Edition 7: MSKhan Lab
[11/03/2023 - 17/03/2023]
Top News
Super Cups in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
Supercoppa Italiana (Italian Super Cup, Italy) →
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) will host four of the next six editions of the Supercoppa Italiana as part of a new deal with the Lega Serie A (ITA).
2023/24 (2024) Supercoppa Italiana.
2024/25 (2025) Supercoppa Italiana.
2027/28 (2028) Supercoppa Italiana.
2028/29 (2029) Supercoppa Italiana.
The 2023/24 Supercoppa Italiana will be played as a four-team (Serie A winner, runner-up, and Coppa Italia finalists) tournament in January 2024.
“Next season, the four-team Supercoppa will bring in EUR 23 million.” - Luigi De Siervo [Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lega Serie A]
KSA is the third nation in the MENA region to stage the tournament after Libya (2002) and Qatar (2014 and 2016); three editions of the Italian Super Cup were held in KSA in 2019 (2) and 2023 (1) respectively as part of the Ministry of Sport’s [formerly General Sports Authority (KSA)] previous hosting agreement with the Lega Serie A.
Egyptian Super Cups (Egypt) →
Football
United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host the Egyptian Super Cup for the sixth time on May 5, 2023, in Abu Dhabi as part of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s (ADSC-UAE) hosting agreement with the Egyptian Football Association [represented by Presentation Sports (United Media Services Company)-EGY].
UAE is the only country in the world to stage the Egyptian Super Cup, a football match between the winners of the Egyptian Premier League and Egypt Cup, outside Egypt; UAE hosted the football match in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2022.
Basketball
The Kingdom of Bahrain (BHR) will host the Egyptian Super Cup, a basketball game between the winners of the Egypt Basketball Super League and Egypt Cup, in 2023 in Manama as part of the Bahrain Basketball Association’s (BBA-BHR) agreement with the Egyptian Basketball Federation (EGY).
Supercopa de España (Spanish Super Cup, Spain) →
KSA will host the Supercopa de España, a four-team (La Liga winner, runner-up, and Copa del Rey finalists) tournament, until 2029 as part of the deal between the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF-KSA) and Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF-ESP).
KSA is the second nation in the MENA region to stage the tournament after Morocco (2018); three editions were held in KSA in 2020, 2022, and 2023 respectively.
Supercopa Internacional (Argentine Super Cup - International, Argentina) →
UAE will host the Supercopa Internacional until 2026 as part of the partnership between Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC-UAE) and Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA-ARG).
Supercopa Internacional, a football match between the winners of the Primera División (ARG) and Trofeo de Campeones (ARG), is the international version of the Supercopa Argentina (Argentine Super Cup).
Abu Dhabi (UAE) hosted the first edition of Supercopa Internacional on January 20, 2023.
Saudi Super Cup (KSA) →
United Kingdom (UK) hosted three editions of the Saudi Super Cup, a football match between the winners of the Saudi Pro League (SPL-KSA) and King’s Cup (KSA).
Source: Saudi Super Cup (2015, 2016, and 2018). 3rd Saudi Super Cup
Date: August 12, 2015.
Location: Loftus Road, London.
Teams: Al Hilal and Al Nassr FC.
4th Saudi Super Cup
Date: August 8, 2016.
Location: Craven Cottage, London.
Teams: Al Hilal and Al-Ahli Saudi FC.
Ticket Prices: GBP 35-150.
5th Saudi Super Cup
Date: August 18, 2018.
Location: Loftus Road, London.
Teams: Al Hilal and Al Ittihad Club.
Ticket Prices: GBP 15 (Bronze), GBP 35 (Silver), and GBP 50 (Gold).
Further reading (LinkedIn): The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is consolidating its position as a global football hub.
Top News in Brief
9th TAFISA World Sport for All Games →
Riyadh (KSA) will host the 9th TAFISA World Sport for All Games in 2028.
The world’s largest global community sporting event will be held for the first time in the MENA region.
The quadrennial mega-event is set to attract 70,000 participants and visitors from around the world.
Chess Tournaments in KSA →
KSA will host the Asian Chess Championship 2023.
KSA will also host the (FIDE) World Chess Championship in 2023.
15th Arab/Pan-Arab Games →
Algeria will host the 15th Arab Games in 2023.
FIFA World Cup 2030 →
“This joint bid, which is unprecedented in football history, will bring together Africa and Europe, the northern and southern Mediterranean, and the African, Arab and Euro-Mediterranean worlds. It will also bring out the best in all of us - in effect, a combination of genius, creativity, experience, and means.” - H.M. King Mohamed VI (King, Kingdom of Morocco)
ByteDance →
G42 (Abu Dhabi, UAE) has acquired a USD 100 million-plus stake in ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, at a USD 220 billion valuation from existing investors through its 42XFund.
