Not open to international fans, but open to new nation, sports: Prince Khalid

His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Faisal Al Saud, President of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation, said: "We are not just opening up to international fans, but importantly we are opening up our nation to new and exciting sports.

Giving new experiences. We hope some of the children who watch this first race will be inspired to be part of the industry over the course of the next decade. Ideally, they'll be supporting, competing and winning on the track too. We firmly believe new opportunities will grow from the seeds planted from the historical roots of our nation in Diriyah.

"This single event has the potential to change lives and change perceptions, both of the sport and of Saudi Arabia. The seeds are already growing, the track is taking shape, all with the approval of UNESCO. It is progress and preservation in one. Today is groundbreaking in all senses."

Saudi Arabian Airlines Director General, His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, added: "SAUDIA is pleased to be supporting the ABB FIA Formula E Championship for the upcoming event in Ad Diriyah - a first for the Kingdom Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. The airline welcomes fans from across the globe and we wish the teams all the very best for the race at the SAUDIA Ad Diriyah E-Prix."

The ABB FIA Formula E Championship event is officially sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and its global safer driving campaign will be adopted and promoted.

Formula E joins sporting powerhouses such as WWE and European Tour Golf who have forged long-term partnerships with Saudi Arabia as it establishes its reputation as a destination for world-class sports events.