Soaring to new heights

November 28 ^th 2021 - 13:30 [GMT + 3]

"In 2022, our journey with Dakar Rally will continue to reach further heights."

HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal

Minister of sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee

"For the third year running, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the nation of motorsports and the home of the Dakar Rally, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

We are blessed by the guidance and trust of our leadership, and the unlimited support we receive from our Crown Prince, HRH Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the sports sector in the Kingdom has accomplished significant growth. Sports constitute a main pillar in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and our ambitions continue to soar and fuel a growing economy.

We continue to welcome the world to our beloved country and organize world class events, but most importantly, we focus on creating a healthy and vibrant society that inspires and encourages our citizens, especially our youth, to help them achieve sporting excellence on local, regional, and international levels.

In this exceptional era of sports, motorsports was by no means a stranger to the rapid pace of development. The top motorsports competitions have found a new home in the Kingdom, from the Dakar Rally, to the World Rally Championship, Formula E, Extreme E and the upcoming FIA Formula One World Championship.

In 2020, our journey with the Dakar Rally started. We came together to write a new chapter in the world of motorsports. In 2021, we trusted the power of sports when our world was facing a global pandemic.

We prevailed and successfully hosted our second Dakar Rally following the highest standards of safety. And in 2022, our journey with Dakar Rally will continue to reach further heights, explore fascinating landscapes, test the will of the world’s best drivers, connect the world with our generous and welcoming people, and showcase our culture, capabilities, and unlimited potential.

Together with the Dakar Rally, we will support ‘Dakar Future’, the energy transition plan dedicated to fostering green innovation in rally raids and reducing carbon emissions. By 2030, the Dakar will ensure that all drivers will compete using vehicles fully powered by alternative energy with low emission. This plan aligns perfectly with the Saudi Green Initiative, launched recently by our Crown Prince, increase reliance on clean energy, offset the impact of fossil fuels and combat climate change.

In January 2022, we continue to write the new chapter in the story of Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. On behalf of everyone in the Kingdom, we invite you to visit and experience the beauty of our country, engage with our rich culture and loving people, and cheer for the world’s most prominent drivers and riders.

Together we will create unforgettable memories. Welcome to Dakar 2022. Welcome to Saudi Arabia."