The story of building the first race track and the development of motorsports in Saudi Arabia
An exceptional start and major challenges in the heart of the desert
are Motorsports in Saudi Arabia now one of the most prominent sporting sectors attracting global attention, but this international standing didn't come about by chance; it was the result of years of hard work and significant challenges. In this context, Engineer Raed Abu Zenada, a leading expert in motorsports, explained that the journey to build the first race track in Riyadh (Reem Circuit) was fraught with difficulties. The work required them to live for two full years in a tent in the desert to closely monitor the construction. This occurred amidst difficult security and logistical challenges. He pointed out a remarkable irony: he was carrying a check for 180 million Saudi riyals allocated to finance the project, despite the complex circumstances the team faced during that foundational phase.
Historical context: From early passion to official recognition
During his open interview with the "Petroleum Podcast," Abu Zanada revealed details of his early beginnings, which stemmed from his passion for automotive magazines and following automotive news. This passion gradually developed until it culminated in the historic moment when the official approval letter was issued for the opening of the first racing circuit in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Engineer Raed emphasized that the dream was not easily achieved; rather, it required many years of continuous fieldwork, perseverance, and overcoming bureaucratic and practical obstacles to transform this vision into a tangible reality serving enthusiasts of this sport.
Global negotiations put Saudi Arabia on the racing map
The founders' ambitions extended beyond infrastructure development; the meeting also addressed serious negotiations with major international car manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini. The strategic objective of these negotiations was to launch the first officially sanctioned championships in the Kingdom. This bold step later contributed to establishing Saudi Arabia's position on the global motorsport map, making it a focus of attention for international manufacturers and racing teams.
Impact of the event: The qualitative leap towards globalization and Vision 2030
Abu Zenada spoke proudly of the remarkable transformation the Kingdom has undergone in recent years, becoming a major global destination hosting major events such as the Formula 1 World Championship and the renowned Dakar Rally. He highlighted the vast technical and organizational differences between the world's leading motorsports races, emphasizing that the Kingdom's current achievements in motorsports are a direct result of the unwavering support and continuous attention of the wise leadership, spearheaded by the architect of the Vision, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and with the direct support of the Minister of Sport.
Empowering youth and creating future heroes
At the local and regional levels, this development has a significant impact on empowering youth and supporting the sports economy. Abu Zenada said, “This support has motivated us to be part of this major movement and build upon it. Our vision is to launch a comprehensive project for talented individuals in the automotive field, encouraging aspiring young people to develop their skills in this vital sector.” He considered these efforts a supportive and complementary extension of current efforts in the sports and youth sector to create a sustainable positive impact, emphasizing that it is a golden opportunity for every ambitious young person to invest their talent. In closing, he praised the efforts of Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation, and his unlimited support, which has contributed to strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a leading global destination for motorsports.
