Saudi Arabia will open up its borders to fans of live sport, music and culture for the first time with the launch of a new online visa process dedicated to welcoming international tourists.

The new visa process platform known as ‘Sharek’ was announced as part of the country’s Vision 2030 plan at the launch of the Ad Diriyah E-Prix here on Tuesday.

‘Sharek’ will be introduced at the inaugural Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix being staged at a stunning UNESCO heritage site on the outskirts of Riyadh on Dec. 15, 2018.

“With the introduction of ‘Sharek’, our visa entry process for fans worldwide, we can share the event. We hope the Saudia Diriyah E Prix will see fans from around the globe come to Saudi Arabia to watch this epic sporting spectacle as now your ticket is your visa,” said Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki AlFaisal Al-Saud, Vice-Chair of the Saudi Arabia General Sports Authority, at a press conference.

At the launch ceremony Prince Abdul Aziz was joined by Prince Khaled Bin Sultan AlFaisal Al-Saud, President of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation. From the racing world, Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag was joined by F1 legend turned Formula E star with the Venturi team Felipe Massa and Susie Wolff, Venturi team principal and shareholder.

Organizers hope that a large number of international fans will access the online visa process and travel to the country to witness the debut of Formula E in the Middle East and the debut of striking new-look Gen2 car for the start of season five.

“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,” said Prince Khaled.

Saudi Gazette

BDST: 1144 HRS, SEPT 26, 2018
SI