In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Saudi sponsorship quietly appeared on one of Formula 1’s most iconic teams, Williams Racing. The green “Fly Saudia” and Al Bilad logos emblazoned across the car weren’t just branding; they symbolised a young kingdom’s first steps into the global sporting arena. The partnership helped fuel the rise of the Williams team to championship glory, connecting Saudi ambition to the pinnacle of motorsport decades before Vision 2030 was even conceived.
Saudi Arabia’s passion for cars and engines also thrived locally, long before international events arrived. Informal desert rallies, local drag races, and gatherings of enthusiasts in Jeddah and Riyadh laid the cultural foundation for the modern motorsport movement. These early expressions of speed and innovation reflected a national curiosity that was waiting for its moment to accelerate.
Long before roaring engines echoed across Jeddah’s Corniche or Diriyah’s historic streets, Saudi Arabia had already marked its presence on the international motorsport map.
A Vision That Changed Everything
The winds of change began with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the launch of Vision 2030, a plan to diversify the economy and reimagine the nation’s global image. Motorsport fit perfectly into this transformation, blending technology, adrenaline, and international recognition.
The leadership recognised the potential of motorsport not only to attract visitors but to inspire youth, showcasing Saudi Arabia as a nation ready to lead in innovation, inclusivity, and world-class sports management.
Dakar Rally: When the Desert Found Its Voice
In 2020, the legendary Dakar Rally roared into Saudi Arabia, marking the first time the world’s toughest rally race came to the Middle East.
The event was monumental. From the Red Sea coast to the vast Empty Quarter, the rally revealed Saudi Arabia’s breathtaking landscapes to millions of viewers worldwide. Dakar wasn’t just a race; it was the Kingdom’s announcement that it was ready to welcome the world’s most challenging motorsport events.
Formula 1 and Formula E
Saudi Arabia soon shifted gears to even grander stages. The arrival of Formula 1 in Jeddah, with its stunning Corniche Circuit, made headlines worldwide. The Jeddah Corniche Grand Prix, one of the fastest street circuits on the planet, instantly became a fan favourite.
Meanwhile, Formula E in Diriyah merged the kingdom’s rich heritage with a futuristic commitment to sustainability and clean energy. These back-to-back global events positioned Saudi Arabia not just as a host but as a pace-setter in the evolution of motorsports.
Women at the Wheel of Change
Perhaps the most powerful symbol of progress is the rise of Saudi women in motorsport. Since the historic lifting of the driving ban in 2018, female racers have taken to the track with confidence and courage.
Reema Juffali, the Kingdom’s first professional female driver, became a global icon, racing internationally and launching Theeba Motorsport to support local talents. Meanwhile, figures like Aseel Al-Hamad, a member of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, and Dania Akeel, one of Saudi Arabia’s trailblazing female racers, made history as the first Saudi woman to compete — and win her category — in the World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas, proving that the new Saudi Arabia has no limits, not even on the racetrack.
Rising Local Talent: The Future Is Saudi
From Jeddah to Riyadh, karting tracks and racing schools are nurturing a new wave of Saudi talent. The Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) has launched several programs to train young drivers, engineers, and pit crews, ensuring that motorsport in the Kingdom is not just imported, but homegrown.
With each passing year, more Saudi names appear on regional leaderboards, proving that the dream of producing world-class drivers is already underway.
Fans and Communities: The New Pulse of Motorsport
Motorsport in Saudi Arabia is not just about the drivers; it’s about the fans. Groups like MENA GP have created a thriving online and offline community for enthusiasts, photographers, and aspiring racers. Through events, collaborations, and content creation, these fan movements have become the beating heart of the Kingdom’s racing culture.
A Kingdom in Pole Position
From desert dunes to world-class circuits, Saudi Arabia’s motorsport journey reflects the nation’s greater transformation, ambitious, inclusive, and unstoppable. With global races, empowered women, and passionate fans, the Kingdom is not just hosting history; it’s driving it.
