Skip to main content

Blue Waves and High Speed: My Experience at the E1 Powerboat Race in Jeddah

I had the amazing opportunity to witness a world-class event right here in Jeddah—the UIM E1 World Electric Powerboat Series . The event took place in the beautiful Obhur area, a spot known for its calm, lake-like waters, making it the perfect stage for high-speed boating and water sports.

A Festival Atmosphere

As we approached the venue, the excitement was already in the air. The roads were redirected to manage the crowd, and everything was perfectly organized. I had pre-booked a free ticket, and upon arrival, I received an E1 wristband. After a quick security check, we entered the fan zone, and the vibe was incredible!

It felt like a grand festival. While the "RaceBirds" (the special electric boats) were flying across the water, the land was filled with celebrations. There were people waving team flags, stilt walkers, drummers, and a DJ playing energetic music. People from all over the world had gathered in Jeddah just for this event. The entire venue was themed in a stunning electric blue —from the carpets and stalls to the bright lights.



The "RaceBird"

One of the highlights was seeing the RaceBird up close. These are specially designed electric powerboats that look like something from the future. They had one on display for visitors to see. While we were allowed to take photos, the volunteers were very careful not to let anyone touch the high-tech vessel. It truly is a masterpiece of engineering.

The Thrilling Finale

I arrived just in time to catch the final rounds. The competition was as intense as a traditional boat race but with a modern, high-tech twist. What makes E1 unique is that each boat is piloted by a team of two—one man and one woman.

Team Aoki emerged as the winners! The prize distribution ceremony was a grand affair, attended by Saudi ministers and other dignitaries. When Team Aoki celebrated their victory on stage with music, fire, and smoke effects, the energy was contagious. The winners even jumped into the sea to share their joy with the fans!




A Night to Remember

As the sun went down, the venue transformed. The blue lights created a magical "vibe." We walked around the various stalls and enjoyed a fantastic live musical performance on the main stage. In the distance, I could see the silhouette of the Jeddah Tower under construction, reaching toward the sky.


It was a day filled with speed, technology, and celebration. Jeddah continues to prove itself as a hub for global sporting events, and being part of the E1 race was an experience I won’t forget.



About the Author

Ikbal Valiyathodi is the founder of Ishabil.com , a travel blog sharing budget-friendly travel stories, stopover hacks, and real experiences from around the world. He believes travel should be simple, honest, and possible for everyone.

📍 Follow on: Facebook | Instagram



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Bangkok River Boat Guide: Routes, Rates, and Piers (2026).

The Chao Phraya River is the lifeblood of Bangkok. While the Skytrain (BTS) and Underground (MRT) are efficient, nothing beats the experience of catching a breeze on the water while bypassing the city's famous traffic jams. For the readers of Ishabil.com , we have compiled the ultimate guide to the routes, rates, and secrets of the Bangkok boat system. 1. The Chao Phraya Express Boats (The Colored Flags) The most common way to travel is via the Express Boats. You can identify them by the colored flags on the back of the boat. The Blue Flag (Tourist Boat) Best for: First-time visitors and sightseeing. Route: Sathorn (Central Pier) to Phra Arthit. Stops: It stops at 9 major piers including Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace. Rate:  40 THB per trip or 150 THB for an All-Day Pass. Facilities: English-speaking an...

Oorakam: A Saga of Heritage, Struggle, and Culture

  Oorakam Grama Panchayat is not just a geographical entity; it is a land steeped in history, nestled in the scenic folds of the Malappuram district. Situated at the western edge of the old Eranad Taluk, between the flowing Kadalundi River and the majestic Oorakam Hill, this village comprises the areas of Oorakam, Melmuri, and Keezhmuri. From its origins as a dense forest to its evolution into a culturally rich society, the story of Oorakam is one of resilience and transformation. 1. The Land of Hills and Folklore Etymology and Geography The name "Oorakam" is believed to be derived from the phrase "Malamadakkukalkkakath Kidanna Ooru" (The village lying inside the folds of the hills). Centuries ago, this region was a dense wilderness, isolated from the outside world, with the Kadalundi River serving as the only link to civilization. The land’s wild past is echoed in its place names: Karimpili Pannippara ...

The World in Miniature: A Tour of the Ishabil Nest Collection.

  Welcome to Ishabil Nest , where the world’s most iconic skylines and historic marvels fit right on a shelf. Our curated collection of over 50 architectural miniatures brings together the engineering of the modern world and the artistry of ancient history. From the romantic streets of Paris to the holy sanctuaries of Makkah, this is a journey across continents—no passport required. Here is an inside look at the treasures housed within the Ishabil Nest. 🏙️ Reaching for the Clouds: The Skyscrapers The crown jewels of the collection are undoubtedly the titans of the skyline. The collection features a timeline of the "World's Tallest Buildings," represented in intricate detail. The Burj Khalifa (Dubai, UAE): Standing as the tallest existing structure in the world, our metal replica pays homage to this 830-meter giant. The Petronas Towers (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia): We hold a distinct 20x4 cm iron ...