CBX, the Riyadh-based promoter of the 2018 ‘Saudia’ Ad Diriyah E-Prix and exclusive agent for the FIA ABB Formula E Championship in the Middle East, has announced that the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), will take a significant presence at the inaugural running of the event on December 13-15.
PIF branding will feature prominently on the track near the Pit Lane and Royal Emotion VIP hospitality area, reflecting the significance of the 10-year agreement with Formula E as a visiting sports event in the Kingdom. The 2018 SAUDIA Ad Diriyah E-Prix will mark the first time that a premier global motorsport series has held an event in Saudi Arabia, and is set to play a significant part in realising the Vision 2030 programme of renewal to support a thriving economy and a thriving, ambitious society for the future.
A spokesperson for the PIF said: “As an active investor in the electric vehicles market and key player in growing the Kingdom’s entertainment sector, PIF is pleased to be an official partner of the 2018 ABB FIA Formula E Championship in Saudi Arabia. A key objective of Vision 2030 is to expand the Kingdom’s cultural and entertainment offering, and we look forward to contributing to the development of the sector through the right strategic partnerships.”
PIF’s presence confirms the prominence of the event in the evolving sporting, social and business networking calendar of Saudi Arabia. In only its first edition, the SAUDIA Ad Diriyah E-Prix is delivering a sell-out three-day festival of all-electric motorsport, family entertainment and global music superstars.
On behalf of the event promoters, CBX founder Carlo Boutagy said: “The presence of PIF as a significant statement of why the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made the SAUDIA Ad Diriyah E-Prix a focal point on the calendar. We are delighted that what we have created in Ad Diriyah together with the General Sports Authority, the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation and the organisers of the FIA ABB Formula E Championship reflects Vision 2030 and the new trajectory for the Kingdom established by the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.”
Formula E founder and CEO, Alejandro Agag, said: “One of the first meetings I came to in Saudi Arabia was with PIF to explain what Formula E is, and how the core values of our series – pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle performance and development, maximizing sustainability and clean energy in a spectacular sporting occasion, was a strong fit with the pillars of Vision 2030. I am delighted that PIF has joined us for the inaugural SAUDIA Ad Diriyah E-Prix.”
The capacity crowd now expected for the 2018 SAUDIA Ad Diriyah E-Prix will be royally entertained over all three days of the event. On all three days the 180,000 m2 eVillage will offer interactive display areas, family entertainment, eSports and refreshments, while the DGDA heritage area will bring the life and culture of the ancient city of Ad Diriyah to life.
Track action will see Shakedown sessions for Formula E and its all-new support class, the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY, held on Friday 14 December. On Saturday 15 December all official Qualifying sessions will be followed by the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY, race and the main event itself, the SAUDIA Ad Diriyah E-Prix.
Each day will be completed by a stellar line-up of music acts performing on the Main Stage and only accessible to ticket holders for the race. On Thursday 13 December r’n’b star Jason Derulo opens at 7.30 pm followed by pop legend Enrique Iglesias. On Friday 14 December leading Arabic music star Amr Diab takes the stage at 7.30pm followed by hip-hop titans the Black Eyed Peas. Closing the weekend at 7.30pm on Saturday 15 December will be rock heroes OneRepublic followed by the world’s favourite DJ, David Guetta.
Tickets are still available at www.ad-diriyah-eprix.com. Limited tickets are also available at Point of Sale units at Riyadh Park Mall, Oud Square and Doos Carting (only Grandstand tickets from Doos) and Seven Car Lounge.