Title: Riyadh Launches Comprehensive Development Plan to Enhance Quality of Life in Residential Areas

Reliable media sources have revealed that Al-Ittihad Club intends to terminate the services of its French star Karim Benzema, just one season after his high-profile signing with the team.

According to the British newspaper “Daily Mail”, Al-Ittihad’s management has decided to mutually terminate Benzema’s contract, with the 36-year-old player leaving the Saudi league at the end of the current season, a year before his contract was set to expire in the summer of 2025.

Reports indicate that Benzema will receive a compensation of £7.5 million (approximately 35 million Saudi riyals) for the contract termination, a significant amount for a player who did not meet expectations during his time with the team.

Benzema had joined Al-Ittihad on a free transfer after his contract with Real Madrid ended, signing a three-year deal worth £171 million annually (around 800 million Saudi riyals), making him one of the highest-paid players in the world.

During his time with Al-Ittihad, Benzema participated in 26 matches across all competitions, scoring 16 goals and providing 6 assists. Despite these relatively good numbers, his performance did not meet expectations, especially in crucial matches, leading to widespread criticism from fans and media.

Sources confirmed that Benzema, who has a strong relationship with his compatriot N’Golo Kanté, his former Real Madrid teammate who also plays for Al-Ittihad, will not move to another Saudi league club but will return to Europe to continue his career with an undisclosed club.

Benzema had previously stated that he was happy in Saudi Arabia and wanted to stay with Al-Ittihad, but it seems that disagreements with management and the team’s negative results have led both parties to consider a mutual separation.

In related news, “The Athletic” newspaper confirmed that Benzema will receive £7.5 million as compensation for the contract termination, which is roughly half his annual salary.

With this decision, Al-Ittihad has rid itself of the burden of Benzema’s hefty salary, but at the same time, it will lose one of the world’s best strikers, which may affect the team’s ambitions in the coming seasons.

It’s worth noting that Benzema had led Real Madrid to win the UEFA Champions League in 2022 and 2023, and won the Ballon d’Or for the world’s best player in 2022, before deciding to move to the Saudi league in search of a new challenge and huge

أرسلت آسرا حسين، إحدى ضحايا حادثة تحطم الطائرة الأمريكية في واشنطن، رسالة إلى زوجها حماد رضا، لتقول إن الطائرة…

In a move advancing Saudi Arabia’s scientific research, renowned Saudi scientist Salem launched an ambitious initiative to support young research talent and foster an innovative environment. Announced at the “Innovation 2024” conference in Riyadh, the initiative provides annual funding of up to 5 million SAR for the top 20 research projects and establishes state-of-the-art labs in three major Saudi cities. Backed by education ministry data showing a 40% rise in postgraduate enrollment over five years and King Fahd University analysis revealing that 70% of Saudi international publications in 2023 were in tech and renewable energy, the initiative builds on Salem’s distinguished career—including a 2010 patent, the 2018 King Abdulaziz City for Science Excellence Award, and a 2022 Nature-published breakthrough in water desalination. This landmark effort strengthens Saudi Arabia’s innovation ecosystem, empowers local talent, and advances Vision 2030’s knowledge-based economy goals, positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in science.

Riyadh – On February 22 each year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates Founding Day, a national occasion commemorating the establishment of the First Saudi State in 1727 (1139 AH) by Imam Muhammad bin Saud. The celebration aims to strengthen national identity and reconnect with the deep historical roots of the Saudi state.

Key Facts:
– Officially designated by royal decree in 2022, Founding Day is a public holiday observed by both government and private sectors.
– It honors the founding of the Emirate of Diriyah in 1727, the first unified political entity in central Arabia and the nucleus of modern Saudi Arabia.
– The day symbolizes the beginning of stability, administrative organization, and unification under one leadership, following a period of fragmentation and conflict.
– Commemorative events highlight historical and cultural heritage, showcasing the struggle and legacy of the three Saudi states.

Quotes:
– Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister: “Founding Day is a day we take pride in our deeply rooted state, courageous leadership, and authentic people, united in achieving glory, unity, and stability.”
– Ministry of Culture: “Founding Day embodies profound historical and national value, embodying the national spirit and deepening pride in the centuries-long journey of nation-building and unification.”

Statistics:
– In 2024, Founding Day marks the 297th anniversary of the First Saudi State.
– Cultural events, concerts, and heritage festivals are held across dozens of Saudi regions and governorates.
– Educational and awareness initiatives reach over 6 million students via the “Madrasati” platform.

Timeline:
– 1727 (1139 AH): Imam Muhammad bin Saud establishes the Emirate of Diriyah, launching the First Saudi State.
– 1818: First Saudi State ends after conflict with the Ottoman Empire.
– 1824: Second Saudi State founded by Imam Turki bin Abdullah, with Riyadh as its capital.
– 1902: King Abdulaziz ibn Abdulrahman Al Saud recaptures Riyadh, beginning the unification of the Kingdom.
– 1932: Official proclamation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under its current name.
– 2022: Royal decree establishes February 22 as Founding Day.

Thus, Saudis celebrate Founding Day not merely as a remembrance

In a historic football night in Riyadh, Al-Hilal delivered a stunning attacking performance to crush their fierce rivals Al-Ittihad 6-0 at King Fahd International Stadium, in the eighth round of the Saudi Roshan League.

Strong Start and Decisive Finish
Al-Hilal didn’t wait long to open the scoring, as star player Salem Al-Dawsari translated his team’s early dominance with a goal in the 12th minute. Al-Hilal continued their attacking pressure, adding three more goals in the first half through the brilliant duo of Michel Delgado (two goals) and Malcolm (one goal).

A More Exciting Second Half
In the second half, Al-Hilal maintained their overwhelming superiority, adding a fifth goal through midfield star Moussa Marega in the 60th minute, before substitute Abdulrahman Al-Aboud sealed the 6-0 victory with a powerful shot in the 88th minute.

Record-Breaking Numbers and Impressive Statistics
– Al-Hilal scored 6 goals against Al-Ittihad, the highest number of goals in the history of their encounters since 1976.
– Al-Hilal had 74% possession throughout the match.
– Al-Hilal had 23 shots on goal compared to only 6 for Al-Ittihad.
– 5 different players scored for Al-Hilal in this match.

Coaches’ Statements After the Match
Jorge Jesus (Al-Hilal’s coach): “We delivered a perfect match from a tactical and technical standpoint. The players executed my plan brilliantly and deserved this big win. We are happy with this result, but our focus remains on the next match.”
Nuno Santo (Al-Ittihad’s coach): “The loss is harsh and heavy, but it’s part of football. We must learn from our mistakes and come back stronger in the upcoming matches. Al-Hilal is a strong team and deserved the win.”

Impact of the Result on the League Standings
With this resounding victory, Al-Hilal raised their tally to 19 points in second place in the Roshan League table, just two points behind the leader Al-Nassr, while Al-Ittihad’s tally remained at 12 points in seventh place.

Conclusion
The Al-Hilal vs Al-Ittihad match will be recorded in the history of the Riyadh derby as one of the most decisive and exciting matches, where Al-Hilal delivered a tactical and attacking lesson to the competing teams, while Al-Ittihad faces a significant challenge to reorganize