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RIYADH: The fifth AlUla Wellness Festival began on Friday with a duathlon and will continue until Nov. 1.

Various sporting competitions will be held throughout the festival in the stunning natural surroundings of AlUla, including running, endurance sports, and cycling, in addition to “adventure activities” for all age groups.

“The energy, the movement, the vibe — it’s all happening at the AlUla Wellness Festival,” AlUla Moments, the official account of AlUla festivals and events posted on X. 

Events will be held daily at AlUla’s iconic landmarks including Elephant Rock, Hegra, the Old Town Amphitheatre, Harrat Viewpoint, Heart of the Oasis, and Maraya.

The Team Jayco AlUla Cycling Camp will be held on Oct. 29 and 30, offering participants guided tours through AlUla’s rugged terrain, along with specialized workshops on riding techniques and training.

The AlUla Half Marathon – a race through AlUla’s iconic scenery - will take place Oct. 25, featuring five race categories catering to various age groups and fitness levels.

Mughayra Heritage Sports Village will host the AlUla 24-Hour Endurance Race on October 31, challenging athletes to complete as many laps as possible within a full day, individually or in teams, while Ashar Valley will host a triathlon on Nov. 1 at the Winter Park.

The festival also includes culture- and heritage-themed events, including exclusive culinary sessions in historic settings such as Jabal Ikmah, an open-air museum that tells the stories of ancient civilizations through its inscriptions.

The festival is “a celebration of personal growth, fitness and holistic wellbeing, set in one of the world’s most naturally energizing landscapes,” according to the Experience AlUla website.

“From athletic events to mindfulness and movement, music, and nourishment, the festival invites guests of all levels to reset, recharge, reconnect and strive - physically, emotionally, and spiritually,” the site continues. “The festival offers intense challenges, curated moments of calm for everyone, and fosters both personal transformation and a powerful sense of community, all grounded in the beauty and authenticity of AlUla.”

DUBAI: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has launched and concluded several aid initiatives this week in Pakistan, Turkiye and Sudan.

In Islamabad on Thursday, KSrelief inaugurated a major food-relief initiative, distributing 1,300 tonnes of dates to families impacted by the recent flooding across Pakistan.

The launch was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Al-Malki, along with several officials and KSrelief representatives. Ambassador Al-Malki emphasized that the project aligned with directives from the Kingdom’s leadership and continued efforts to assist families most affected by natural disasters in the country.

In Hatay Province, Turkiye, KSrelief concluded a voluntary medical program held from Oct. 15-22, aimed at providing prosthetic assistance and rehabilitation services.

A team of 13 volunteer medical specialists offered 203 physiotherapy sessions, fitted 138 prosthetic and orthotic devices, and delivered 50 electric mobility aids.

Meanwhile, in Khartoum State, Sudan, KSrelief distributed 500 food parcels to displaced families, benefiting 3,484 individuals. The aid operation comes amid humanitarian challenges in the region, where access to essential supplies remains severely limited.