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FIFA Names Saudi Arabia as Host of 2034 World Cup

2034 World Cup Saudi Arabia

FIFA has officially named Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup, marking a major milestone in the country’s Vision 2030 plan. The announcement took place during the Extraordinary FIFA Congress on 13 December 2024. With this decision, Saudi Arabia becomes the second Middle Eastern nation to host the prestigious tournament, following Qatar in 2022.

A Historic First for the 2034 World Cup

For the first time ever, the 2034 World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the previous 32-team format. Matches will be spread across five cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and the futuristic city of Neom. With 15 state-of-the-art stadiums, the event will offer a compact and immersive experience for fans. The country’s well-developed transport network will make travel between cities simple and quick.

This selection fits perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s larger goals to become a global sports leader. As part of Vision 2030, the country aims to diversify its economy and raise its profile worldwide, with football playing a key role. Hosting the World Cup will provide a chance for Saudi Arabia to highlight its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and modern infrastructure to the world.

Along with the 2034 Word Cup announcement, FIFA also confirmed Morocco, Spain, and Portugal as co-hosts for the 2030 World Cup. Moreover, special centenary matches will be taking place in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. This dual announcement shows FIFA’s commitment to bringing countries together through football and expanding the tournament’s reach across continents.

With a decade to go until the event begins, Saudi Arabia is preparing to deliver a World Cup that promises not only top-tier football but also a lasting impact on the region and the world.

Feature image: Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF)

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Celebrate Eid Al-Adha with Authentic Maldivian Traditions at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Hosts Fun Cultural Eid Festivities

This June, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo invites travelers to experience Eid Al-Adha in a way that goes beyond the usual holiday. The adult-only resort has created a special two-day celebration that offers a hands-on look at Maldivian culture through storytelling, traditional crafts, and local flavors. It forms part of their ongoing ‘Discover Local’ program, designed to help guests truly connect with island life.

Learning the Ancient Art of Joali Weaving

One of the standout moments takes place on Saturday, June 7, when guests join a Joali weaving workshop. This craft involves weaving coconut rope into practical items and has been quietly passed down through island families for generations. Since resorts rarely showcase this tradition, this becomes a rare chance for guests to experience a living cultural art.

Mohamed Irshad, the Front Office Manager of Mercue Maldives Kooddoo, shares why it matters:

“We don’t want to just show our guests the Maldives, we want them to feel it through our traditions. Joali weaving is one of those rare crafts that tells the story of resourcefulness, connection to nature, and island life”

Eid Buffet and the Colorful Maali Parade

The celebration starts on the evening of June 6 with an Eid buffet featuring refined takes on local festive dishes. Here, the resort prepares everything using fresh ingredients sourced nearby, celebrating the Maldives’ rich culinary heritage.

Then, the following night, the resort comes alive with the Maali Parade, a lively procession inspired by traditional Maldivian folklore. Masked performers bring ancient stories to life right on the island.

Dining Under the Sun: The Sandbank Picnic Experience

No trip to the Maldives feels complete without a sandbank picnic, and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo offers a particularly memorable version. Set on a tiny, untouched island surrounded by crystal-clear water, guests enjoy an authentic meal served on tropical leaves. This picnic offers a tasting journey into Maldivian flavors, featuring local specialties like:

  • Gulha: Coconut and tuna fritters
  • Kulhi Kaajaa: Spicy tuna bites
  • Bajiya: Pastries filled with sweet and spicy mixes
  • Rihaakuru Kaajaa: Fritters made from rich fish paste
  • Dry Fish: Smoked tuna strips
  • Bodi: Sweet coconut treats with toddy syrup

Along with fresh coconut water, the food makes the meal both refreshing and deeply connected to the island’s culinary traditions.

Year-Round Cultural Experiences with ‘Discover Local’

Although Eid brings special energy to the resort, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo’s cultural offerings continue throughout the year. For instance, the ‘Discover Local’ program invites guests to try their hand at traditional sunset fishing, palm leaf art, and sampling cultural cocktails inspired by island ingredients.

The cocktail menu features creations such as:

  • Maldivian Green: A blend of gin, curry leaf syrup, lemon, and soda water
  • Ocean Breeze: Vodka infused with butterfly pea flower, peach schnapps, pineapple, and coconut syrup
  • Green Kooddoo: Rum mixed with Malibu, pandan leaf juice, pineapple, and coconut syrup
  • Mirus Rita: A spicy twist on the classic margarita using chili-infused Maldivian tequila
  • Coco Kurumba: Whisky combined with tamarind juice, coconut milk, and passion fruit syrup

These drinks add an extra layer to the island experience and let guests taste Maldivian flavors in a completely new way.

More Than a Vacation: A Cultural Journey

If you visit for Eid or explore Maldivian culture at any time, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo offers more than a stay. In fact, the resort invites guests to experience the Maldives as a vibrant, living culture, full of stories, flavors, and traditions that stay with you long after the trip ends.

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