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☆ Surprising, Unsettling, Surreal: Roaming Through Saudi Arabia
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Stephen Hiltner | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Stephen Hiltner/The New York TimesThe sculpted facade of a 2,000-year-old tomb glows in the late-afternoon sun at Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Camels march through the desert on the outskirts of the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest sand sea. For many years these Saudi Arabian scenes, including the lively open-air markets in Jeddah, were off limits to most travelers. As it undergoes a profound transformation, Saudi Arabia is spending lavishly to lure tourists with its luxe new resorts ...... its rich cultural heritage ...... and its sublime natural beauty. Can the Saudi government persuade would-be visitors to look past — or reconsider — its longstanding associations with religious extremism, ultraconservatism and human rights abuses?

Persons: Stephen Hiltner Organizations: New York Times, UNESCO Locations: Prophet’s, Medina, Saudi, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

☆ Oil giant Saudi Aramco begins massive share sale to raise around $12 billion
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-02 | by ( Natasha Turak | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Saudi state oil giant Aramco commenced its secondary public offering on Sunday as the company looks to raise in the region of $12 billion. At the midpoint of that range, the sale would total around $11.5 billion but could eventually reach up to $13.1 billion. Four more banks were added to the share offering, Reuters reported on Sunday, including Credit Suisse Saudi Arabia and BNP Paribas. The share sale is the company's second, after Aramco first entered public markets in 2019 and offered 1.5% of the company to investors. Aramco is the world's largest oil company in terms of both daily crude production and market cap.

Organizations: Aramco, Saudi Arabian Oil Group, World Petroleum Congress, Saudi, Reuters, Credit Suisse Saudi, BNP Locations: Saudi, Stampede, Calgary, Canada, Credit Suisse Saudi Arabia

☆ Saudi Arabia is trying to build the largest linear city ever. It's a visionary but flawed concept, urban planners say.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-02 | by ( Polly Thompson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Although recent reports suggest the plans have been scaled back, the 2.4km still due to be built will be the largest linear city in existence if it is completed. The Spanish architect Arturo Soria is widely credited with designing the first linear city, "La Ciudad Lineal," in 1882 on the outskirts of Madrid. "Linear cities are an extreme form of urban dispersal — community development and social cohesion still need centrality," Gold told BI. A linear city may not have this capability," explained Lovgreen. In my opinion, linear city schemes are best left as design exercises for third-year architectural students," Gold said.

Persons: —, Arturo Soria, Le Corbusier, Mikhail Okhitovich, Mona Lovgreen, Lovgreen, Adhya, Bland, I'm, John Gold Organizations: Service, Business, Lawrence Technological University, Ciudad, Oxford Brookes University Locations: Saudi Arabia, Spanish, Madrid, Swiss, French, Magnitogorsk, Neom, Paris, Portland, Saudi, NEOM, Tabuk Province

☆ Saudi Aramco to reportedly sell $10 billion to $20 billion worth of shares in new offering
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( Natasha Turak | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Members of media chat before the start of a press conference by Aramco at the Plaza Conference Center in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia November 3, 2019. Saudi Arabian state oil giant Aramco plans to offer a fresh sale of between $10 and $20 billion of its stock as soon as this week, the Wall Street Journal reported late Tuesday, citing individuals with knowledge of the matter. Aramco is the world's largest oil company in terms of both daily oil production and market cap. If the offering goes ahead, it would relieve some financial pressure on the kingdom, at least in the near-term, the Journal reported. Saudi Arabia in May forecast a budget deficit of 79 billion Saudi riyals ($21 billion) for the year, as well as a fiscal deficit in 2025 and 2026.The stock sale could still be delayed or canceled, the Journal reported.

