��������

RIYADH: AlUla achieved a major milestone by winning three categories at the 2025 World Travel Awards to reinforce its position as one of the region’s top destinations.

The ancient city in northwest �������� was named the Middle East’s Leading Cultural Tourism Project, the Middle East’s Leading Festival and Event Destination, and ��������’s Leading Cultural Tourism Project.

The triple success continued AlUla’s impressive streak after it earned the same honors in 2024 and the Middle East’s Leading Cultural Tourism Project title in 2023.

AlUla’s success highlights its enduring appeal and commitment to sustainable, community-driven tourism rooted in authentic heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

A natural wonder with deep historic roots, AlUla captivates visitors with its desert landscapes and unique rock formations, forming a natural canvas of Arabian beauty.

Its prehistoric rock art depicts humans, animals, and abstract forms, revealing the social, cultural, and spiritual life of early inhabitants.

In the first millennium B.C. AlUla became the center of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms — two of the Arabian Peninsula’s most advanced civilizations, known for their urban, commercial, and religious development.

In the first century A.D. Hegra became the southernmost city of the Nabataean Kingdom, renowned for its agricultural, architectural, and hydraulic engineering achievements.

The area was later annexed by the Roman Empire, becoming part of a wider trade and cultural exchange network.

Between the seventh and 12th centuries AlUla emerged as a key stop on the incense trade route, serving as a meeting point for traders and travelers from across the ancient world.

In the 20th century AlUla’s Hijaz Railway, built by the Ottoman Empire, linked major cities and facilitated Muslim pilgrimages to Makkah and Madinah.

Famous for its intricately carved tombs showcasing Nabataean artistry, Hegra was designated ��������’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

In the 21st century — with UNESCO recognition and growing global interest in its cultural and historic legacy — AlUla has seen major conservation and sustainable tourism efforts, transforming it into a must-visit destination in ��������.

AlUla’s history is retold through immersive experiences and a diverse calendar of events known as AlUla Moments, showcasing 200,000 years of human presence and 7,000 years of civilizations.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards honor excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality, and are recognized globally as the industry’s hallmark of achievement.

RIYADH: The closing ceremony for the World Championship in Fire and Rescue Sport was held in Riyadh on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Civil Defense Director General Maj. Gen. Hamoud Al-Faraj, International Sport Federation of Firefighters and Rescuers President Alexander Chupriyan and heads of participating delegations attended the event.

Al-Faraj handed over the championship flag to Azerbaijan, host of the next edition.

Russia won the men’s firefighting race with a time of 26.62 seconds, while Belarus claimed the women’s title with 26.42 seconds.

The event involved the use of pumps and hoses to extinguish simulated fires, testing participants’ speed, precision and decision-making under realistic conditions.

Russia set a new championship record in the individual obstacle race, finishing in 14.84 seconds in the men’s category and 15.49 seconds in the women’s.

The Russian team also won the 400-meter relay in both categories, with the men clocking 54.73 seconds and the women 59.99 seconds.

In the 100-meter hurdles, Russia again claimed first place, with times of 14.84 seconds for the men and 15.49 seconds for the women.

Heads and members of several international delegations thanked �������� for its warm hospitality and excellent organization of the weeklong championship, which was organized by the General Directorate of Civil Defense in cooperation with the international federation.

The Czech delegation, visiting the Kingdom for the first time, praised the warm welcome, ideal weather and strong performance of Saudi athletes.

The Azerbaijani team commended the professionalism of the event and described the experience as “unique and rewarding.”

The Cameroonian delegation also highlighted the professionalism, sportsmanship and positive atmosphere, and noted the teams’ strong physical condition and drive to set new records.

The championship brought together more than 300 competitors from 22 countries, representing 13 teams.

This marked the first time an Arab nation hosted the event since the federation’s founding in 2001.

Thirteen athletes from the Saudi Civil Defense also demonstrated exceptional skill and readiness in performing complex technical and tactical tasks, reflecting the progress of national talent and strong team spirit.

�������� joined the federation in 2022 to promote fire and rescue sports locally and globally, enhance international cooperation and develop human capabilities through knowledge sharing and the adoption of new firefighting technologies.