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RIYADH: Prizes exceeding SAR1.3 million await winning participants in the Drone Racing World Cup, which begins Thursday at Boulevard City in Riyadh.

Organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, in collaboration with the World Air Sports Federation, the three-day event is among the myriad activities in the ongoing Riyadh Season.

The cup marks the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa since its inception in 2016, highlighting ��������Ƶ's commitment to the sector.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), this year's edition will feature world champions in drone racing, including Kim Minjae and Yuki Hashimoto, winners of the 2024 FAI World Drone Racing Championship; Killian Rousseau, winner of the 2023 FAI Drone Racing World Cup; Luisa Rizzo, twinner of the 2024 Women's FAI Drone Racing Championship; and Min Chan Kim, the winner of the 2023 FAI World Drone Racing Championship; 

Several Saudi pilots will also compete, including Muhannad Al-Wohaibi, Ibrahim Al-Sultan, Dalia Al-Safar, Al-Anoud Al-Shalaan, Bader Mutlaq Al-Raqas, Nawaf Al-Hamoud, and Salma Attallah Al-Aqbi. 

The qualifying rounds will start Thursday and continue until midday Friday, followed by the finals on Saturday. 

The event will host an activity zone featuring various accompanying activities, including a Drones Hub for teaching amateurs and professionals; a Drag Racing Zone for speed competitions on a straight path; a Fly Free Zone designed for testing and operating drones; a VR Drone Racing simulation using virtual-reality glasses; Drone Workshops for training, designing, assembling, and building drones; and a Fans Zone dedicated to watching the Drone Racing World Cup competitions. 

This edition marks the inaugural season of the Drone Racing World Cup, consisting of a series of rounds held in leading countries in the drone racing field, SPA said.

RIYADH: ��������Ƶ intends to broaden its trade and investment in the United States to at least $600 billion over the next four years, the Saudi Press Agency reported early on Thursday.
��������Ƶ’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told US President Donald Trump about the Kingdom's plan during a phone conversation late Wednesday, the report said.
With Trump's vow to carry out wide-ranging reforms in the world's largest economy, the Kingdom seeks to participate in opportunities for partnership and investment, SPA quoted the crown prince as saying.
The report did not indicate any details of the planned investments.
The two leaders also discussed ways for cooperation between their countries to promote peace, security and stability in the Middle East, in addition to enhancing bilateral cooperation to combat terrorism.
Trump assumed office on Monday and said he would restore American prestige and rebuild its economic power.
Trump made the Kingdom his first foreign visit during his first term and the countries signed a number of investment agreements worth about $400 billion.
The crown prince said in 2018 that part of the “armaments will be manufactured in ��������Ƶ, so it will create jobs in America and ��������Ƶ, good trade, good benefits for both countries and also good economic growth. Plus, it will help our security”.
Trump campaigned on his America First policy which seeks to prioritize the US economy and American citizens.
He signed an executive order on Monday to establish “a robust and reinvigorated trade policy that promotes investment and productivity, enhances our Nation’s industrial and technological advantages, defends our economic and national security”.
Prince Mohammed conveyed his and King Salman’s congratulations to Trump upon his return to the Oval Office and the Saudi leaders wished the American people further progress and prosperity.
Trump expressed his thanks to the king and crown prince for their congratulations, stressing his keenness to work with them on everything that would serve the common interests of both nations.
Trump was well received in the Kingdom in 2017 and attended a number of events in Riyadh with the king and crown prince. King Salman presented the US president with the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Kingdom’s top civilian honor.
The king hosted a state dinner for Trump, where both took part in a traditional war dance ahead of the banquet.
The pair also opened the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology, part of a broad initiative to tackle the root causes of extremism and stop terror financing.