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10/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/01/2024 01:20

“Visit Qatar E1 Doha GP” announced for 2025 Season at The Pearl Island

Doha, September 30th 2024, The UIM E1 World Championship, the world's first all-electric raceboat series, has revealed the first of its second season destinations, Doha, Qatar, during the partnership signing ceremony between UIM, Visit Qatar and United Development Company held on September 30th at Corinthia Yacht Club, The Pearl Island, Qatar. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Alejandro Agag, E1 Chairman, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, and Mr. Ibrahim Jassim Al-Othman, President, CEO and Member of The Board of United Development Company.

An exciting addition to the 2025 race calendar, the Visit Qatar E1 Doha GP will take place on 21-22 February 2025 was revealed to the world's media today in Doha, E1's landmark deal with Visit Qatar and United Development Company will see the Championship's pioneering electric raceboat, the RaceBird, take flight at one of the most distinguished coastal cities of the Middle East: Doha.

The stunning Corinthia Yacht Club on The Pearl Island will play host to E1's adrenaline-fuelled racing series as teams vie to be crowned Champions of the Water. Fans will pack the shoreline of the globally recognized island which spans an impressive four million square meters of meticulously reclaimed land. Adorned with 32 kilometers of new coastline, this visionary project accommodates an estimated 25,000 residences, currently embracing a thriving community of 52,000 residents.

In its debut season, the championship has raced to establish itself as the new playground for the rich and famous. Anchoring in iconic coastal cities around the world such as Jeddah, Venice, Lake Como, Marbella and Monaco, its global appeal has been supercharged by a host of high-profile celebrity team owners, including Will Smith, Rafael Nadal and Tom Brady.

Now that star-power will be arriving in Qatar, a nation that has become one of the world's premier hosts for the biggest sporting events in the world, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup, Formula 1 Grand Prix events, the IAAF Diamond League and the Tour of Qatar.

Doha will be part of a 2025 season that's set to be bigger than ever, with a raft of new race destinations and teams in the pipeline. With races in Doha and Jeddah, E1 is establishing a race block in the Middle East, with Europe and the Americas expected to host racing throughout the season.

Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, said: "Through our partnership with E1 , Visit Qatar will bring to the country a new sporting championship, further enriching the country's sports scene. Qatar continues to enhance its sports infrastructure and hosting mega-sporting international tournaments for residents and visitors to experience. The significance of Qatar's sporting legacy lies in the country's track record of hosting and supporting major sporting events. Qatar has built a reputation as a hub for international sports tournaments, hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022™, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the AFC Asian CupTM to name a few. We are also preparing to host FIBA World Cup in 2027 and the Asian Games 2030, all of which showcases the country's state-of-the-art infrastructure, organisational capabilities, and commitment to excellence".

E1 Co-Founder and Chairman, Alejandro Agag said, "E1 is in the infancy of an incredible journey that will not just transform racing on water forever but drive technological advancement in marine mobility that will impact millions around the world.

"Our partners in Qatar have a deep understanding of the power of the electrification of sport, and the Visit Qatar E1 Doha GP is a further commitment to being at the forefront of this exciting legacy."
United Development Company's President, CEO, and Member of The Board Mr. Ibrahim Jassim Al-Othman said "Hosting E1 at The Pearl Island exemplifies our unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. As an iconic waterfront landmark, The Pearl Island reflects Qatar's architectural brilliance while promoting tourism and establishing itself as a premier hub for water sports. We are proud to host this event at Corinthia Yacht Club which stands as testament to exceptional hospitality and boating experiences. This event promises to be a remarkable celebration of our passion and dedication, all within a breathtaking setting that will undoubtedly captivate both local and international audiences."

The E1 World Championship is the world's first electric powerboat racing tournament, licensed and authorised by UIM, the world governing body of powerboating. Designed to promote clean technologies that protect marine life and coastal waters, the E1 World Championship transforms nautical racing to being powered entirely by electric. The tournament will see eight races around the world, with Doha being one of the stops. The Championship entails multiple formats including practice and qualifying sessions, in addition to the line race.