Saudi Arabia: 2024 Hail International Rally Kicks Off
February 9, 2024,
Prince Abdul-Aziz bin Saad bin Abdul-Aziz, the Emir of the Hail Region of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Regional Development Authority, inaugurated the 19th edition of the 2024 Hail Toyota International Rally. This rally marks the opening round of the 2024 season for World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas, the FIA Middle East Bajas Cup, and the Saudi Toyota Desert Rally Championship.
The event kicked off at the Al-Maghawat National Center in Hail, with the presence of dignitaries including Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, President of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Emir of the Hail Region, and Prince Badr bin Fahd bin Faisal bin Farhan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Amateur Radio Society.
Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Faisal welcomed both international and local drivers and teams participating in various categories, emphasizing the growing popularity of motorsports in Saudi Arabia, especially among youth. He credited this popularity to the continuous support from Saudi leadership and the oversight of Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports.
Subsequently, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad officially announced the commencement of the 2024 Hail Toyota International Rally, with participating racing cars showcased at the Al-Maghawat Square.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad expressed gratitude for the backing of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Crown Prince, highlighting their significant contributions to the development of motorsports in the Kingdom on regional and international levels, with follow up from the Minister of Sports and President of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.
He emphasized the rally’s significance on both economic, cultural and sports fronts, elevating Hail as a global tourist destination. Notably, participants from over 24 nationalities have joined the event, showcasing its international appeal.
The rally commenced with a special demonstration stage starting from the “Qareen Anz” area, covering a 3-kilometer route.
The rally will see fierce competition between international and local competitors and motorcycle champions with the participation of 164 car and motorcycle racers and navigator from 24 different nationalities, taking part in cars and motorcycles. Ninety-seven cars are set to compete, alongside 25 participants in the motorcycle category, including six in the quad motorcycle category.