World

Interview: Mohamed Rayhi ready to spring Al-Hilal cup upset

The beauty of football is its unpredictability, and this manifests itself perhaps in its truest form in knockout competitions when just 90 minutes can make all the difference between agony and ecstasy, no matter how big or small the club or team.

Al-Jabalain, a small club from the northwestern Saudi city of Ha’il, are the latest minnows hoping to secure a major upset on Monday when they face reigning champions Al-Hilal in the last-32 stage of the King Cup.

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While Al-Hilal claimed the trophy last season – their 10th triumph in the King Cup, with only Al-Ahli (13) winning more titles – Al-Jabalain have a much more modest history. Nicknamed Al-Bunni (The Brown), after the color of their kit, Al-Jabalain have only played in three previous seasons in the Saudi Pro League, with the last of those coming 38 years ago.

However, Al-Jabailan, coached by Frenchman Denis Lavagne, have enjoyed an impressive start to the Saudi First Division season and currently sit in fifth place on the table, hoping to earn their maiden promotion to the elite league in four decades.

Dutch winger Mohamed Rayhi has been a key figure in Al-Jabalain’s recent pursuit for glory, scoring in each of his first three games for the club after moving from UAE side Al-Dhafra earlier this summer and proving to be an influential signing so far this season.

Rayhi is on his second stint in Saudi Arabia, having previously played for Al-Batin, with whom he faced Al-Hilal four times and never lost. The Al-Jabalain No. 7 is hoping it may be a lucky omen ahead of Monday’s King Cup clash.

“Al-Batin was a smaller club and I think this shows that everything is possible in football,” Rayhi told Al Arabiya English ahead of the clash against Al-Hilal.

“We have started well in the league and I think here, in Saudi Arabia, the fans always think they have a chance. We are aware that it will indeed be difficult, but as players, we must also believe that we can win.”

Rayhi had honed his skills at the football academy in PSV, one of the Netherlands’ most iconic clubs, and played alongside some individuals who have made it to the top of European football.

These names include Atletico Madrid winger Memphis Depay, ex-Liverpool and PSG midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, who now plays for Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, as well as Ajax captain Steven Bergwijn.

Against Al-Hilal, Rayhi may once again be surrounded by high-quality players such as Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrovic and, of course, Neymar, who have all arrived in Riyadh in recent months.

With Al-Hilal in the middle of a busy schedule, some players could be rested for the King Cup, though Rayhi is hoping that the stars will feature against Al-Jabalain.

“It’s a very big game for us and now it is a little bit more special because you have more big names than before,” Rayhi said. “I want these players to be on the pitch.”

He further said: “For guys like us, it is very nice to be able to test ourselves against world-class players like Neymar, but we know there are others with, too, like Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinković-Savić who have helped their team improve.”

Fellow PSV academy graduate Wijnaldum is among a smattering of Dutchmen to have joined Rayhi in Saudi Arabia and the Al-Jabalain attacker says he is in regular touch with those players, discussing what life is like playing in the Kingdom. Rayhi said he is yet to convince former teammate Depay to swap La Liga with the Saudi Pro League, though he is still hopeful.

“I had played a lot with Memphis as we were in the youth team together and one could see how much talent he had. He will surely have a successful career. It’s not only about quality; he has a good temperament, too,” Rayhi said.

“Will he come to Saudi Arabia? Why not? In the beginning, everybody said players like him wouldn’t come, but look now how many are here. If Memphis has the right offer, I’m sure he will come.”

For now, Rayhi is preparing for the prospect of facing Neymar and with Al-Hilal’s star power a major draw, he is expecting a full house at Al-Jabalain’s 12,250-capacity Prince Abdul Aziz bin Musa’ed Stadium on Monday night.

“Whenever any smaller club plays against Al-Hilal, you know that the fans will turn up in big numbers to see the stars,” Rayhi said, adding that he was sure the stadium would be full to the rafters.

“That will give us an extra bit of motivation. Fans are a big reason why I have enjoyed playing in Saudi Arabia. For the supporters, football is everything and they create a good atmosphere. Everybody follows football here in a way that I hadn’t seen in the Netherlands,” he further explained.

“Here, football is life and that gives you a good feeling to fight for your club,” Rayhi concluded.

Meet the Saudi clubs chasing AFC Champions League glory

World

Almarai signs an MoU with the Authority of People with Disabilities to train and employ them.

Almarai Company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Authority of People with
Disabilities to train, qualify and employ persons with disabilities. This came on the sidelines of
the First International Labor Market Conference, organized by the Ministry of Human Resources
and Social Development on December 13 – 14, 2023, at the King Abdulaziz Convention Center
in Riyadh.

The memorandum was signed by the Chief Human Resources Officer of Almarai Company,
Fahad Mohammed Aldrees, and the CEO of the Authority of People with Disabilities, Dr.
Hisham bin Muhammad Al-Haidari.

