RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Formula E and Etihad Etisalat Co (Mobily) have today announced a new partnership with the Diriyah E-Prix races of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, beginning with the upcoming double-header race weekend on 28 and 29 January, in support of sustainability in sports.
The partnership reflects Mobily’s commitment to support and encourage sustainability as part of the company’s wider strategy to enable an environmentally aware society across every aspect of life, and the Diriyah E-Prix is the best example of how sports can follow sustainability measures and deliver experiences like no other.
Formula E fans in Saudi Arabia will be able to access original Formula E mobile content throughout the season on Mobily’s fast and secure network, unlocking opportunities to engage with the motorsport community around the world. In addition, Mobily will engage fans during the race weekend with online and offline gaming and ticket promotions, elevating their experience at the event.
The Diriyah street circuit around the historic town walls of the UNESCO World Heritage site will host the opening rounds of Season 8 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with the only night races on the 16-race calendar, illuminated by low-power LED technology.
Formula E is a platform for change across society and supports the Vision 2030 project, with the first Diriyah E-Prix in 2018 making history as the first-ever international motorsport event to be held in Saudi Arabia. As the only all-electric motorsport World Championship, Formula E actively promotes electric mobility and renewable energy solutions to contribute to reducing air pollution and fighting against climate change.
Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), Ministry of Sport, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Mobily as a new partner of the Diriyah E – Prix, one of our flagship international events in the Kingdom. This partnership aligns perfectly with our future vision for motorsport with a partner that is equally committed to driving forward new technologies. As a sport Formula-E is at the pinnacle of pioneering innovation so Mobily’s support of the race in Diriyah is the perfect combination.”
Muhannad Kadi, SVP Corporate Branding and Communication, Mobily, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s eighth season at the historic city of Diriyah, to present one of the largest global sporting events committed to sustainability, which is at the heart of everything we do at Mobily. We strive to nurture a community that is environmentally aware and embeds sustainability at every aspect of life.
“From its first running, the Diriyah E-Prix has been a game-changer for Saudi Arabia in delivering thrilling motorsport action. With the emphasis of Formula E being on sustainability and diversification in energy, it is the perfect fit with Mobily’s commitment to support and enable Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2060, all while bringing new levels of connectivity to Saudi Arabia.”
Carlo Boutagy, founder of CBX, promoter of the Diriyah E-Prix, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mobily to the family of partners at the very heart of our race and feel great excitement about the working together. The opportunity to come together with a partner such as Mobily brings with it exciting opportunities to bring the experience of Formula E and the year-round content that it provides to Saudi fans instantaneously as well as forming a significant and valuable presence when we host the series each year.”
Alberto Longo, Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer, Formula E, said: “We are excited to welcome Mobily as a partner for the Diriyah E-Prix. Mobily will bring fans in Saudi Arabia closer to the Championship than ever before with original content and new ways to interact as the 16-race season unfolds around the world. We look forward to returning to Saudi Arabia in just a few weeks and working with a new and committed partner to continue to grow the Formula E fanbase.”