SEVEN Launches World’s First Formula E Karting in Abha

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company, announced on September 29, 2026, the launch of the world’s first Formula E Karting experience at its SEVEN Abha destination, marking a milestone in the Kingdom’s expanding entertainment and motorsport landscape. The announcement, released through the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), confirms that the attraction features an interactive electric karting track designed to combine competitive spirit, excitement, and engagement, giving families and motorsport enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy an immersive experience inspired by the atmosphere of a championship event. Have you ever imagined racing on a track that brings the thrill of a global electric racing series directly to your city?

The new attraction places Abha, the capital of the Asir region in southwestern Saudi Arabia, at the forefront of a national roll-out that will later bring the same experience to Riyadh, Dammam, and Al-Kharj. The launch reflects the growing collaboration between SEVEN and Formula E, the world’s premier electric racing championship, and underscores how Saudi Arabia is weaving global sporting brands into its domestic entertainment offering. For international observers, the development is a clear signal that the Kingdom’s leisure sector is maturing rapidly, moving beyond traditional attractions toward immersive, technology-driven experiences that appeal to residents and visitors alike. What does it mean when a global racing brand chooses Saudi Arabia for its first-ever karting concept?

Context and Background

How did Saudi Arabia become a launchpad for world-first entertainment concepts? The answer lies in the rapid transformation of the Kingdom’s entertainment sector under Saudi Vision 2030, the national reform agenda launched in 2016 to diversify the economy and improve quality of life. Saudi Entertainment Ventures was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company to develop a network of integrated entertainment destinations across the country, each blending locally developed concepts with globally renowned experiences created in partnership with leading international brands. SEVEN Abha is one of those destinations, and its selection as the first site for the Formula E Karting experience highlights the company’s strategy of distributing high-value attractions beyond the major metropolitan centers.

The partnership between SEVEN and Formula E builds on Saudi Arabia’s broader relationship with the electric racing series. The Kingdom has hosted Formula E races in Diriyah, near Riyadh, since 2018, drawing international drivers, teams, and fans to a UNESCO World Heritage site and demonstrating the country’s capacity to stage world-class motorsport events. That established relationship has now evolved into a permanent, family-oriented attraction that operates year-round rather than for a single race weekend. For Abha, a city known for its cooler climate, mountain scenery, and growing tourism profile, the arrival of a Formula E-branded karting track adds a new dimension to its appeal as a destination for domestic and international travelers.

The timing of the announcement also reflects the accelerating pace of entertainment investment in Saudi Arabia. Across the Kingdom, new venues, festivals, and sporting facilities are opening at a record rate, supported by public investment and strategic partnerships. SEVEN’s decision to launch the Formula E Karting experience first in Abha, rather than in the capital, signals a deliberate effort to spread the benefits of this growth across regions and to position secondary cities as credible destinations for world-class leisure. Isn’t it significant when a global brand’s first location is chosen outside the usual capital-city circuit?

Key Details of the Formula E Karting Experience

What exactly will visitors find when they arrive at the SEVEN Abha destination? According to the official announcement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the attraction features a 428-meter indoor track equipped with electric karts designed for both adults and children. The fleet includes two-seater karts, giving visitors the flexibility to choose a ride suited to their age and skill level. This inclusive approach is central to the experience: rather than catering only to seasoned motorsport fans, the track is built to welcome families, first-time drivers, and young enthusiasts, creating a shared activity that fits the broader quality-of-life objectives of Vision 2030.

The karts themselves are electric, aligning the attraction with wider environmental goals and with Formula E’s identity as a zero-emission racing series. The indoor setting ensures the experience operates consistently throughout the year, unaffected by Abha’s seasonal weather patterns, and the track’s design is intended to recreate the atmosphere of a championship event. Interactive elements add a layer of engagement beyond pure driving, turning each visit into an immersive experience rather than a simple recreational activity. For a generation of Saudi youth growing up with greater access to sport and entertainment, the track offers an accessible entry point into motorsport culture.