“This agreement comes within the framework of the company’s social responsibility program, as
Almarai employs more than 500 people with disabilities, which is one of the most suitable work
environments for them.” Fahad Aldrees said. Pointing out that Almarai has the “Silent Line”,
which is one of its production lines that is designated for people with hearing disabilities.

It is worth mentioning that Almarai supports over 300 charity organizations annually across the
kingdom that operate in the field of community development.

World

Central Phuket Shopping Center Prepared Surprises This Christmas & New Year 2024

Central Phuket Shopping Center, the luxury lifestyle landmark o Phuket, invites everyone to celebrate Christmas and New Year 2024 in The Great Celebration 2024 Campaign. Joining hands with global partner ‘The Pokémon Company’, Central Phuket bring over Pokémon, the super cute character popular around the world, for all locals and international fans. The special campaign launch presents a procession of cute ‘Pikachu’ alongside with the giant Christmas tree for the first time in Thailand.
This December, Central Phuket prepared many activities for shoppers when visiting Phuket! Experience the “Surprise of the Day” with free Cotton Candy for our little ones, a sweet and fluffy treat, a special gift from Central Phuket. Bring your kids to enjoy this sweet treat every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of December. Don’t miss the Christmas Carol that
everyone loves, little Santas spread freshness by singing together in the Christmas Carol activity. Plus, Christmas Live Music, the festival of joy is back! Celebrate Christmas in a luxurious and classy atmosphere, enjoying the music that will bring us joy. Also, there will be Christmas Troop, Santa Claus is coming to town! The Santa troop will spread happiness throughout Central Phuket. Lastly, Cake Workshop, workshop activity with Chef Sebastien’s IRON CHEF Thailand teaching how to make Christmas Vanilla Cake. A special activity for the Christmas season. Moreover, Central Phuket provides special promotion exclusively for international tourists throughout December 23 – January 24 including:

1) Get Free! Tourist welcome discount package valued up to THB 10,000.
2) Receive THB 100 Gift voucher when spending up to THB 2,500 per receipt.
3) Get to buy ‘Happy Holiday Collections’ special price: Pokémon 2-in-1 pillow blanket, tumbler, travel bag set, and keychain. Visit redemption counter for the price.
4) Exclusive for Grab Users get discount code up to 25% off* when traveling to participating Central Shopping Centers.
5) Receive famous Elephant Pants when spending over THB 5,000 in shopping center.
6) Get Free! H&M THB 100 gift voucher when booking any accommodations in Phuket with Agoda. Terms and conditions apply.

Central Phuket is a home of global luxury brands such as Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Saint Laurent. Exclusive for this season, Louis Vuitton launches a pop-up store located at Central Phuket. The design is inspired by the story of Damier or Checkerboard, the brand’s signature pattern. This classic pattern was created by Louis
Vuitton and his son Georges Vuitton in 1888 and has always been part of the design of Maison’s iconic items and concepts. Find clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories for men at the Pop-up Store from Louis Vuitton at Central Phuket, 1st floor, from today until 31 March 2024. And with over 500 renowned fashion brands and lifestyle shops ranging from local to international
well-known brands covering all categories, international shoppers will be able to find what they are looking for in Central Phuket.
Central Phuket is located in the heart of one of the world’s most famous beach cities, Phuket and await to welcome both locals and international visitors this holiday. Also, don’t miss one of the most joyful New Year Count Down events in Phuket city at Central Phuket Shopping Center on December 31, 2023.

World

Saudi Fund for Development Provides $100 Million Development Loan for the Rogun Hydropower Project

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, signed a new development loan agreement with the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Kahhorzoda Fayziddin Sattor, through which SFD is contributing $100 million USD to fund the Rogun Hydropower Project, a landmark initiative that will enhance energy,
food, and water security, and foster sustainable development in the country. The signing was attended by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Waleed Al-Reshiadan, and the Ambassador of Tajikistan to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Akram Karimi, alongside other officials from both sides. SFD’s development loan will help contribute towards a more sustainable and equitable food and water future for Tajikistan, while driving the country’s energy transition and climate resilience. The project aims to contribute to the national energy security and will help advance sustainable
development in the Republic of Tajikistan, by providing the renewable electricity supply to meet local demand and expand electricity production domestically and regionally, producing 3600 MW of energy. The loan agreement will also finance the construction of a 335-meter-tall dam, which will enhance irrigation capabilities and bolster agricultural activities across the country. Additionally, the project will improve flood protection through the construction of four hydraulic
tunnels for diversion and drainage. It will also provide clean and drinkable water to people through desalination, and help advance socio-economic development, by creating both direct and indirect jobs.
Importantly, this project also supports the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); specifically, SDG 2, Zero Hunger, SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy.
On this occasion, the CEO of SFD, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, said: “Today’s signing marks a major milestone in our shared journey towards a more sustainable future. With this landmark development loan, SFD is not just supporting Tajikistan’s energy future, but also its sustainable development and the well-being of its people. The Rogun Hydropower Project is a beacon of
hope for a bright future that is powered by clean, renewable energy. It will propel Tajikistan towards environmental stewardship and prosperity.”