Jeddah Rally set to roll next month

JEDDAH: The 2016 Jeddah Rally Desert Challenge powered by Land Rover will take place Nov. 17-18.

Under the patronage of Makkah Governor Prince Khalid Al-Faisal and Prince Mishaal bin Majed bin Abdulaziz, governor of Jeddah and chairman of the Organizing Committee, the annual rally is organized by the International Automobile Federation and Saudi Arabian Motor Federation.

The 3rd edition of the event gets under way on Nov. 17 with a super special spectator stage at the northern part of Ubhar toward Khulais area.

A lineup of 18 competitors from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Lebanon have confirmed their participation.

A press conference was presided by Abdullah Bakhshab, director of the organizing committee and Mahmoud Mirza, Land Rover marketing manager, with the attendance of media representatives.

“We are indebted to Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Makkah governor, Prince Mishaal bin Majed bin Abdulaziz, governor of Jeddah and chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Rally and Prince Sultan Al Faisal, president of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation, for their consistent support over the years to make this an event known and respected locally and regionally, “said Bakhashab.

Bakhashab said that the rally is expected to attract participation from all spectrums of the motor sport world. “There will be 20 participants split between the T1 and T2 categories, as classified by the Federation of International Automobile (FIA).”

Meanwhile, Mirza said: “After the successful of the previous rallies, we are very happy to be part of this year’s as strategic partner for the event. Land Rover has a strong focus on motorsports in the Middle East and the Jeddah Rally forms a powerful platform for us.”

He added: “We would like to assure you that we have achieved some of our goals with our participation in last two years and we continue to have a presence in this event as it aligns with our strategic plans.”