Saudi Arabia is planning on expanding the number of professional football players competing in the country, not by recruiting more athletes to its existing national team, but by creating its first all-female football league. This is a significant milestone for Saudi women, who now can partake in football events as professional players or spectators, a prospect that would have been difficult to foresee a few years ago. It is also an opportunity for all Saudis to come closer to achieving their dreams, where gender is not a barrier.
The creation of the Women's Football League was announced on Monday, and games will kick off as soon as next month. The first WFL tournament will take place in cities across the kingdom, and the winning team will receive a prize totalling nearly Dh500,000.
The move is part of a wider drive to promote sport in the kingdom and to diversify the culture sector. Earlier this week, in the wake of a Cabinet reshuffle, Riyadh upgraded its General Sports Authority to a fully fledged ministry headed by 36-year-old former auto racing star Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki. The young minister has competed in international tournaments and is well positioned to lead by example, inspiring other young people to participate in sporting events and become part of their nation’s history.
Above all, the creation of the league further solidifies women’s integral status in this new chapter of Saudi history. Women necessarily represent half of the equation when it comes to affording opportunities to excel in sport, and many initiatives bearing this in mind have flourished in the past few years. In 2019, an all-female Saudi team competed in the World Women’s Bowling Championship and last December, riders of all genders participated at the Diriyah Equestrian Festival, competing side by side for the first time. Such initiatives allow Saudi women to shine and to receive the support and recognition they deserve.
Whether on the sporting pitch or in the workplace, Riyadh is determined to build a strong future
The historic breakthroughs in sport come on the heels of a series of broader, progressive reforms dedicated to women in Saudi Arabia. In 2018, women were granted the right to drive. Last year, legal restrictions on the right to travel without the permission of male guardians were lifted. These changes are part of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s Vision 2030, a long-term strategy to open up the country to the world and diversify its oil-reliant economy by boosting other sectors such as tourism, technology entertainment and sport. While more remains to be achieved, the pace and scope of change must be lauded.
The ambitious plan relies on forward-looking leadership as well as on the talent and drive of young Saudis, who make up nearly 40 per cent of all citizens. Whether on the sporting pitch or in the workplace, Riyadh is determined to build a strong future. Creating spaces where women can reach new heights and achieve their full potential will be pivotal to furthering the kingdom's success story in the coming years. Regardless of age, gender and status, all segments of society have a part to play in making Saudi Arabia a true champion.
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
What are NFTs?
Are non-fungible tokens a currency, asset, or a licensing instrument? Arnab Das, global market strategist EMEA at Invesco, says they are mix of all of three.
You can buy, hold and use NFTs just like US dollars and Bitcoins. “They can appreciate in value and even produce cash flows.”
However, while money is fungible, NFTs are not. “One Bitcoin, dollar, euro or dirham is largely indistinguishable from the next. Nothing ties a dollar bill to a particular owner, for example. Nor does it tie you to to any goods, services or assets you bought with that currency. In contrast, NFTs confer specific ownership,” Mr Das says.
This makes NFTs closer to a piece of intellectual property such as a work of art or licence, as you can claim royalties or profit by exchanging it at a higher value later, Mr Das says. “They could provide a sustainable income stream.”
This income will depend on future demand and use, which makes NFTs difficult to value. “However, there is a credible use case for many forms of intellectual property, notably art, songs, videos,” Mr Das says.
The flights
The closest international airport to the TMB trail is Geneva (just over an hour’s drive from the French ski town of Chamonix where most people start and end the walk). Direct flights from the UAE to Geneva are available with Etihad and Emirates from about Dh2,790 including taxes.
The trek
The Tour du Mont Blanc takes about 10 to 14 days to complete if walked in its entirety, but by using the services of a tour operator such as Raw Travel, a shorter “highlights” version allows you to complete the best of the route in a week, from Dh6,750 per person. The trails are blocked by snow from about late October to early May. Most people walk in July and August, but be warned that trails are often uncomfortably busy at this time and it can be very hot. The prime months are June and September.
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
RESULTS
5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 2,200m Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ahmed Al Mehairbi (trainer)
