The inaugural Saudia Ad Diriyah E Prix main race kicked off on Saturday at Ad Diriyah, a stunning UNESCO heritage site on the outskirts of the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

The Formula E action on the Ad Diriyah racetrack got underway in the afternoon, pitting 22 drivers in a pitched battle to clinch the 2018 Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix title.

Attending the race was Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is spearheading the Vision 2030 strategy for the future, which aims to open up the country. With him were Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki AlFaisal, Vice-Chair of the Saudi Arabia General Sports Authority, and Prince Khalid bin Sultan, President of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation.

Earlier in the day saw the launch of the all-electric production car racing series, the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy. Fans watched drivers compete in qualifying sessions ahead of Saturday’s finals.

The historical city of Ad Diriyah, the first seat of power for Saudi Kings, came alive by hosting the biggest festival of car racing, live music and entertainment in the Kingdom. The first-of-its-kind three-day event, which closes on Saturday, includes concerts by globally-acclaimed musicians.

Global music stars Jason Derulo and Enrique Iglesias performed before a large crowd of enthusiastic fans on Thursday evening as the lights turned green for the Formula E festival of fun surrounding the 2018 ‘Saudia’ Ad Diriyah E-Prix.

Hip-hop, pop & dance royalty Black Eyed Peas regaled the audience on Friday, when the band shared the stage with Egyptian singer-songwriter Amr Diab at the race venue. On Saturday evening, fans will be treated to a double-header of sensational acts with both US music heroes OneRepublic and superstar DJ/producer David Guetta headlining the biggest night of the three-day festival.