Formula 1 race highlights Saudi identity to all

JEDDAH: The STC Formula 1 Saudi Grand Prix 2022's second-round returned back loaded with many exciting and attractive experiences. But one unique feel that makes this experience different in the Kingdom is the distinctiveness of this version with a lot of the Saudi cultural character. These cultural characteristics attract citizen visitors from different regions to enhance their Saudi identity while introducing these cultural specialties of the Kingdom to foreign visitors. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the fastest street circuit in the calendar of Formula 1 race, has strategically placed individual markers through which they introduce visitors to the heritage of Saudi Arabia, like the screens at the Paddock Club area where Formula 1 drivers, teams, assistants, and guests can enjoy and learn about the culture of Saudi Arabia. The screens in the Paddock Club area show the most prominent arts of the Kingdom such as the Saudi folk dances and crafts before the start of the race, in addition to their placement of the most prominent cities and regions of the Kingdom such as AlUla, