Visitors attending Saudi’s Formula E-Prix swept away by historic Ad-Diriyah

With the launch of Saudi Arabia’s Formula E-Prix race, which continues until Saturday, visitors got to enjoy the historic city of Ad-Diriyah where the race is being held. The city’s unique historical buildings and architectural style grabbed the attention of many as its historical value shined through during the event.

Ad-Diriyah represents a prominent national symbol in the history of Saudi Arabia, and was associated with the first Saudi state and was its capital. It was a historic turning point in the Arabian Peninsula, and today, grabs the world's attention as they attend some of the largest and most prominent events, through which the Kingdom showcases a story of success, unification, development and growth.

Ad-Diriyah is among the most important cultural heritage sites throughout the history of the Kingdom. It comprises of great archeological monuments, including the Ad-Diriyah Gate.

The city has ancient monuments dating back to the Thamud and Madaen Saleh epochs and the Stone Age. It is an integrated tourist city. Through the care of these sites, the Kingdom aims to make them among the most important visiting places in the Middle East.

One of the reasons why the Saudi Sports Authority selected Ad Diriyah as the host city for Formula E is its eye-catching nature and scenery made up of rivers, reefs and fertile lands, which are pillars of the city’s environmental heritage.

The city has been developed to now showcase residential buildings, irrigation systems, canals, tunnels, agricultural villages and more.

Located on the shores of the Wadi Hanifa, Ad-Diriyah is seen as a model of oasis communities existing in desert environments, which molded its unique identity and authenticity.

The race kick started on Thursday, December 13, marking a new phase of intense car racing on a 2,495-m track, comprising 21 turns with new cars, new drivers, new city circuits and new rules.

Ad-Diriyah Formula E-Prix race marks the beginning of the fifth season of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, during which all 11 Formula E teams will use their Gen2 cars in competition for the very first time.

In a first move to open its borders to international visitors, motor racing fans are able to attend through the Sharek platform which offers a seamless ticket purchase and online visa application process for sporting fans from around the world wanting to experience the festival of racing, live music and entertainment,including thrilling action on the track and global superstars performing on stage over three days at historical Ad Diriyah, on the outskirts of Riyadh.

Visitors are able to connect with tourism companies in the kingdom to attend the races through international ticket selling points and in accordance with the procedures facilitated by all the government and service sectors.

Based on the latest innovations in automotive technology, alternative energy solutions and the exciting race, Formula E is being presented in a new light in Ad-Diriyah, the heart of Riyadh's historic capital. The event brings together entertainment, sustainability, technology and innovation. This three-day event is full of family entertainment, featuring spectacular international and local live performances, as well as the race, which is the first of its kind for electric car sports in the Middle East.

Ad-Diriyah opened its doors at 4pm on Thursday where visitors enjoyed a race at the Formula E village, which stretches over 180,000 square feet, surrounded by a variety of cultural, recreational, and heritage areas, as well as designated areas for food and shopping.