Persons: chalked Organizations: Aramco, Plaza Conference, Wall Street Journal, Public Investment Fund, CNBC, Saudi Locations: Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabian, Saudi

☆ Neom axed a $1.5B project to make water for the city, report says — another blow to its grand ambition
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-22 | by ( Tom Porter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Neom canceled a desalination project worth $1.5 billion, according to a report. Enowa, a Neom subsidiary, told Meed it's water requirements had evolved. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementA project to build a $1.5 billion water desalination plant in the Saudi Arabian desert city of Neom appears to have been scrapped. A consortium made up of Neom subsidiary Enowa, Japan's Itochu, and France's Veolia had agreed to develop the plant in December 2022.

Persons: Neom, Meed, —, Japan's Itochu Organizations: Service, Veolia, Business Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Neom

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo set to play in 11th international tournament after 39-year-old makes Portugal’s Euro 2024 squad
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-22 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play in his 11th international tournament for Portugal later this year, after the 39-year-old was named in his nation’s squad for Euro 2024. It seemed as though Ronaldo might have made his last appearance in a major international tournament at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Ronaldo made his first tournament appearance for Portugal at Euro 2004. Darren Walsh/Action Images/ReutersHowever, Ronaldo will not be the oldest player in the Portugal squad. “His communication, his positioning mean that, when he’s fit, he’s a very important player.”Portugal will play Turkey, Georgia and Czech Republic in Group F at Euro 2024.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Ballon d’Or, Roberto Martinez, “ Cristiano, It’s, who’s, ” Martinez, Ronaldo, “, Fernando Santos, Darren Walsh, Pepe, ” Organizations: CNN, Portugal, Saudi, Portugal’s UEFA Nations League, Al, UEFA, Porto, European, Champions League, Sporting Lisbon, Czech Republic, Czech Locations: Europe’s, Saudi Arabian, Portugal, Greece, Portugal’s, Qatar, ” Portugal, Turkey, Georgia, Czech, Czech Republic

☆ Marcus Rashford and other prominent players left out of England’s Euro 2024 provisional squad
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Sammy Mncwabe | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford is one of the most prominent players left out of England’s provisional squad for the upcoming European Championships. On Tuesday, England manager Gareth Southgate announced a 33-man squad which will be whittled down to 26 players for the continental tournament beginning on June 14 in Germany. Rashford, 26, has featured in 60 England games, scoring 17 goals. However, he has struggled for form at club level this season, scoring just eight goals in 42 appearances for United. With Marcus I just feel other players in that area of the pitch have had better seasons,” Southgate told reporters.

Persons: Marcus Rashford, Gareth Southgate, Marcus, ” Southgate, Rashford, Gareth, Jordan Henderson, Reece James, Raheem Sterling, Southgate, Alex Grimm, Henderson, Al Ettifaq, “ Henderson’s, “, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Harry Kane, Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Curtis Jones, Jarell, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, James Trafford Organizations: CNN, Manchester United, United, England, ”, Liverpool, Ajax, Chelsea, Saudi, Arsenal, Bukayo Saka, Burnley Locations: England, Germany, Saudi Arabian, Madrid’s, Manchester, Southgate, Italy

☆ Brent oil gains after Iran's President dies, Saudi flags issue with King's health
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-20 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Brent crude futures extended gains on Monday, inching up amid political uncertainty in major producing countries after Iran's president died in a helicopter crash and the Saudi crown prince cancelled a Japan trip, citing health issues with the king. Brent gained 10 cents, or 0.1%, to $84.08 a barrel by 0454GMT, after rising to $84.30 earlier, its highest since May 10. He added that WTI prices may rebound further toward $83.50 after rising above the 200-day moving average of $80.02. Despite the volatility in the region, oil prices moved only slightly. "Continuity in Saudi strategy is expected regardless of this health issue," he added.

