JEDDAH: Rafael Nadal, Will Smith, Sergio Perez, Tom Brady, Steve Aoki, Virat Kohli, Mark Anthony and Didier Drogba are among the superstar electric-powerboat team owners hoping to make waves on Jeddah’s corniche this weekend as the 2025 UIM E1 World Championship gets underway on Jan. 24 and 25.
The first round of the competition is taking place in the Kingdom for a second year in a row, following its inaugural season last year. Nine international teams will compete, each featuring one male and one female pilot in control of RaceBird electric boats that use cutting-edge hydrofoil technology and can reach speeds of more than 80 kph.
“It’s so great to return to Jeddah for the 2025 UIM E1 World Championship as we kick off our first racing of the year,” said Rodi Basso, the CEO and co-founder of the E1 series.
“The success of the last edition met our expectations and the preparations are at their best thanks to the combined efforts.”
He thanked the Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation and the Ministry of Sport, which are organizing the Jeddah event in partnership with powerboat governing body Union Internationale Motonautique, for their help and added: “The fans will have a thrilling race, a wonderful atmosphere and great experience, and we look forward to the launch of the event.”
Saudi racer Mashael Al-Obaidan, of Aoki Racing, said: “I am proud to represent the Kingdom in this sporting event, which is part of a series of global events on our home soil.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity to compete in front of my family and the local community here, which would not have been possible without the great support we receive as athletes under the vision of our wise leadership.”
Emma Kimilainen from Finland and Sam Coleman from the UK, pilots with reigning champions Team Brady, said they hope to repeat last year’s success to win the trophy for a second year in a row.
“It is important to implement the strategy that will be developed and exploit the data and statistics provided by advanced technologies in cooperation with the team’s partners,” said Coleman.
Kimilainen added: “I’m excited to kick off season two with Team Brady after an incredible first season together. Being on top will take hard work but we’re a competitive team and we’re ready for the challenge.”
This year’s championship will feature seven rounds, compared with five last year, each taking place in a different city around the world
Powerboat racers look forward to start of 2025 UIM E1 World Championship in Jeddah on Friday
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Powerboat racers look forward to start of 2025 UIM E1 World Championship in Jeddah on Friday
- Opening round of the competition is taking place in Saudi Arabia for a second year in a row, following the inaugural season last year
- 9 international teams with superstar owners will compete, each featuring one male and one female pilot in control of electric boats capable of speeds of more than 80 kph
Morocco reach Arab Cup final by defeating UAE
- Defense, organization again prove crucial for victors
- Jordan, Saudi Arabia contest second semifinal
DOHA: Morocco booked their place in the Arab Cup final with a commanding 3-0 victory over the UAE on Monday, extending their impressive defensive record in Qatar.
The Atlas Lions once again showcased their organization and composure at the back as they took control of the semifinal and capitalized clinically at the other end.
Morocco opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark when Karim El-Berkaoui rose highest to head home Hamza El-Moussaoui’s cross, a breakthrough that reflected their growing dominance.
True to form, taking the lead proved decisive for a side that have been nearly impenetrable throughout the tournament, with their only concession so far coming via an own goal in their opening match.
The UAE struggled to find space through the middle and were largely restricted to long-range efforts and hopeful deliveries into the box, all of which were comfortably dealt with by central defenders Soufiane Bouftini and Marwane Saadane.
Morocco added the finishing touches late on as their substitutes combined to decisive effect.
Abderrazak Hamdallah turned provider for Aschraf El-Mahdioui, who finished calmly from close range, before Hamdallah capped the performance by converting Mohamed Boulacsout’s cross to seal the result.
Morocco will now await the winner of the second semifinal between Jordan and Saudi Arabia, which takes place later on Monday at Al-Bayt Stadium.
