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Formula E’s Saudi Shift: From Historic Diriyah to the High-Speed Jeddah Corniche

David Castro by David Castro
February 12, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 5 mins read
0
Formula E’s Saudi Shift: From Historic Diriyah to the High-Speed Jeddah Corniche

Saudi Arabia’s Formula E journey enters a bold new chapter this week. After six thrilling seasons in Diriyah, the all-electric championship is making its debut at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit—the very track that has hosted Formula 1 since 2021.

While this move signals progress, it also marks the end of an era for Diriyah’s iconic night races. The reason? Saudi Arabia’s rapid transformation under Vision 2030, which has seen major redevelopment projects take over the former E-Prix site.

“We miss Riyadh, that’s for sure,” says Formula E’s Saudi promoter Carlo Boutagy, the founder of CBX. “Diriyah is a Giga project… we managed to stay and stay until they needed the area to finish their development.”

But don’t mistake this move for a downgrade. If anything, Jeddah offers a more streamlined, spectator-friendly experience—and the fans are responding.

“We sold out one day—both general admission and grandstand,” Boutagy reveals. “And for the other day, we only have general admission left.”

With its stunning Red Sea backdrop, high-speed corners, and a purpose-built infrastructure, Jeddah is primed to deliver a spectacular Formula E debut—one that could become a permanent fixture on the championship’s calendar.


Why Jeddah? A Strategic Upgrade for Formula E

Diriyah may have been a fan-favorite, but the move to Jeddah brings several advantages:

🏎️ Smoother Operations – Unlike Diriyah’s temporary street setup, Jeddah’s permanent F1 facility makes logistics and race preparation far more efficient.
🎟️ Bigger Crowds – The new location accommodates more fans, and early ticket sales suggest a surging interest in electric motorsport.
🌍 Greater Visibility – Hosting Formula E on an F1 circuit strengthens the championship’s global credibility and prestige.

“It’s much easier, but there are still some challenges because it’s a new venue for us,” Boutagy admits. “But it’s been smooth, and everybody’s relaxed.”

And this isn’t just a temporary stopgap. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Formula E—and sustainable motorsport as a whole—runs deep.


Saudi Arabia’s Motorsport Expansion: A Formula E Success Story

When Saudi Arabia first hosted Formula E in 2018, it was the Kingdom’s first-ever international motorsport event. Now? It’s just one of hundreds of world-class competitions held annually.

From boxing super fights and golf tournaments to the FIFA World Cup 2034, Saudi Arabia has become a powerhouse for global sports and entertainment.

“Seven years ago, we were the jewel, the only big event here,” Boutagy reflects. “Now, we’re one of at least 300 events that happen in the Kingdom—sometimes on the same weekend!”

Formula E’s presence has also paved the way for sustainability-focused motorsports, including:

🔋 Extreme E – Off-road electric racing, also supported by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
🚤 E1 Series – The world’s first electric powerboat racing championship.
🏎️ Qiddiya Speed Park (Upcoming) – A futuristic circuit in Qiddiya, set to host high-profile motorsport events in the coming years.

With Saudi Arabia investing billions in green technology, electric racing isn’t just a novelty—it’s part of the Kingdom’s long-term strategy.

“The Kingdom delivers, and now it’s normal for these celebrations of sport and culture to be here,” says Boutagy.


What’s Next? Could Formula E Expand to Qiddiya?

The Formula E shift from Diriyah to Jeddah may not be the last move. A future race in Qiddiya is already being discussed.

Nestled amid the Tuwaiq Mountains, Qiddiya’s upcoming Speed Park track could be an electrifying venue for future night races.

“Night races first started in Diriyah in 2021, and they could be a spectacle at Qiddiya,” hints Boutagy.

For now, Jeddah will carry the torch, with a sold-out crowd, stunning light shows, and an atmosphere unlike anything seen in Formula E before.


Final Verdict: A Game-Changing Move for Formula E?

Formula E’s shift to Jeddah isn’t just about logistics—it’s about elevating the sport in a country that has fully embraced motorsports.

🏁 Is Diriyah’s absence a loss? Yes, but the bigger picture suggests that Formula E’s Saudi future is brighter than ever.
🏁 Will Jeddah become a long-term home? If ticket sales and excitement levels are any indication, the answer is likely yes.
🏁 Could Qiddiya be next? With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 unfolding at breakneck speed, don’t bet against it.

One thing’s for sure: Formula E’s place in Saudi Arabia is only getting bigger.

🔥 What do you think? Will Jeddah outshine Diriyah as the new home for Formula E in Saudi Arabia?

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