Saudi Arabia Gears Up To Host Its First World Rally Championship In 2025

The Ministry of Sports announced today that Saudi Arabia will host the World Rally Championship (WRC) for the first time in its history. The event, named "Saudi Rally," will run for 10 years starting in 2025. Organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), it will be supervised by the Ministry of Sports in collaboration with the WRC.

The signing ceremony took place on the island of Sardinia, Italy, attended by Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, President of SAMF and SMC, and Jona Siebel, Director-General of the WRC. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Minister of Sports and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the WRC.

"We are delighted to welcome the World Rally Championship [WRC] to the array of global sports events that have made Saudi Arabia a preferred and ideal destination, thanks to the generous support of our wise leadership," said Prince Abdulaziz. He added that with the leadership’s keen interest and empowerment of the sports sector, Saudi Arabia continues to host major sporting events across various disciplines.

Prince Khalid also shared his excitement about hosting the WRC for the first time. "The arrival of another prestigious global racing series to the Kingdom signifies that our country has become a preferred destination for sports and athletes in various disciplines, including motorsports," he stated. He noted that this event joins other activities such as Formula 1, Formula E, Extreme E races, and the Dakar Rally.

This hosting marks a significant achievement as it is the first time since 2011 that a Middle Eastern country has hosted the championship. The last time was in Jordan. This event underscores Saudi Arabia's substantial capabilities and reflects its ongoing development in the sports sector, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.

The Kingdom's successful bid to host this event highlights its commitment to becoming a global hub for major sporting events. The collaboration between SAMF, SMC, and international bodies like WRC showcases Saudi Arabia's readiness to engage with global sports communities.

As preparations begin for the 2025 launch of "Saudi Rally," stakeholders are optimistic about the positive impact on local tourism and international recognition. The event is expected to draw significant attention from motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.

With inputs from SPA