Today, Jeddah’s Northern Corniche witnessed intensive preparations as teams participating in the F1H2O World Championship began setting up their boats ahead of the 2025 Jeddah Grand Prix, hosted for the first time in the Kingdom as part of the Jeddah Season.
The site transformed into an open marine workshop with continuous activity from maintenance and operations teams. Boats were lifted using specialized equipment and moved to mechanical inspection areas for final preparations before the official program begins tomorrow.
The preparation scenes highlighted the extensive logistical work accompanying the championship, with technical teams inspecting every part of the high-specification boats and ensuring the readiness of engines, navigation systems, and the streamlined hull, which is a crucial element in high-speed marine races. Approximately 10 international teams are competing with 20 boats in one of the most prominent rounds on the international marine sports calendar.
The competitions are being held on the Northern Corniche, which has been prepared with a complete infrastructure including private docks for teams, enclosed maintenance areas, and dedicated spectator stands. The strategic coastal location also gives the event a distinctive visual character thanks to direct views of the marine circuit over the three-day competition.
The official program begins tomorrow with free trials, followed by qualifying rounds and speed races the next day to determine starting positions. The event concludes next Saturday with the main race of the 2025 Jeddah Grand Prix, which will crown the winners in one of the most important rounds of the world championship.
Jeddah’s Northern Corniche
The Northern Corniche is a scenic coastal stretch in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, renowned for its beautiful parks, beaches, and the iconic King Fahd’s Fountain—the tallest of its type in the world. Historically, the corniche has been developed as a major public recreation area, reflecting Jeddah’s modern expansion and its deep-rooted connection to the Red Sea. It serves as a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking leisure and picturesque views.
F1H2O World Championship
The F1H2O World Championship is the premier international class of inshore powerboat racing, sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM). Established in 1981, the championship features high-speed, single-seat Formula 1 powerboats competing on circuits set up on sheltered bays, lakes, and rivers around the world. It has grown into a globally televised series, showcasing a mix of legendary venues and new host cities.
2025 Jeddah Grand Prix
The 2025 Jeddah Grand Prix is a Formula 1 race scheduled to be held on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia. The event continues the nation’s recent history in the sport, which began with the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2021, as part of a broader strategy to host international sporting events. The race is known for its high-speed street circuit that runs alongside the Red Sea coastline.
Jeddah Season
Jeddah Season is a major annual entertainment and cultural festival held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Launched in 2019 as part of the country’s Saudi Seasons initiative, it aims to boost tourism and showcase the city’s vibrant culture. The event features concerts, theatrical performances, culinary experiences, and activities for all ages, transforming the city into a large-scale destination for several weeks.
