Saudi sports circles. The photo, taken during a team training session, has raised questions about the player's future, especially given reports that the club's management is seeking to secure his continued presence with a new, long-term contract.

Background and context of the event

This appearance comes at a crucial time for Al-Hilal, who are performing exceptionally well and comfortably leading the Saudi Professional League, in addition to their strong performance in the AFC Champions League. Ruben Neves, who joined the club in the summer of 2013 from Wolverhampton Wanderers, is a key player in Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus's squad, forming a formidable force in midfield thanks to his ability to link defense and attack, his precise passing, and his powerful shots.

The presence of a figure of Prince Nawaf bin Saad's stature, during whose tenure the club achieved historic successes, at a training session is not merely a routine visit. Rather, it is seen as a powerful message of support for the team and players, and a confirmation of the unwavering support of all the club's leaders for the team in its pursuit of further championships. These influential figures often play crucial advisory roles in strategic decisions, including securing the future of the team's star players.

The importance of renewing Neves' contract and its expected impact

Domestically, renewing the contract of a player of Ruben Neves' caliber sends a clear message from Al-Hilal to its rivals that it is committed to building an invincible team for the future, not just a team for the current season. Maintaining the stability of key players is crucial to preserving domestic dominance, and Neves' continued presence ensures the continuity of Jesus's tactical approach and strengthens the team's midfield presence for years to come.

On both regional and international levels, Al-Hilal's success in retaining a top-tier international star from the English Premier League is tangible proof of the strength and appeal of the Saudi League project. This move, if it materializes, will confirm that Saudi clubs aim not only to attract stars but also to create a stable and attractive environment for them to stay and achieve their ambitions, thus enhancing the competition's global reputation and solidifying its position as one of the major football destinations.

As Al-Hilal prepares to continue its journey in the Roshan Professional League by facing Al-Qadisiyah in the nineteenth round at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium, Al-Hilal fans are awaiting an official announcement that will settle the controversy and confirm the continued presence of the Portuguese “Maestro” at the Blue Castle.