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', will be introduced for the inaugural Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix, the opening race to the 2018/19 ABB FIA Formula E Championship being staged at a stunning Unesco heritage site on the outskirts of Riyadh on December 15.

The ancient historical city of Diriyah, the first seat of power for Saudi's Kings, will make history again by hosting the biggest festival of racing, live music and entertainment ever witnessed in the country, including thrilling action on the track and global superstars performing on stage over three days.

Today's announcement at the venue, attended by Formula E stars including Felipe Massa, Susie Wolff and André Lotterer, saw the new 'Sharek' platform launched as part of the country's Vision 2030 plan. Organisers 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 5.

In an event marked by many firsts, the Ad Diriyah E Prix will be the first-time foreign travellers can access Saudi Arabia in such a fast and uncomplicated process as it opens its doors to sports tourism.

The kingdom's commitment to tourism, a cornerstone of Vision 2030, and the importance of Formula E within the sporting, social and business calendar of the region, was underscored by the announcement that Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) - the national flag carrier of the kingdom - is the new official airline partner of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship and the race title partner.

HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki AlFaisal Al Saud, vice-chair of the Saudi Arabia General Sports Authority, said: "This is a truly game-changing moment for Saudi Arabia and one that we can share with the world. It is very fitting that the such a futuristic and sustainable sport as Formula E is pointing to the future direction of our country. Naturally to have Saudia, our national carrier, as the new title sponsor signals our intent to reach out and invite fans to our historic and original capital.
 
"Saudi Arabia is home to literally millions of passionate young fans of motorsport. Many of whom simply cannot believe that Felipe Massa took the Gen2 car around the streets of the capital today and that they now have a 'home race' on the Formula E calendar. So already the excitement is building especially since we're adding live music concerts to the weekend line-up."

"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. We can promise a line-up both on the track, onstage and amongst a breathtaking historical setting that will excite fans across the world. It is the perfect combination of live sport, entertainment, technology and culture all in the one place and all at the one time."

At the launch ceremony, HRH was joined by dignitaries from Saudia and a number of government entities working together to deliver the event, including the Saudi Arabian Motorsport 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. Massa and Wolff have also been named as Saudia brand ambassadors.

In preparation for the Formula E race, Saudi Arabia has worked with Unesco to create the track from the historic city's existing roads network, holding true to the sustainable nature of Formula E and minimising noise pollution. The project has inspired infrastructure investment and conservation efforts around the archaeological jewel, not only enhancing the site but proudly displaying it to the world.

Over three days throughout the Formula E weekend, a series of cultural and entertainment events will be staged to ensure the race is memorable for fans, families and international tourists alike. Further details of an incredible global line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.

HRH 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."

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. - TradeArabia News Service