PIF-owned Saudi Entertainment Ventures to bring Formula E karting attractions to the Kingdom

Formula E has partnered with PIF-owned Seven to bring karting attractions to the Kingdom. (Supplied)
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Updated 27 January 2024
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PIF-owned Saudi Entertainment Ventures to bring Formula E karting attractions to the Kingdom

  • Partnership with Formula E will introduce the world’s first-ever indoor karting of its kind to four locations across the country

RIYADH: Saudi Entertainment Ventures, also known as SEVEN, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, has announced a new partnership with Formula E to build the world’s first Formula E-branded indoor karting attraction across multiple destinations in the Kingdom.

The announcement was made from the site of the Diriyah E-Prix where the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship double-header of races is taking place this weekend.

Abdulla Nasser Al-Dawood, chairman of SEVEN, said: “Our strategic partnership with Formula E to bring never-seen-before Formula E-branded racing tracks within our entertainment destinations strategically complements our mission of creating a multiverse of entertainment offerings that cater to the different needs of our future guests ... We aspire to have the first Saudi car racing champion coming from our Formula E attraction.”

Alberto Longo, co-founder and chief championship officer, said he was “thrilled” to be working alongside SEVEN.

“Our objectives and goals align in bringing the excitement of Formula E to the Kingdom and taking fans closer to real racing action through the Formula E karting experience across the SEVEN destinations,” he said. “I am confident this incredible initiative will accelerate the potential of Saudi Arabia’s promising young drivers and create a future world champion.”

The license agreement was signed by Longo and Essam Othman Al-Jubair, chief operating officer at SEVEN.

The Formula E karting attractions are set to be built at four of SEVEN’s entertainment destinations located in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Abha. Each attraction will offer a selection of adult karts, junior karts, and dual karts, ensuring fun and safe experiences for the entire family. Boasting tracks exceeding 400 meters in length, the Formula E karting attractions provide extended straightaways for accelerated speed, delivering an unparalleled racing experience for guests.

SEVEN is a wholly owned company of PIF, mandated to invest in, develop and operate entertainment destinations and create a sustainable entertainment sector that caters to the needs of all in Saudi Arabia.


Al-Attiyah claims victory at 2026 Hail Baja international rally

Updated 01 February 2026
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Al-Attiyah claims victory at 2026 Hail Baja international rally

HAIL: The Hail Baja Toyota International Rally 2026 ended on Saturday with Nasser Al-Attiyah claiming overall victory, completing the event in a total time of 4 hours, 6 minutes, 23 seconds. Yazeed Al-Rajhi finished second with 4:07:05, while Dania Akeel secured third place with 4:20:47.

The event was organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Sport, the Hail Region Emirate and the Hail Region Development Authority, with Jameel Motorsport as official partner alongside the Saudi Motorsport Marshals Club.

The winners were crowned by Mansour Al-Mokbel, CEO of Saudi Motorsport Company, in the presence of Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, chairman of the Hail Region Development Authority board.

The ceremony followed the second and final stage of the rally, which was hosted in Baqaa and covered a total distance of 323 km, including 151 km of the timed special stage.

The event brought together 152 drivers and navigators from 26 nationalities, including 72 Saudis, with 93 vehicles competing across six categories.

Overall classification — Hail Baja Toyota International Rally 2026

FIA Ultimate Category

Nasser Al-Attiyah (Qatar)

Yazeed Al-Rajhi (Saudi Arabia)

Dania Akeel (Saudi Arabia)

FIA Challenger Category

Yasir Bin Saiedan (Saudi Arabia)

Hamad Al-Wuhaibi (Oman)

Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari (Qatar)

FIA SSV Category

Fernando Alvarez (Argentina)

Mansour Al-Helai (UAE)

Erik van Loon (Netherlands)

FIA Stock Category

Majed Al-Thunayan (Saudi Arabia)

Abdullah Al-Shegawi (Saudi Arabia)

Al-Mashna Al-Shammari (Saudi Arabia)

FIM Motorcycles Category

Alex McInnes (Great Britain)

Mohammed Al-Balooshi (UAE)

Sultan Al-Balooshi (UAE)

FIM Quad Bikes Category

Hani Al-Noumesi (Saudi Arabia)

Abdulaziz Al-Atwi (Saudi Arabia)

Ahmed Al-Jaber (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Toyota Baja Championship

Ultimate Cars Category

Faris Al-Shammari (Saudi Arabia)

Motab Al-Qnon (Saudi Arabia)

Khalaf Al-Shammari (Saudi Arabia)

SSV Category

Prince Sultan bin Turki bin Sultan (Saudi Arabia)

Mashael Al-Huwaish (Saudi Arabia)

Abdulmoeen Al-Shawaf (Saudi Arabia)

Stock Category

Mohammed Al-Asiri (Saudi Arabia)

Salem Al-Quraini (Saudi Arabia)

Hatem Al-Shammari (Saudi Arabia)

The Hail Baja international rally is considered one of the region’s premier motorsport events. It has been a key fixture on the desert rally calendar for more than two decades, offering high standards and an exciting sporting experience for both competitors and spectators. The rally also holds an important position on the calendars of several regional and international championships, reinforcing its status as one of the standout cross-country rallies in the region and reflecting Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a global motorsport destination.