Persons: Brent, Ebrahim Raisi, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, King Salman, Yoshimasa Hayashi, Tony Sycamore, Sycamore, Warren Patterson, Patterson, Saul Kavonic, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's Organizations: Brent, . West Texas, Saudi, Saudi Arabian Crown, Iranian, IG, ING, The, of, Petroleum, Petroleum Reserve Locations: Fort Stockton , Texas, Saudi, Japan, East Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabian, China, U.S, United States, Washington

☆ Saudi Arabia's $100 billion AI and semi-chip fund says it will divest from China if the US asks
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Filip De Mott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Saudi AI firm Alat would divest from China if the US requests it, CEO Amit Midha told Bloomberg. Saudi Arabia has been pouring billions into AI and semiconductor initiatives in an attempt to become a major hub. AdvertisementA new state-backed Saudi Arabian fund centered on semiconductor and AI technology has guaranteed that it would divest from China if Washington requests it. Officials have long portrayed China's access to AI and semiconductor technology as a national security threat. US officials have already had to mandate AI firms to divest from China, such as G42.

Persons: Amit Midha, —, Midha, that's Organizations: Bloomberg, Service, Milken Institute Global Conference, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Officials, Silicon, New York Times, United Arab Emirates, Microsoft Locations: Saudi, China, Saudi Arabia, Washington, Beijing, Alat

☆ Blinken to travel to Saudi Arabia amid stalled negotiations between Israel and Hamas
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-27 | by ( Samantha Waldenberg | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Saudi Arabia next week to meet with regional partners as talks between Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked, the State Department announced Saturday. Hamas said Saturday it had received a response from Israel over its position on the ceasefire talks. “The movement will study this proposal, and upon completion of its study, it will submit its response,” it said in a statement. Blinken’s trip, set for Monday and Tuesday, comes after he met with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last month in Jeddah to discuss efforts to release the hostages held by Hamas. CNN’s Simone McCarthy, Jeremy Diamond, Eugenia Yosef, Alex Marquardt and Mostafa Salem contributed to this report.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Matthew Miller, ”, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, ” Blinken, Kylie Atwood, there’s, CNN’s Simone McCarthy, Jeremy Diamond, Eugenia Yosef, Alex Marquardt, Mostafa Salem Organizations: CNN, State Department, ”, Israel, Saudi Arabian Crown Locations: Saudi Arabia, Israel, Gaza, Qatar, Egypt, Jeddah, American

☆ Saudi Arabia's oil giant boss speaks up for China, saying its massive production of solar panels and EVs helps affordability
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-23 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser praised China for making solar panels and electric vehicles affordable. Saudi Arabia is fostering closer ties with China and wooing Chinese investments and business partnerships. Unlike the West, Saudi Arabia is cozying up to China. "There are lots of opportunities for China to invest in Saudi Arabia," Alibrahim told the media outlet. In March last year, China brokered a détente between Saudi Arabia and Iran, prompting concerns over waning US influence in the Middle East.

Persons: Amin Nasser, Nasser, China's overcapacity, Janet Yellen, Olaf Scholz, China Nasser's, Faisal Alibrahim, Alibrahim, Jon Alterman Organizations: Saudi, Service, Saudi Aramco, World Energy, Financial Times, West, Nikkei, Aramco, Center for Strategic, International Studies, China Economic, Security Locations: China, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Aramco, Saudi, Rotterdam, East Asia, Beijing, Saudi Arabian, Iran, United States

☆ Miss Universe organization disputes reports of Saudi Arabia’s participation in 2024 pageant
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Alex Rees | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The Miss Universe Organization is disputing a flurry of what it calls “false and misleading” reports of Saudi Arabia’s participation in its 2024 pageant — news that, were it true, would have marked the Middle Eastern country’s debut. The post featured images of her wearing a sequined evening gown, glamorous tiara and sash embroidered with “Miss Universe Saudi Arabia.”Al-Qahtani’s announcement was widely-shared on social media and in news reports; it remains on her social media profiles despite the Miss Universe pageant now challenging its veracity. The pageant’s statement noted that over 100 other countries will be represented at the 2024 Miss Universe competition, which will be held in Mexico in September. This year also mark the debut of a new “cultural heritage pageant” within the Miss Universe system, with the ratification of the Miss Universe Persia national director and board in recent weeks. The Miss Universe Persia pageant will be open to women “of Persian descent” and across the Persian diaspora; its winner “will join all other delegates from all over the world in the Miss Universe competition to be held in Mexico later this year,” the Miss Universe spokesperson confirmed.