Abu Dhabi Technical Standards for Active Workplaces →
The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC-UAE) has adopted the Abu Dhabi Technical Standards for Active Workplaces, following a request from the Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi (DCD-Abu Dhabi, UAE) and Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC-UAE).
The technical standards aim to promote a culture of sports, fitness, and physical activity among employees at a workplace to improve their health, and in turn, foster an active society.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 294 →
It's official - we're headed back to Abu Dhabi in October for #UFC294!! 🎟 Register your interest: UFC.ac/AbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi
UFC 294 is the 18th UFC event to be held in Abu Dhabi (UAE) since UFC 112 in 2010.
In 2019, the UFC and Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT-Abu Dhabi, UAE) entered into a five-year partnership to bring UFC events to Abu Dhabi (UAE).
“Abu Dhabi and UFC have a deep and trusted partnership dating back more than a decade. We understand the passion and desire of fans in the region for world-class events and together we constantly strive to deliver fight cards that appeal to as wide an audience as possible. UFC 294 and the fifth edition of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week will be memorable, and we look forward to announcing the fight card in the coming months.” - Saleh Al Geziry (Director General - Tourism, DCT-Abu Dhabi)
Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) →
Introducing Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, the world’s largest autonomous vehicle racing league! Set to take place at the iconic Yas Marina circuit in 2024, the race will feature multiple unmanned @DallaraGroup Super Formula cars going head-to-head at top speeds of 310kmph.
A2RL, established by ASPIRE, aims to advance research and development (R&D) in autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence (AI), thereby pushing the boundaries of the future of mobility.
1st Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC) Horse Auction 2023, in cooperation with Mazad (Mumtalakat), in Bahrain →
Partnerships
The Saudi Chess Federation (KSA) and Egyptian Chess Federation (EGY) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in KSA.
In 2022, the UAE Chess Federation (UAE) and Egyptian Chess Federation (EGY) had signed a MoU in Egypt.
Both MoUs include organizing joint chess tournaments between the federations.
Checkmate.live (Checkmate) is the Official Online Tournament Platform, Data, and Broadcast Partner of the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) as part of an exclusive long-term strategic partnership between Checkmate and ACF.
The UAE Modern Pentathlon Federation (UAE) and Egyptian Modern Pentathlon Federation (Egypt) have signed a MoU on the sidelines of the UIPM (World Pentathlon) Pentathlon World Cup 2023 (Cairo, Egypt) to develop modern pentathlon in UAE →
The Ministry of Sport (KSA) and Monsha'at have signed a MoU at BIBAN 2023 (Riyadh, KSA) →
Nine66 and Monsha'at have signed a MoU at BIBAN 2023 (Riyadh, KSA) to develop the games industry in KSA.
flyadeal and the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA-KSA) have signed a MoU at the Saudi Tourism Forum 2023 (Riyadh, KSA).
The Tourism Development Fund (TDF-KSA) and Al Nahla Group have signed a MoU at the Saudi Tourism Forum 2023 (Riyadh, KSA) →
Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. W.L.L. (AAB) was the Title Partner of the 7th AAB Chess Open 2023 (Doha, Qatar).
Abu Dhabi Ports (AD Ports) Group is the Title Sponsor of the AD Ports Group WingFoil Racing World Cup Abu Dhabi 2023 (Abu Dhabi, UAE).
Adidas has signed a partnership agreement with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF-UAE).
American Express and Yelo were the Official Sponsors of the AlUla Camel Cup 2023 (KSA).
Bank AlBilad, ROSHN, and Invest Saudi are the Founding Partners of the Formula 1 (F1) stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Jeddah, KSA).
Burgan Bank was the sponsor of the 6th Kuwait Equestrian Federation (KEF) Show Jumping Event (Kuwait) as part of its partnership with KEF.
DALLAH (Promotions), Tamkeen (Bahrain), Bahrain [Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA)] were the Official Partners of the GIRLGAMER Bahrain Festival 2023 (Bahrain).
G-Global Marketing and Business Management (Egypt) is the Marketing Partner of the Saudi Taekwondo Federation (KSA) until 2024.
Joyalukkas Exchange was the Presenting Sponsor of the Joyalukkas Exchange Women’s Volleyball Tournament Season 2 (Oman).
Oman Broadband was the Title Sponsor of the Oman Broadband Governorate Marathon 2023 (Sohar, Oman).
SAUDIA is the Official Global Airline Partner of the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team (AMF1).
SAUDIA was the Official Partner of the Baloot Championship 2023 (Riyadh, KSA).
stc was the Title Sponsor of the stc Cup 2023 (Bahrain) and Bahrain Gold Cup 2023 (Bahrain) as part of its partnership with the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC-Bahrain).