The experience is also designed to be scalable. SEVEN Abha is the first of four destinations in the Kingdom to introduce the Formula E Karting concept, with Riyadh, Dammam, and Al-Kharj scheduled to follow as part of the partnership between SEVEN and Formula E. This phased roll-out mirrors SEVEN’s broader approach of developing a portfolio of destinations that share a common standard of quality while adapting to local contexts. Each site will contribute to a national network of entertainment venues, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for leisure and tourism. Could this network eventually make Saudi Arabia a reference point for electric karting worldwide?

International and Regional Impact

How will the international motorsport community view Saudi Arabia’s latest move? The launch of the world’s first Formula E Karting experience reinforces the Kingdom’s reputation as an innovator in sports and entertainment, not merely a host of major events. Formula E has grown into a globally recognized championship with races in cities across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East, and its brand carries connotations of sustainability, technology, and youth appeal. By embedding that brand in a permanent family attraction, Saudi Arabia is extending the lifecycle of a major event partnership into everyday leisure, creating touchpoints with audiences that may never attend a professional race.

Regionally, the development adds momentum to the competition among Gulf states to attract tourism and entertainment spending. Saudi Arabia’s advantage lies in the scale of its domestic market, the breadth of its investment program, and its ability to integrate entertainment with broader economic and social reforms. The Formula E Karting experience in Abha also complements the Asir region’s existing tourism assets, including its mountain resorts, cultural heritage, and seasonal festivals. Visitors planning a trip to Abha will now have an additional reason to extend their stay, supporting local hospitality, retail, and food and beverage businesses. Doesn’t a world-first attraction give a destination a distinct edge in a crowded regional market?

Economic and Strategic Significance

What does this launch mean for Saudi Arabia’s economy and its strategic priorities? The entertainment sector is a key pillar of Vision 2030, which aims to increase household spending on recreation, create jobs for young Saudis, and raise the Kingdom’s profile as a global destination. SEVEN’s investments are designed to contribute to these goals by developing destinations that generate employment, attract private-sector partners, and stimulate local supply chains. The Formula E Karting experience adds a differentiated offering to that portfolio, one that leverages an international brand to draw visitors and create a memorable, repeatable activity.

Strategically, the partnership with Formula E aligns with Saudi Arabia’s wider push into electric mobility and clean technology. The Kingdom has invested in electric vehicle manufacturing, charging infrastructure, and sustainable transport as part of its economic diversification agenda. A karting experience built around electric karts introduces these technologies to a broad public in an enjoyable, low-barrier format. It also complements Saudi Arabia’s hosting of major motorsport events, including Formula E races and Formula 1, by creating a grassroots connection between elite racing and community-level participation. In this sense, the Abha track is not just an amusement facility but a piece of a larger ecosystem linking sport, sustainability, and economic transformation.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the Formula E Karting experience in Abha fit into the long-term vision for Saudi Arabia? The project directly supports the quality-of-life and entertainment-sector objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the Kingdom into a more vibrant society where citizens and residents have access to diverse cultural and recreational activities. By selecting Abha as the first location, SEVEN is contributing to the balanced regional development that Vision 2030 emphasizes, ensuring that the benefits of entertainment investment reach communities beyond the largest cities. The track’s family-friendly design, with karts for adults, children, and two-seater options, reflects the vision’s focus on strengthening family bonds and promoting inclusive leisure.

Looking ahead, the planned expansion to Riyadh, Dammam, and Al-Kharj will extend the Formula E Karting experience to millions more residents and visitors, deepening the partnership between SEVEN and Formula E and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for innovative entertainment. As the Kingdom continues to open new destinations, host international events, and invest in sustainable technologies, projects like this demonstrate how global collaboration can serve local ambitions. The world’s first Formula E Karting experience is more than a new attraction; it is a statement that Saudi Arabia is building the future of leisure, one track at a time. Will the next world-first also call the Kingdom home?

20 Questions

Q1. What did Saudi Entertainment Ventures announce on September 29, 2026?

