الرياض: عاصمة التحول والنمو المستدام في قلب المملكة

In controversial statements that sparked widespread debate in sports circles, French star Karim Benzema opened the door to the possibility of leaving Al-Ittihad Club in Saudi Arabia at the end of the current season.

In an interview with the French newspaper “L’Equipe,” the 36-year-old Benzema confirmed that he had not made a final decision regarding his continuation with the Saudi team, indicating that he would determine his future after the end of the current season.

The French player added: “I faced some difficulties at the beginning of my journey here, but I worked hard and gradually improved. Now I feel that I am delivering good levels and contributing to the team’s success.”

Since his move to Al-Ittihad Club in the summer of 2023 from Real Madrid, Benzema has scored 15 goals in 29 matches in various competitions so far, despite missing some matches due to injuries.

Benzema had previously stated in an interview with the French magazine “France Football” that his future on the field might be linked to his ability to compete at the highest levels, hinting at the possibility of retirement if he felt he was no longer able to deliver the best.

This statement comes at a time when Al-Ittihad Club is going through a transitional phase after the departure of its Portuguese coach Nuno Santo, which puts Benzema’s future with the team under the spotlight.

Media reports had linked Benzema with a return to Europe, especially with the interest of some major clubs in his services, but the player did not confirm or deny these reports in his latest statements.

It is worth noting that Benzema joined Al-Ittihad Club in a free transfer after the end of his contract with Real Madrid, where he signed a three-year contract in exchange for an annual salary estimated at about 200 million euros, making him one of the highest-paid players in the world.

With several months remaining until the end of the season, football fans in Saudi Arabia and around the world are awaiting Benzema’s final decision, which may have a significant impact on the future of Al-Ittihad Club and the Roshn Saudi League.

Next February will witness the launch of numerous major tourism and entertainment events in various regions of the Kingdom, as part of the General Entertainment Authority’s efforts to enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading regional and global tourist destination.

The head of the General Entertainment Authority, Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh, confirmed that February will witness the launch of more than 80 diverse entertainment events in various regions of the Kingdom, catering to all tastes and suitable for different age groups.

Al-Sheikh explained that the Authority has allocated a huge budget to organize these events, which will contribute to stimulating domestic tourism movement and attracting visitors from outside the Kingdom, expecting the number of visitors during February to reach more than two million visitors.

These events come within the framework of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify sources of income and enhance the entertainment and tourism sector as one of the most important promising sectors in the Kingdom.

The events are scheduled to begin on February 22 with the launch of the “Winter at Tantora” festival in Al-Ula, which will last for two consecutive months, making it one of the most prominent tourism festivals in the Kingdom.

في تصريحات أثارت جدلاً واسعاً في الأوساط الرياضية، فتح النجم الفرنسي كريم بنزيما الباب أمام احتمالية الرحيل عن نادي الاتحاد السعودي في نهاية الموسم الحالي.
خلال مقابلة أجراها مع صحيفة “ليكيب” الفرنسية، أكد بنزيما البالغ من العمر 36 عاماً أنه لم يتخذ قراره النهائي بشأن الاستمرار مع الفريق السعودي، مشيراً إلى أنه سيحدد مستقبله بعد نهاية الموسم الحالي.
وأضاف اللاعب الفرنسي: “لقد واجهت بعض الصعوبات في بداية مشواري هنا، لكني عملت بجد وتحسنت تدريجياً. الآن أشعر بأنني أقدم مستويات جيدة وأساهم في نجاح الفريق.”
منذ انتقاله إلى نادي الاتحاد في صيف 2023 قادماً من ريال مدريد، سجل بنزيما 15 هدفاً في 29 مباراة بمختلف المسابقات حتى الآن، رغم غيابه عن بعض المباريات بسبب الإصابات.
وكان بنزيما قد صرح في وقت سابق لمجلة “فرانس فوتبول” الفرنسية بأن مستقبله في الملاعب قد يكون مرتبطاً بمدى قدرته على المنافسة على أعلى المستويات، ملمحاً إلى احتمالية الاعتزال إذا شعر بأنه لم يعد قادراً على تقديم الأفضل.
يأتي هذا التصريح في وقت يمر فيه نادي الاتحاد بمرحلة انتقالية بعد رحيل مدربه البرتغالي نونو سانتو، مما يضع مستقبل بنزيما مع الفريق تحت دائرة الضوء.
وكانت تقارير إعلامية قد ربطت بنزيما بالعودة إلى أوروبا، خاصة مع اهتمام بعض الأندية الكبرى بخدماته، لكن اللاعب لم يؤكد أو ينفي هذه التقارير في تصريحاته الأخيرة.
يذكر أن بنزيما انضم إلى نادي الاتحاد في صفقة انتقال حر بعد نهاية عقده مع ريال مدريد، حيث وقع عقداً مدته ثلاث سنوات مقابل راتب سنوي يقدر بنحو 200 مليون يورو، مما جعله أحد أعلى اللاعبين أجراً في العالم.
مع تبقي عدة أشهر على نهاية الموسم، يترقب عشاق كرة القدم في السعودية والعالم قرار بنزيما النهائي، الذي قد يكون له تأثير كبير على مستقبل نادي الاتحاد ومسابقة دوري روشن السعودي.