The 2nd GFB24 Performance Camp (Coaching Clinic) 2023 (Doha, Qatar) was Powered by McDonald’s (Qatar).
The Culinary Arts Commission (Ministry of Culture-KSA) was the Strategic Partner of the European Food Festival 2023 (Riyadh, KSA).
The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) has signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with BRAVE Combat Federation (BRAVE CF).
The Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) was the Main Partner of the 2nd GFB24 Performance Camp (Coaching Clinic) 2023 (Doha, Qatar).
The Ministry of Interior (KSA) and Saudi Falcons Club (KSA) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) →
Nissan | Manahil International (Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors Co.) is the Event Sponsor of the Formula 1 (F1) stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023 (Jeddah, KSA).
Media
myco has appointed GroupM’s Essence Mediacom as its global media buying and planning agency of record. This partnership will help myco grow its brand and expand its global presence by leveraging EssenceMediacom’s expertise in media planning and buying.
The Annual Report of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF-KSA) →
Return of a Winner → A documentary on the restoration of Williams FW07, a Formula 1 (F1) car, sponsored by SAUDIA in the 1980s.
Motorsport Academy → A documentary series (docuseries) on Al-Futtaim Toyota Motorsport Academy.
The Logo of Doha Cup 2023 (Doha, Qatar) →
The New Visual Identity of the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society (SHPS-KSA) →
The Center for Government Communication (CGC-KSA) will release “Matha Ya'kol Al Saudiyyoun” and “Min Hal Ard” in Ramadan 2023 as part of the “Konoz” (Saudi Treasures) initiative →
Grand Theft Auto (GTA): The Trilogy has been rated 18 (suitable for 18-and-older) by the General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM-KSA) →
Facilities and Infrastructure
AlUla Stairway and Giant Swing in KSA →
InflataMONSTER in Doha (Qatar) →
The Oman Across Ages Museum in the Wilayat of Manah (Oman) →
The Museum of Contemporary Art in KSA →
Mughayra Heritage Sports Village in KSA →
Resistance Monument Museum in Khorfakkan (Sharjah, UAE) →
“Capitano Egypt” Training Centers across Egypt.
ASICS Store at Riyadh Park in Riyadh (KSA).
Appointments and Promotion
Abderrahmane Hammad has been appointed as the Minister – Sport of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.
Nasser Majali (JOR) has been appointed as the Secretary General of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF).
Sayyar Al-Enezi (KW) has been elected as the Chairperson of the West Asian Athletics Association (WAAA) for the four-year term (2023-2027).
Othman Al-Qasabi has been appointed as the Vice-Chairman – Board of Directors of the Saudi Chess Federation (KSA).
Ali Saeed Al Mazrouei has been appointed as the Chair – Interim Board of Directors of Al Wahda FC (UAE).
Raed Abuzinada has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Camel Club (KSA).
Bandar Al-Qahtani will serve as an Advisor to the Board of Camel Club (KSA).
Ahlam Bolooki has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Emirates Literature Foundation.
Abdullah Zarei has been promoted to Vice-President (VP) – Commercial and Solutions Activation at Sela (KSA).
Yannick Perrault has been appointed as the Cluster Commercial Director of Hilton Hotels & Resorts (UAE).
Statistics
SAR 266,000,000 – The total debt of Al-Ahli Saudi FC (KSA), Al Ittihad Club (KSA), and Al Nassr FC (KSA).
1,700,000 – The number of views recorded on World Padel Tour (WPT) TV’s live online broadcast of the WPT Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master 2023 (Abu Dhabi, UAE).
USD 42,343 – The proceeds raised from the auction of 2022/23 UAE Pro League (UAE) football memorabilia on the MatchWornShirt platform.
28,000 – The number of expected European visitors to Bahrain between September 2023 and March 2024.
80% – The percentage of Saudi nationals in the Jeddah Season 2022 (Jeddah, KSA) workforce.
40% – The percentage of Saudi female marshals in the Formula 1 (F1) stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023 (Jeddah, KSA) marshal workforce.
Activations, Campaigns, and Festivals
“Bullseye Landing” at Burj Al Arab in Dubai (UAE) →
“Echoes of Armenia” in Ajman (UAE) →
“Swimming Team 62” in Abu Dhabi (UAE).
“The Whale Sharks of Qatar” in Qatar →
Al Ain FC (UAE) Raffle →
Al Sadu Workshop in KSA →
Jeddah Events Calendar 2023 (Jeddah, KSA) →
McLaren Formula 1 (F1) Team X King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) [KSA] →
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) X Clown Skateboards Capsule Collection [Doha, Qatar] →
Ramadan Souq in Jeddah (KSA) →
Tayma Festival 2023 in Tayma (KSA) →
The Guinness World Record (GWR) for the Largest GPS Drawing by Wheelchair (Individual) in Dubai (UAE) →
