RIYADH, 6 January 2006 — Saudi Arabia is all set to witness the first international rally to be held in Hail region from Feb. 4-8.
The idea was no more than a dream-like talk among Hail people who couldn’t express indescribable feelings when a Royal Decree was issued approving the rally.
Thanks to the support of Hail Governor Prince Saud ibn Abdulmohsin, president of High Commission for Development of Hail Region (HCDHR), and Prince Abdullah ibn Khaled ibn Abdullah, HCDHR’s vice president and Head of Hail Rally Executive Committee, they made the Rally come true officially.
Various sports committees were formed for the preparation of the historical event that aims to show the true picture of Hail tradition, cultural forms and its well-known hospitality.
Prince Abdullah ibn Khaled ibn Abdullah said in an interview that the commission was eager to achieve various objectives and advantages through the rally. “The basic objective behind organizing the rally is to cater for Hail citizens’ interests in opening up financial and investment opportunities. Undoubtedly, the event will enable them to pursue their interests,” the prince added.
The prince explained that the commission’s initiative in hosting the rally was to encourage the tourism sector, expand its activities in the region and enable visitors have first hand information and see the rich culture of the Hail Region.
“Being held for the first time in the Kingdom, the rally will also create the first core of a Saudi team of rally drivers,” Prince Abdullah said, adding that HCDHR is proceeding with its strategic plan toward promoting tourism industry in the Kingdom in partnership with both public and private sectors.
“We’re seeking coordination with various competent entities to link the Hail region with all parts of the Kingdom via a tourism network that would help our citizens utilize all facilities available,” the prince said.
Furthermore, HCDHR has allocated financial rewards and precious gifts to the first winners to encourage them. It also invited professional rally drivers from other GCC countries to enrich the event and contribute to its activities. Economic experts anticipate that the rally returns might exceed SR25 million. Such returns will help establishing a strong infrastructure in the Hail Region.
“All people will have a golden opportunity to provide services and thus expand their incomes,” said Prince Abdullah.
The commission has established contacts with the Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT) and Saudi Automobile & Touring Association (SATA), a member of International De L’automobile. SATA’s member of Board of Directors and Head of Sports Committee Mishal Al-Sudairi said that such events would provide a golden opportunity for many Saudis to participate. The Hail Rally will be the internal door for our youth to become international drivers and raise the Saudi flag globally.” He added that the General Presidency of Youth Welfare supports this kind of sport and provides all services and facilities for drivers.
On the other hand, Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province have seen three qualification rounds and 21 drivers have qualified for the final rally after taking intensive driving courses during the last three weeks. Al-Sudairi said that the aim of such rounds is to qualify and upgrade Saudi drivers’ skills. “With the support from the General Presidency of Youth Welfare, SATA has brought international experts to come and give lectures so as to enable amateur drivers comprehend technical rally rules and laws,” he added.
