Saudi Arabia: Drone World Cup to hover over Riyadh Season

Cairo: Drone enthusiasts are in for a big surprise in Saudi Arabia. As part of its current edition, the Riyadh Season, the kingdom’s annual entertainment festival, will feature the Drone Racing World Cup on Thursday.

“For the first time in the Middle East and North Africa, the Drone Racing World Cup lands in BlvdCity, sponsored by the Riyadh Season and organised by SAFCSP January 23-25,” head of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Turki Al Alsheikh said in an X post.

The event is organised by the Saudi Federation for Cyber Security and Programming (SAFCSP) in cooperation with the World Air Sports Federation, bringing together leading drone pilots from more than 50 countries. They will compete in a series of rounds. Around SR1.3 million worth prizes for competitors and visitors are up for grabs.

“This marks the first event of its kind in the Middle East, featuring elite drone pilots from over 50 countries competing in thrilling high-speed races for a chance to win prizes totalling over 1 million SAR,” SAFCSP said in an X post.

The tournament will take place in Boulevard City, one of the popular zones at the Riyadh Season.

The current fifth edition of the Riyadh Season kicked off on October 12, featuring 14 zones, 11 world championships and 10 exhibitions.

The festival has seen several zones areas, including “The Groves” and “Souq Al-Oulain”, an area that combines authenticity and creativity, highlighting Saudi heritage, traditional handicrafts, and traditional cuisine.

The recently opened “Dunes of Arabia” zone attracts camping and winter enthusiasts.

The festival in its latest edition draws visitors with an interesting calendar of boxing, wrestling, and tennis matches as well as classy restaurants, unique entertainment experiences and the “Wonder Garden” zone.

A big attraction is the “Boulevard Runway” zone presenting decommissioned aircraft transformed into exciting entertainment venues and upmarket restaurants.

Saudi Arabia is seeking to diversify its oil-reliant economy and attract more visitors.

In 2016, the kingdom created GEA, a state agency that has since sponsored a slew of star-studded concerts, stage shows and festivals.