استقبل خادم الحرمين الشريفين الملك سلمان بن عبد العزيز آل سعود – حفظه الله – في مكتبه بقصر السلام بجدة اليوم، الشيخ صالح بن عبد العزيز بن محمد آل الشيخ.
وجرى خلال الاستقبال بحث الموضوعات ذات الاهتمام، وتبادل الأحاديث الودية.
حضر الاستقبال صاحب السمو الملكي الأمير خالد الفيصل مستشار خادم الحرمين الشريفين أمير منطقة مكة المكرمة، وصاحب السمو الملكي الأمير الدكتور منصور بن متعب بن عبد العزيز وزير الدولة عضو مجلس الوزراء مستشار خادم الحرمين الشريفين، ومعالي وزير الدولة عضو مجلس الوزراء الدكتور مساعد بن محمد العيبان، ومعالي رئيس الديوان الملكي الدكتور فهد بن عبد الرحمن العيسى، ومعالي المستشار بالديوان الملكي الدكتور خالد بن سعود البليهد.

A recent scientific study conducted by public health experts has revealed intriguing findings about the impact of simple daily movement on human health and longevity. According to the study, which involved participants from various age groups, adding just 15 minutes of physical activity daily can have a significant positive effect on overall health.

The study, conducted by a team of researchers at the Public Health Institute over a year-long period, monitored individuals who were accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle. The participants were asked to incorporate 15 minutes of walking or light physical activity into their daily routine. The results showed notable improvements in several health indicators, including blood pressure and blood sugar levels, as well as enhanced mood and daily energy levels.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Ali, the study’s supervisor, commented: “The surprise was in the extent of the impact this small amount of movement had on the overall health of the individuals. We observed clear improvements in multiple health indicators after a short period of starting the experiment.”

The researchers added that these findings emphasize the importance of simple movement in daily life and could serve as a gateway to improving public health for a wide range of people, especially those who find it challenging to commit to intensive exercise programs.

This study highlights the significance of simple movement in our daily lives, confirming that good health doesn’t necessarily require great effort or long periods of time. Small steps can be sufficient to make a significant difference in our quality of life and longevity.

In a surprising move that has excited football fans worldwide, Chelsea Football Club announced the appointment of Argentine Mauricio Pochettino as the new head coach, replacing German Thomas Tuchel who was sacked in early September. This appointment comes after a long search by the London club for the right manager to lead their ambitious project in the coming seasons.

Pochettino, 41, has previously coached Argentine club Boca Juniors, Spanish clubs Espanyol and Racing Santander, before achieving great success with Tottenham Hotspur in England between 2014 and 2019, leading them to the UEFA Champions League final in the 2018-2019 season.

In his first statement after the appointment, Pochettino said: “I am very happy to join this great club and can’t wait to start working with the team. I know the challenges and responsibilities, but I am confident in our ability to achieve success together.”

The Argentine coach has an impressive record in the English Premier League, with a win rate of 47.3% in 293 matches as Tottenham’s head coach. Pochettino is also known for his attacking style of play and ability to develop young players.

This appointment comes at a critical time for Chelsea, who have been struggling with poor results at the start of the current season under interim coach Frank Lampard, currently sitting 10th in the league table after 8 rounds.

Chelsea fans hope that Pochettino will succeed in getting the team back on the winning track and competing for domestic and European titles, especially with the significant financial support the club receives from its new owner Todd Boehly.

According to reports, Pochettino has signed a 3-year contract with Chelsea, with an option to extend, and a release clause of £10 million. The Argentine coach will officially begin his duties after the current international break.

The big question remains: Will Mauricio Pochettino succeed in leading Chelsea to trophy-winning heights and restoring the team to its rightful place among Europe’s elite? Or will the challenges prove too great for the young Argentine manager’s ambitions? The coming days will reveal much about Chelsea’s future with Pochettino at the helm.