Persons: Rumy, Qahtani, ”, “ Organizations: CNN, Miss Universe Organization, Saudi, Facebook, Miss Universe, Miss, Miss Universe Persia Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Mexico, Persia

☆ F1's net-zero pledges are colliding with its ambitions to go truly global
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-01 | by ( Chris Hawes | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Oscar Piastri of McLaren during the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on March 9, 2024. But with the Japanese Grand Prix this coming weekend, F1's beleaguered boss Stefano Domenicali will finally be able to provide a rebuttal. F1's growing ambitions in the Middle East and the U.S. have at times transcended the sport. Las Vegas airports dealt with 400 private jets arriving for the Grand Prix, while Singapore saw a 63% increase in September flight arrivals compared to the previous year when its Grand Prix was pushed into October. Third placed Carlos Sainz of Spain and Ferrari celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on September 03, 2023 in Monza, Italy.

Persons: Oscar Piastri, Stefano Domenicali, Alexander De Croo, Domenicali, Clive Mason, Stephane Bazire, Bazire, I've, Stefano, Colin Syn, We've, Francois Dumontier, Madeleine Orr, Paul Fowler, Carlos Sainz of, Dan Istitene Organizations: McLaren, Formula, Saudi, Jeddah Corniche, Nurphoto, Getty, United Arab, U.S, Belgian, Formula One, of Australia, Albert, Circuit, F1, Silverstone, CNBC, Las, Prix, Singapore, Singapore Grand Prix, Canadian, Italy's Emilia, Grand Prix, Williams, DHL, Ferrari, of, Autodromo Nazionale Monza Locations: Jeddah, Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Monza, Italy, Monaco, United Arab Emirates, Europe, America, Las Vegas, Singapore, Japan, Miami, Grand, Canada, Australia, Carlos Sainz of Spain

☆ Scientists are growing crops with salt water that could help save us from starvation
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-30 | by ( Ellyn Lapointe | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Poor irrigation practices, such as insufficient water application, using saline water, and not maintaining adequate drainage can also lead to salty soils. Irrigation can drive salinization, especially if farmers are watering their crops with salty water. In this case, that means watering crops with salt water in their lab. Globally, over 3,700 acres — just over four times the size of NYC's Central Park — of farmland grow SaliCrop seeds. Red Sea Farms, for example, is a Saudi Arabian company that uses selective breeding to grow crops that can be irrigated with salt water.

Persons: Ṛcā, SaliCrop, Guy Shery, Carmit Oron, Godbole, Sharon Devir, Devir, Karl Weatherly, they're, Andy Sacks Organizations: Service, Business, Getty, UN Locations: Israel, Spain, Oron, India, Europe, Africa, Kansas, Saudi Arabian, Sweden

☆ Lionel Messi says he hasn’t yet thought about when he will retire
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( George Ramsay | Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Age, they say, is just a number – an adage that appears to ring true for soccer star Lionel Messi. “The truth is I haven’t thought about it yet,” said Messi, who turns 37 in June. “Today, I try to enjoy it day-by-day, enjoy every moment without thinking about it more than that. Messi celebrates winning the World Cup with Argentina in 2022. Asked about what will factor into his decision to retire, Messi said: “The moment that I’m not at the level to deliver, that I’m not enjoying it, that I’m not helping my teammates.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, hasn’t, Ballon d’Or, ”, it’s, Cristiano Ronaldo, aplenty, Nassr, Carl Recine, Reuters Messi, I’m, “, ” Messi, Argentina’s, El Savaldor Organizations: CNN, Argentina, La Liga, Barcelona, Reuters, MLS, Inter Miami, Leagues, Eastern Conference, El, Inter, New York Locations: “, Portugal, Saudi Arabian, Costa Rica, New York City

☆ Australian Grand Prix: Carlos Sainz wins as Max Verstappen retires from race
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-24 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Carlos Sainz claimed an impressive victory at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, breaking Max Verstappen’s dominant grip over this F1 season as the Red Bull driver was forced to retire from the race. The Spaniard began the race second on the grid, behind pole-sitter Verstappen, and stuck close to the three-time world champion before easily overtaking him on the second lap to take the lead. For just the first time in two years, he retired from a Grand Prix, citing brake failure. Of course you always want to finish the races but it’s a mechanical sport,” Verstappen said following his first retirement since the 2022 Australian Grand Prix. Mechanics deal with the smoke coming out of Verstappen's car in the pit lane.

