ALULA: Saudi Arabia has emerged as the world’s largest importer of classic cars and one of the Gulf’s biggest markets, with investments exceeding SR100 million ($26.7 million), driven by growing local interest in vehicle customization.
The trend reflects the expanding value of the market and the depth of opportunities it offers. Owners of 50 classic cars over 50 years old are set to participate in the Tuwaiq International Classic Car Rally in AlUla, with the vehicles collectively valued at around SR25 million, according to Nasser Al-Massari, head of the rally’s organizing committee.
Expanding participation and prizes
Future stages of the rally aim to attract participants from Europe, the Americas, and Australia, with plans to broaden participation, increase prize money, and enhance judging standards, according to Al-Massari, who noted that individual vehicles can be valued at up to SR1 million.
The announcement came during the launch of registration for the rally at Jeddah Corniche Circuit, attended by officials and enthusiasts.
The rally will start at Maraya in AlUla on Jan. 25 and conclude in Sharjah, the UAE, crossing three countries, with participation open to all nationalities.
Al-Massari also highlighted that women’s participation, introduced last year, will continue to grow, including events for mixed and women only categories.
A $30-million vehicle
Hassan Daryan, head of Daryan Classic Cars Factory and a prominent owner in western Saudi Arabia, confirmed the Kingdom’s position as the world’s largest classic car importer and a leading Gulf market, with investments surpassing SR100 million.
He added that there is now a move toward local manufacturing and customization of classic cars, rather than relying on overseas services, noting that some scrap cars in Saudi Arabia have been auctioned in the US for record prices, reaching up to $30 million per vehicle.
Mai Al-Shumaimari, the first Saudi woman to compete in the third edition of the Tuwaiq Rally, and winner of the women’s category in her 1970 Corvette, said the race presented significant challenges, particularly over long distances in classic cars.
She emphasized the importance of women participating in such motorsports for the unique experience and skills it provide compared with modern cars.
Classic car sport sees growth in Saudi Arabia
Fadi Malek Al-Sayed, head of Cross Section Global, noted that dedicated garages in Jeddah and Riyadh house around 100 classic cars — 70 in Jeddah and 30 in Riyadh — valued between SR200,000 and over SR1 million.
He added that around 15 classic cars were showcased at Jeddah Corniche Circuit with a total value exceeding SR10 million to raise awareness of the hobby, attended by one of the leading classic car owners from Ukraine.
Al-Sayed noted that this year’s rally will span 12 days, starting in AlUla, with expected participation from about eight countries, including Qatar, Ukraine, and Yemen.
The route, he added, will pass through AlUla, Buraidah, and Hail, as well as Riyadh and Al-Ahsa, before entering the UAE via Jebel Dhanna, Bani Yas, and Al-Ain, reaching Muscat, and concluding in Sharjah with a closing ceremony awarding cash and in-kind prizes.
Classic car racing in Saudi Arabia has witnessed notable growth, fueled by continuous events such as the Diriyah Classic Car Festival, the Qassim Festival in Buraidah, and other activities that have boosted the sport’s popularity.
The rally is held under the umbrella of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, with approval from the International Federation of Classic Vehicles, or FIVA.
Notably, the winner of last year’s edition competed in a 1956 model car that successfully reached Russia.