A1. SEVEN announced the launch of the world’s first Formula E Karting experience at its SEVEN Abha destination, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The attraction features an interactive electric karting track designed for families and motorsport enthusiasts.

Q2. What is Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN)?

A2. SEVEN is a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company. It develops integrated entertainment destinations across Saudi Arabia, blending local concepts with global brands in support of Vision 2030’s quality-of-life and entertainment goals.

Q3. Where is the Formula E Karting experience located?

A3. The first location is SEVEN Abha, in the Asir region of southwestern Saudi Arabia. It is the first of four planned destinations in the Kingdom to host the experience.

Q4. What are the key features of the karting track?

A4. The track is 428 meters long and indoors. It features electric karts for adults and children, including two-seater karts, allowing visitors to choose a ride suited to their age and skill level.

Q5. What makes the experience inspired by Formula E?

A5. The attraction recreates the atmosphere of a championship event, combining competitive spirit, excitement, and engagement. It uses electric karts, aligning with Formula E’s zero-emission racing identity.

Q6. Which other Saudi cities will get the Formula E Karting experience?

A6. After Abha, the experience will open in Riyadh, Dammam, and Al-Kharj. This roll-out is part of the partnership between SEVEN and Formula E.

Q7. When will the other locations open?

A7. The announcement did not specify exact opening dates for Riyadh, Dammam, and Al-Kharj. It confirmed they will follow as part of the phased partnership between SEVEN and Formula E.

Q8. Is the karting experience suitable for children?

A8. Yes. The track includes karts designed for children as well as adults, plus two-seater karts. This makes it accessible for families and younger visitors.

Q9. What is the significance of the track being indoor?

A9. The indoor setting allows year-round operation regardless of weather. It also creates a controlled environment for the immersive, championship-style experience.

Q10. How does this project support Saudi Vision 2030?

A10. It supports the quality-of-life and entertainment-sector goals of Vision 2030 by expanding recreational options, promoting family activities, and contributing to regional development beyond major cities.

Q11. What is Formula E?

A11. Formula E is the world’s premier electric racing championship. It stages races in major cities globally and promotes sustainable mobility and electric vehicle technology.

Q12. Has Saudi Arabia hosted Formula E races before?

A12. Yes. Saudi Arabia has hosted Formula E races in Diriyah, near Riyadh, since 2018. The new karting experience extends that relationship into a permanent attraction.

Q13. Why was Abha chosen as the first location?

A13. Abha is a growing tourism destination known for its climate and scenery. Launching there supports SEVEN’s strategy of spreading world-class entertainment across Saudi regions.

Q14. What economic benefits could the attraction bring to Abha?

A14. It can attract visitors, support local hospitality and retail businesses, and create jobs. It also adds a reason for tourists to extend their stay in the Asir region.

Q15. Are the karts environmentally friendly?

A15. Yes. The karts are electric, producing zero tailpipe emissions. This aligns with Formula E’s sustainability focus and Saudi Arabia’s broader clean-technology investments.

Q16. What other types of attractions does SEVEN develop?

A16. SEVEN develops a diverse portfolio of entertainment destinations featuring locally developed concepts and globally renowned experiences created with international partners, all in support of Vision 2030.

Q17. How does this project fit into Saudi Arabia’s motorsport strategy?

A17. It complements major events like Formula E and Formula 1 by creating grassroots participation. It helps build a motorsport culture and introduces electric mobility to a wider audience.

Q18. What is the role of Qiddiya Investment Company?

A18. Qiddiya Investment Company is the parent company of SEVEN. It leads the development of Qiddiya, a major entertainment and cultural project near Riyadh, and supports SEVEN’s national network.

Q19. Will the experience host competitions or events?

A19. The announcement describes an interactive experience inspired by a championship atmosphere. It does not specify a competition calendar, but the design supports competitive and engaging activities.

Q20. What does this launch say about Saudi Arabia’s global role?

A20. It shows Saudi Arabia as an innovator in entertainment and sport, capable of attracting world-first concepts. It reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a hub for global partnerships and sustainable leisure.

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