Persons: CNN — Carlos Sainz, Max, Red Bull, Oliver Bearman, Verstappen, ” Verstappen, Scott Barbour, Charles Leclerc, “, ” Sainz, Charles, ” Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, Sergio Pérez, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell Organizations: CNN, Prix, Saudi, Spaniard, Getty, Sky Sports Locations: Red

☆ Al-Hilal: Saudi Arabia club sets record for most consecutive wins in men’s soccer
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal set the world record for the most consecutive victories in men’s soccer on Tuesday, defeating Al-Ittihad 2-0 in the AFC Champions League. Before that, Dutch giant Ajax had held the record for 44 years after a 26-game winning streak between 1971 and 1972. “Everyone at Al Hilal is delighted to achieve world football history by winning 28 consecutive matches,” said manager Jorge Jesus. “It is up to everyone at Al-Hilal to ensure that we close out the season as Roshn Saudi League champions and meet our targets in the cup competitions. According to Guinness World Records, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin has the most consecutive wins in soccer – men’s or women’s – with 41 across all competitions between 2012 and 2013.

Persons: Hilal, Al Hilal, ”, Jorge Jesus, Romarinho, Yasser Al, Shahrani, Hilal's, Yasser Bakhsh, Abderrazak, Ali Al, Malcom, Jesus, ” Al, Al Ain, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al, Nassr, Neymar Organizations: CNN, Saudi, Al, AFC Champions League, Welsh, New Saints, Ajax, ”, “, Saudi League, Champions League, Saudi Pro League, Guinness World Records, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin Locations: Saudi Arabian, Ittihad, Al, Hilal, Jeddah

☆ Al-Nassr knocked out of the AFC Champions League by Al Ain after Cristiano Ronaldo’s costly miss
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr crashed out of the AFC Champions League after a thrilling tie against Al Ain ended 4-4 on aggregate before the Emirati side triumphed on penalties. Monday’s end-to-end game could have gone either way, though Ronaldo will likely regret his staggering miss in the second half which could have seen Al-Nassr progress to the semifinals. Together, always!”After Al Ain won the first leg 1-0, the visiting team got off to a superb start in Riyadh thanks to two first-half goals from Soufiane Rahimi, whose neat finish had been the difference between the teams last week. Al Ain players celebrate their dramatic victory. Al Ain, chasing its first AFC Champions League title in 21 years, will next face another Saudi Arabian team – either Al-Hilal or Al-Ittihad – in the semifinals.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al, Nassr, Al Ain, Ronaldo, “, Soufiane Rahimi, Khalid, Sadio Mané, Abdulrahman, Fayez, Alex Telles ’, Ayman Yahya, Sultan Al, Shamsi, Raghed Al, Yasser Bakhsh, Marcelo Brozović Organizations: CNN, AFC Champions League, Al, Getty, AFC, League, Saudi Arabian Locations: Riyadh, Portuguese, Al Ain, Saudi, Al, Hilal, Ittihad

☆ Saudi oil giant Aramco posts 25% fall in full-year profit
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-10 | by ( Dan Murphy | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Artur Widak | Nurphoto | Getty ImagesSaudi Arabia's state oil giant Aramco reported a 25% decline in profit to $121.3 billion in 2023, down from $161.1 billion in 2022. Changing HandsThe earnings come after the Saudi government transferred an additional 8% of Aramco shares, worth $164 billion, to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). PIF already owned 4% of Aramco, and controls Sanabil, a financial investment firm, which owns 4% of Aramco as well. Aramco said total dividends of $97.8 billion were paid in 2023, up 30% from 2022. watch nowThe PIF's 16% state in Aramco, worth an estimated $328 billion, is set to strengthen its financial position and boost its ability to deploy capital to invest on behalf of the Saudi state.

