Tourism & Hospitality | Saturday 15 December, 2018 2:55 pm |

The Ad Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) is hosting the ‘Saudia’ Ad Diriyah E-Prix, the Middle East’s first ever ABB FIA Formula E Championship and the Season 5 opening race. The three-day festival in one of the Kingdom’s most iconic landmarks, is taking place from December 13ththrough Saturday December 15thwith a range of music, entertainment and cultural activities ahead of the much-awaited Formula E race on Saturday afternoon.

To fully showcase the beauty of Ad Diriyah to visitors during the Formula E Festival, DGDA has opened the gates to At-Turaif, one of five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia, for the first time since it was accorded its UNESCO status. The heritage site, which is open throughout the entire Formula E Festival, has been transformed into an immersive experience zone that includes interactive museums, live cultural performances and a chance to experience life at the time of the formation of the first Saudi state through unique arts and retail experiences. 

Gerard ‘Jerry’ Inzerillo, CEO of Ad Diriyah Gate Development Authority, said; “To all our international visitors attending this incredible event, we welcome you to the Kingdom. We are tremendously excited to welcome visitors, for the first time, into At-Turaif where they can experience beautiful Saudi history and traditions in an unparalleled historic landmark. Nearly all of our tour slots are fully booked, and we expect to host as many as 6,000 visitors in At-Turaif this weekend.”

The tours are open to Formula E ticket holders, who will get a chance to walk in the footsteps of kings and heroes through one of the world’s largest mud-brick cities. 

“During the whole Formula E Festival in Ad Diriyah, families and racing fans will be able to enjoy a broad range of activities both inside the Formula E fan zone and beyond.” Inzerillo continues, “This experience is enhanced by historic backdrop of Ad Diriyah and the commitment and expertise shown by everyone that has played a role in making this spectacular event happen. On behalf of DGDA, we wish a warm welcome to everyone joining us for the festivities. We look forward to sharing your experiences in Ad Diriyah, the home of hundreds of stories… after all there is only one Ad Diriyah.”

In recent months, DGDA has added thousands of square meters of green surfaces to Ad Diriyah, planting 14,000 indigenous trees and shrubs and over 350 palm trees as part of its mandate to celebrate and develop the area, as well as laying and repairing more than 3 kilometers of sidewalk to make the area more accessible to residents and visitors. The unique gathering place is open to visitors during the Formula E festival, and DGDA is looking forward to hosting a wide range of community activities in the year ahead.