ALKHOBAR, 25 March 2004 — Eastern Province Governor Prince Muhammad ibn Fahd formally launched the first ever Union Internationale Motonautique Formula One Power Boat World Championship race last night at Sun Set Beach.
The governor said, in front of international drivers, princes and top officials, that the first Saudi Grand Prix will usher in a new era in sports in the Kingdom and will be a big success. He said the government will provide all support to any such event that will boost sports in the country.
Prince Muhammad congratulated Prince Faisal ibn Fahd ibn Abdullah, chairman of the organizing committee, for bring international sporting event to the Eastern Province. He wished all success to the participants and especially to the Saudi team led by Laith Pharaon.
Prince Sultan ibn Salman, secretary general of the Supreme Commission of Tourism, said that such events will open doors for international tourists in Saudi Arabia. He said that the Formula One event is the beginning of a new era in sports in the Kingdom and hoped that other international events will also be organized in the Kingdom.
The chairman of the organizing committee and the brain behind the event, Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Ibn Abdullah thanked Prince Muhammad for his all out support to the event. He told the cheering crowds that plans were in final stages to host final tour of Class One race for power boats in November in the Eastern or Western Province. He said the Saudi coast were perfect for international races and were as beautiful and clean as in the West.
Ralf Frohling, chairman of the Union Internationale Motonautique expressed his satisfaction over the arrangements and said that they were of international standard. He hoped that the race will be a big success.
Later a laser show depicted the concept of the speed boat racing as well as the Sun Set Beach that was awarded as the most beautiful beach in the region. A video presentation also detailed the cultural and economic growth of the Kingdom.
Today the Saudi Team, led by Laith Pharaon, will conduct a test drive in the waters of the Arabian Gulf. There will also be a special cruise for journalists in power boats.