Persons: Artur Widak, Amin Nasser, Yasir Al Organizations: Aramco, Saudi Arabian Oil Group, World Petroleum Congress, Nurphoto, Getty, Saudi, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Locations: Saudi, Stampede, Calgary, Canada, Aramco

☆ Max Verstappen jokes about ‘88 missed podiums’ after earning landmark 100th top three finish with victory at Saudi Arabian GP
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-10 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

“It’s 88 missed podiums!” he joked when asked by a reporter about his record in 188 career races, though this was only Verstappen’s 187th. On Friday, Red Bull suspended the female employee who accused F1 team principal Christian Horner of inappropriate behavior, according to multiple reports. Red Bull launched an independent investigation in February after Horner was accused of engaging in inappropriate behavior towards a member of the racing team, who has not been identified. CNN has been unable to corroborate their authenticity and Red Bull said it would be “inappropriate” to comment on the matter. Christian Horner and Red Bull have faced controversy to start the season.

Persons: Max Verstappen, he’s, “, I’m, Sergio Pérez, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Verstappen, Red Bull, Christian Horner, Horner, Clive Rose, Oliver Bearman, Carlos Sainz, Fernando, Alonso, George, Russell, Oscar Piastri, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin, George Russell, Piastri’s, Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton, Haas, Niko Hulkenberg Organizations: CNN, Saudi, Verstappen, Pérez, Prix, Ferrari, Mercedes Locations: Jeddah, P6

☆ Bahrain Grand Prix: Max Verstappen wins and lays down marker in opening race of the season
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-02 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Max Verstappen coasted to victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday, laying down an ominous marker for the rest of the field in the opening race of this F1 season. Clive Mason/Getty ImagesWhile that overshadowed Red Bull’s race weekend, it did not seem to affect the team’s performance on the track as Sergio Perez completed yet another 1-2 – a repeat result of last season’s opening race. “Unbelievable, I think today went even better than expected,” Verstappen told Sky Sports after the race. Video Ad Feedback Verstappen cruises to opening win in Bahrain 02:24 - Source: CNN“It was a lot of fun and I felt really good in the car. The F1 season continues next weekend and remains in the Middle East with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.

Persons: Max Verstappen coasted, Christian Horner, Horner, Geri Halliwell, Clive Mason, Red, Sergio Perez, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, Red Bull, ” Verstappen, it’s, Charles Leclerc, Perez, Max Verstappen, David Davies, Mercedes ’ George Russell, Sainz, Leclerc, Russell, Ferraris, Lewis Hamilton Organizations: CNN, Prix, Spice, Red, Sky Sports, Saudi Locations: Bahrain, Jeddah

CNN —Portuguese and Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned for one match and fined for “provoking” fans in a Saudi Pro League match on Sunday. In footage from the game, Ronaldo can be seen cupping his hand to his ear, taking in the chanting from the opposing Al-Shabab fans. Ronaldo gestures towards the Al-Shabab fans. As a result, Ronaldo has been suspended for one match, ordered to pay around $2,666 (10,000 riyals) to the SAFF and an additional $5,333 (20,000 riyals) to Al-Shabab for complaint filing fees. Ronaldo, a five-time Balon d’Or winner, joined Al-Nassr following an acrimonious exit from English Premier League side Manchester United in late 2022.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr’s, Ronaldo, Al, Lionel Messi’s, Yasser Bakhsh, Waleed Al, Farraj, ” Ronaldo, Yannick Carrasco’s, Nassr, Anderson Talisca, Shabab, Carlos Júnior’s, Talisca, Hazm Organizations: CNN, Saudi Pro League, Riyadh, Al, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, English Premier League, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Reuters Al Locations: Shabab, Al, Saudi

