The story of building the first race track in Saudi Arabia and establishing the Reem Circuit
Beginnings and Challenges: The Story of Building the First Race Circuit in Saudi Arabia
Engineer Raed Abu Zenada, a prominent expert in motorsports, revealed exciting details and exceptional milestones in the construction of the Reem International Circuit in Riyadh, the first race track in Saudi Arabia. Abu Zenada explained that his passion and determination to complete this pioneering project led him and his team to live for two full years in a tent in the heart of the desert to closely monitor the construction. These sacrifices were made amidst difficult security and logistical challenges. He noted the remarkable irony of carrying a check for 180 million Saudi riyals, the amount allocated to finance the project, amidst extremely complex environmental and operational conditions that the team faced during that foundational phase.
The historical context of motorsport in the Kingdom
Historically, motorsport in Saudi Arabia lacked a comprehensive, formal infrastructure before the establishment of the Reem Circuit in Al-Muzahmiya, near Riyadh. Racing was largely limited to individual efforts or sporadic events. Therefore, the construction of this circuit marked a pivotal turning point in the history of Saudi sports, providing a safe and professional environment for young Saudis to pursue their passion for speed and motorsports according to international standards, thus paving the way for the organized motorsport culture we see in the country today.
Global negotiations put Saudi Arabia on the map
During his appearance on the "Petroleum Podcast," Abu Zenada recounted the details of his early beginnings, which stemmed from his passion for automotive magazines and motorsports, culminating in the historic moment when the official approval letter was issued for the opening of the first racetrack in the Kingdom. He emphasized that this dream was not easily achieved, but rather required years of hard work, perseverance, and overcoming obstacles. The interview also touched upon the strategic negotiations conducted with major international car manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini. The aim of these negotiations was to launch the first official championships on Saudi soil, a bold step that later contributed to establishing Saudi Arabia's position on the global motorsports map and attracted the attention of investors and those interested in this sector.
The local, regional and international impact of the Reem Circuit
The significance of this event extended beyond the local level, impacting regionally and internationally. Locally, the circuit helped channel the energies of young people towards professional careers. Regionally, it positioned Saudi Arabia as a strong contender in hosting sporting events. Internationally, it built bridges of trust with the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) and global companies, demonstrating the capability of Saudi personnel to manage and operate large-scale sporting facilities.
The Great Transformation: From Reem Circuit to Formula 1 and the Dakar Rally
Abu Zenada spoke with pride about the significant and radical transformation the Kingdom has undergone in recent years, moving from a foundational stage to one of global leadership. Saudi Arabia has become a major destination hosting the world's biggest motorsport events, such as Formula 1 races in Jeddah, the renowned Dakar Rally, and Formula E races in Diriyah. He highlighted the vast technical and organizational differences between these leading international motorsport events and how the Kingdom has managed to keep pace with these developments at a record pace, becoming a focal point for the world.
Supporting leadership and creating future champions
The motorsports expert emphasized that the Kingdom's current achievements in the motorsports sector would not have been possible without God's grace and the unwavering support and attention of the wise leadership. He praised the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the architect of Saudi Vision 2030, and the support of the Minister of Sport, Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation. Abu Zenada said, "This support motivated us to be part of this significant movement and build upon it. Our current vision is to launch a national project to discover talented individuals in the automotive field. We aim to encourage talented and ambitious young people to take off and develop their skills in this vital sector, as we are a supportive and complementary extension of the great efforts being made today in the sports and youth sector to create a lasting positive impact." He concluded by affirming that these initiatives represent a golden opportunity for every ambitious young person, allowing them to truly invest in their talent and transform it into a professional career that raises the Kingdom's name high.
