Extreme E Dessert X Prix

EXTREME SUSTAINABLE RACING

The Extreme E Desert X Prix has become one of the most significant sustainability-driven motorsport events in Saudi Arabia, with STAMiNA proudly serving as the event delivery partner for four consecutive years. Working under the leadership of Saudi Motorsports Company (SMC) and the Ministry of Sports (MOS), STAMiNA has been pivotal in bringing this pioneering electric off-road racing series to life in some of the most breathtaking and environmentally significant regions of the Kingdom. From the dramatic sandstone valleys of AlUla in 2021, to the untouched coastal wilderness of NEOM in 2022 and 2023, and most recently to the rugged coastline of Jeddah in 2024, the event has demonstrated Saudi Arabia’s ability to host world-class sustainable sporting events while promoting environmental conservation and technological innovation.

The core purpose of Extreme E is to highlight the impacts of climate change on fragile ecosystems while showcasing the potential of sustainable electric vehicle technology in extreme environments. Each season’s Desert X Prix has been strategically located to not only provide challenging terrains for the teams but also to tell a story about the surrounding environment’s vulnerabilities. The races are run entirely with electric SUVs powered by hydrogen fuel cell generators, leaving zero emissions on-site. The 2024 edition in Jeddah introduced a brand-new beachside circuit, designed to combine technical dune sections with flat, high-speed sandy stretches, offering one of the most visually captivating yet technically challenging tracks of the series.

STAMiNA’s role has been comprehensive, from venue overlay and build, logistics, and operations to sustainability management and stakeholder coordination. The operational challenges have been significant, especially considering that each location, from remote deserts to coastal wilderness, required a unique logistical plan.

Sustainability has been central to the project. Across all four editions, STAMiNA implemented practices that went beyond the event itself. Measures included solar-powered operational zones, waste recycling systems, zero single-use plastics policies, and strict restoration plans that ensured no permanent damage to the natural landscapes. Extreme E’s Legacy Programs in Saudi Arabia, supported logistically by STAMiNA, have included mangrove planting projects along the Red Sea coast and coral reef restoration initiatives in NEOM, leaving a positive environmental footprint long after the race is over.

The impact of the event has been massive on both local and global scales. The Desert X Prix races have been broadcast in over 180 countries, reaching millions of viewers and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in sustainable motorsport. The 2024 edition alone welcomed a record number of spectators onsite in Jeddah’s coastal zone, with strong community participation driven by educational programs, school partnerships, and public engagement activities focused on environmental conservation and electric mobility.

Delivering this event over four consecutive years has come with a distinct set of evolving challenges. From the complex terrain logistics of AlUla to the remote isolation of NEOM and the coastal constraints of Jeddah, STAMiNA has continuously innovated operational strategies. Working under tight environmental regulations, extreme weather fluctuations, and logistical constraints, the team developed modular infrastructure solutions that allowed rapid deployment without disturbing the local ecosystems.

Evaluating the success of each event combined quantitative metrics such as audience reach, carbon offset records, and community participation rates with qualitative feedback from stakeholders, government partners, and participants. The 2024 Jeddah edition alone achieved over 25 million broadcast impressions, engaged 100+ local staff, and saw a 30% increase in social media engagement compared to previous years.

What makes the Extreme E Desert X Prix in Saudi Arabia truly unique is its seamless integration of high-performance sport with meaningful climate action. It’s not simply a race; it’s a mobile laboratory for sustainability, gender equality (with every racing team comprising one male and one female driver), and environmental advocacy. The partnership between STAMiNA, SMC, and the Ministry of Sports has been a cornerstone of this success, delivering an event that not only meets world-class motorsport standards but also sets a benchmark for how sports can drive real-world environmental impact.

Extreme E in Saudi Arabia, executed flawlessly by STAMiNA for four consecutive seasons, is a shining example of how visionary sport, operational excellence, and environmental responsibility can come together to create a legacy far beyond the finish line.