☆ 2024 Formula One season: How to watch the Bahrain Grand Prix and the biggest storylines to look out for this year
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-29 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

The 2024 campaign will be the longest F1 season in history, featuring 24 race weekends. How to watch the season opener in BahrainThe 2024 season starts with the Bahrain Grand Prix after three days of testing in the Middle Eastern nation last week. Red Bull’s 2023 F1 season was the most dominant of all time. He was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing by the investigation, the team’s parent company, Red Bull GMBH, announced on Wednesday. Albon has bounced back from a disappointing spell at Red Bull in 2020 and is now a highly-sought after driver.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton’s, Hamilton, “ It’s, ” Hamilton, Mercedes, Will Buxton, Carlos Sainz, “, Hamad I Mohammed, Bull, Red Bull, Mercedes ’, George Russell, Verstappen, Max, hasn’t, he’s, Lawrence Barretto, ” Verstappen, Clive Rose, we’ve, Christian Horner, Horner, “ I’m, ” Horner, Ferrari, Russell, Charles Leclerc, Alex Albon, Williams, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin, Kimi Antonelli, Sainz, Carla Carniel, Sergio Pérez, Daniel Ricciardo –, Red Bull’s, –, Aston, Haas, Albon, James Vowles, Mark Thompson, McLaren, Piastri, Norris, Dan Istitene, Alonso, Lance, Lawrence, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce –, Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon Organizations: CNN, Bahrain, Circuit, Red Bull Racing, Prix, ESPN, Qualifying, Saudi, Mercedes, Ferrari, PETRONAS F1 Team, Scuderia Ferrari, Arrows, Reuters, Constructors, CNN Sport, Red Bull GMBH, Sky Sports, “, McLaren, Silver Arrows, Bulls, Sauber, Team, Red Bull, Getty, Aston Martin’s, Kansas City Chiefs Locations: Bahrain, British, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Red, Aston Martin, Thai, –

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo has come under scrutiny for a gesture he made towards fans following Al-Nassr’s 3-2 win against Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League on Sunday. In footage from the match, fans can be heard taunting Ronaldo by chanting about Lionel Messi, a long-time rival of the 39-year-old forward. The gesture is now being investigated by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), according to Saudi-owned media outlet Asharq Al Awsat, which cited unnamed sources. CNN has contacted Ronaldo’s representatives, the SAFF, Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab for further comment. It was Al-Nassr, however, which would have the final say as Talisca’s second goal deep into the match completed a 3-2 victory in an exciting encounter.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Al Awsat, Nassr, –, Yannick Carrasco’s, Shabab, Carlos Júnior’s, “, Waleed Al, Farraj, Asharq Al Awsat, John Duerden, ” Organizations: CNN, Al, Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Guardian Locations: Shabab, Saudi, Al, Riyadh, Hilal, Portuguese, Saudi Arabia

☆ Turkey's Drone Maker Baykar Begins to Build Plant in Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

Baykar has said it has signed export deals for its TB2 drone with 30 countries. These include Ukraine, Ethiopia, Libya and Azerbaijan since 2018, according to think tank SIPRI. Bayraktar also said the Istanbul-based firm's plans to start production in Saudi Arabia in the next two years were on track. The announcement follows an agreement in July to sell the Bayraktar Akinci, another kind of drone, to Saudi Arabia in what Baykar described as the biggest defence contract in Turkey's history. It also aims to produce the new models of the Kızılelma and the TB3 drones "in the tens," he added.

Persons: Pesha Magid, Baykar, Haluk Bayraktar, Bayraktar, Lockheed Martin, Federico Maccioni, Alexandra Hudson Organizations: Reuters, World Defense, U.S, Lockheed, Saudi Locations: Pesha, Pesha Magid RIYADH, Turkish, Kyiv, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Libya, Azerbaijan, Riyadh, Israel, Gaza, Ukrainian, Istanbul, Saudi Arabia

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