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.
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