Saudi Arabia kicked off the new Formula E season with a race at Ad Diriyah that saw the victory of Portugal’s Antonio Felix da Costa. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, attended the race along with major sports racing officials, including International Automobile Federation (FIA) President Jean Todt.
The three-day spectacle was overseen by the General Sport Authority and witnessed a huge turnout by racing fans and tourists from around the world. The event also witnessed performances by major Arab and international artists.
Riyadh also witnessed a boost in restaurants and hotel reservations as people around the world came to watch the race. Major auto companies also descended on the capital to hold expos of their latest designs.
Marketing expert Hassan al-Shahry said that the Saudi auto market is attractive to investors, adding that the Kingdom was seeking to attract car and plane makers in various fields.
Major football stars from the likes of Manchester United and Spanish clubs also descended on Riyadh.
The Black Eyed Peas and Enrique Iglesias both threw concerts in the capital to masses of adoring fans.
Saudi Arabia’s success in holding the race and various recreational events in Riyadh were the toast of social media users, who attested to the Kingdom’s historic success.
Many visitors hailed the organization of the events, saying that the Kingdom had provided to their needs and deeming it a global touristic, sports and cultural destination.
