Saudi Arabia wins Formula E's 'Best Host Country' award

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, August 20, 2026

Saudi Arabia was honored with Formula E’s first-ever "Best Host Country" award for its exceptional organization and support of electric car racing events since 2018. This recognition underscores the Kingdom’s growing influence in global motorsport and aligns with its Vision 2030 goals to promote sustainability and international sporting development.

Saudi Arabia received Formula E’s inaugural "Best Host Country" award at the 2025/26 Formula E End of Season Awards ceremony held in London on Sunday evening. The newly established accolade recognizes the destination that has set a global standard in event organization, infrastructure development, and partnership building within the electric car racing championship.

The Kingdom has hosted FIA-sanctioned ABB Formula E World Championship races since 2018, initially in Diriyah before moving the event to Jeddah in 2025. This transition marked a significant milestone, with the first Jeddah E-Prix becoming the most-watched Formula E race weekend, drawing an estimated 65 million cumulative viewers worldwide.

Saudi Arabia’s achievement reflects strong backing from its leadership, including King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, alongside significant support from the Ministry of Sport and key figures such as Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee. The Ministry, Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), and Sela have all played essential roles in organizing the championship events and enhancing the Kingdom’s motorsport profile.

Mansour Almokbel, acting CEO of SAMF and CEO of SMC, expressed gratitude for the recognition, citing it as a collective achievement stemming from years of dedication. Almokbel emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing a sustainable motorsport ecosystem aimed at inspiring future generations, nurturing local talent, and creating long-term industry opportunities.

Alberto Longo, co-founder and chief championship officer of Formula E, praised the long-standing collaboration with Saudi partners since the championship’s debut in the Kingdom. He noted that their efforts have been crucial in positioning Formula E as a global leader in motorsport and international events, aligning closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives and a shared aspiration for a sustainable future.

The award highlights Saudi Arabia’s expanding influence in global motorsport as well as its growing prominence in hosting international sporting events that promote innovation, sustainability, and regional development. The ongoing partnership between Formula E and Saudi organizations signals a continued trajectory of growth and collaboration in the years ahead.

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