Saudi Arabia has earned Formula E’s first Best Host Country award for its contribution to electric motorsport. The recognition highlights the Kingdom’s growing role in global racing and its expanding capabilities in hosting major international sporting events.
Formula E introduced the award during its 2025/26 season ceremony in London. The new honour recognises destinations that deliver outstanding championship events. The award considers areas such as event organisation, infrastructure, fan engagement, and partnership development.
Saudi Arabia achieved the distinction after several years of hosting Formula E races. The Kingdom first welcomed the electric racing championship in 2018. Since then, organisers have continued developing the scale and reach of the events.
The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation has supported the championship alongside the Saudi Motorsport Company. The Ministry of Sport has also played an important role. Together, these organisations have helped develop the infrastructure needed for international motorsport events.
Their work has also supported the growth of Saudi Arabia’s racing sector. Hosting major competitions provides opportunities to develop local expertise while exposing Saudi professionals to international motorsport standards.
The championship originally held its Saudi races in Diriyah. However, Formula E moved its events to Jeddah in 2025. The move created a new chapter for the championship in the Kingdom.
The first Jeddah E-Prix produced a record global audience. The race weekend attracted approximately 65 million cumulative viewers worldwide. That figure made the event the most-watched Formula E race weekend at the time.
Jeddah also introduced an important innovation to Formula E competition. The venue became the first to feature the championship’s PIT BOOST system. The technology introduced mandatory mid-race pit stops during the double-header.
Formula E later expanded the feature to other double-header events. The development demonstrated Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting new racing concepts and advanced motorsport technology.
The Kingdom plans to continue its partnership with Formula E. Saudi Arabia will host the championship’s 2026/27 season-opening double-header. The races are scheduled to take place on December 18 and 19, 2026.
The event will also introduce the next generation of Formula E racing technology. The GEN4 race car will make its competitive debut during the weekend. The new vehicle is expected to deliver faster performance and greater energy efficiency.
The new car could also create more advanced racing opportunities. Consequently, the upcoming event could become another important milestone for Formula E and Saudi Arabia’s motorsport programme.
The Best Host Country award also reflects Saudi Arabia’s wider investment in sports. The Kingdom continues developing its position as a destination for major international competitions.
Motorsport represents an important part of that strategy. International events can create opportunities for local talent while strengthening technical and organisational expertise.
Saudi Arabia also aims to develop a sustainable motorsport ecosystem. This goal includes training Saudi professionals and encouraging future generations to enter the sector.
Furthermore, hosting international championships can create wider economic opportunities. Major sporting events can attract visitors, support local businesses, and increase international exposure.
Formula E also shares a strong focus on sustainability and technological development. These priorities align with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic transformation plans and growing interest in future-oriented industries.
The partnership therefore extends beyond hosting individual races. Both sides aim to support innovation and strengthen electric motorsport over the long term.
Saudi Arabia has continued building a reputation for hosting major international sporting events. Formula E represents another important addition to its growing global sports calendar.
The Best Host Country award provides further recognition of that progress. It also highlights the Kingdom’s growing capabilities in event delivery, infrastructure development, and motorsport organisation.
The partnership will continue into the coming seasons. Future races could bring additional technological developments and create new opportunities for local participation.
Overall, Saudi Arabia has established a strong presence within Formula E. The latest award recognises the Kingdom’s contribution since the championship arrived in 2018.
Saudi Arabia now looks ahead to another major Formula E event in December. The season opener will provide a new opportunity to showcase electric racing, advanced technology, and motorsport innovation.
The Kingdom’s continued investment could further strengthen its position within global motorsport. It also supports Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a major international destination for sustainable racing and world-class sporting events.
