The event is not a round of the FIA World Cup this season, but Saudi officials in Riyadh are confident of attracting a top class international entry nonetheless to tackle two days of competition over some of the most difficult and spectacular desert terrain to be found anywhere in the world.
This year’s event will run under the patronage of Prince Saud Bin Abdul Mohsen Bin Abdul Aziz, governor of Ha’il, President of the Supreme Commission for Ha’il Development and the Head of the Supreme Commission of the Ha’il Rally. The SAMF has also welcomed a new president on board, with Prince Sultan bin Bandar Al-Faisal taking over from Mishaal Al-Sudairy as the figurehead of the federation.
Event officials have confirmed that a generous prize fund will be offered to competitors on this occasion. The winner will receive SR100, 000 with SR 50, 000 offered to the runner-up, down to SR10, 000 for fifth position. The winner of the T2 category will earn himself SR30, 000, with SR20, 000 being awarded to the runner-up and SR10, 000 for third overall.
The assistance package for overseas participants consists of five nights’ accommodation in a two-room apartment for driver and co-driver, in addition to a payment of $ 2,500 toward costs. Entry visas are required for many nationalities and it is crucial that the relevant documentation is submitted to the SAMF as soon as possible.
Scrutineering and documentation will take place on Monday, Feb. 7th. Competitive action gets underway with a timed super special stage after the official starting ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 8th, while legs two and three will run through the An Nafud desert to the north and west of Ha’il on Wednesday, Feb. 9th and Thursday, Feb. 10th.
Entries are now open and further information is available from the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation, PO Box 87881, Riyadh 11652, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Tel: + 9661 477 1034/5, Fax: + 9661 477 1050, e-mail: or Hamoud Al-Jabry, Technical Advisor, Mobile: +966 560 623436 or + 966 546 677660, e-mail: , or [email protected].
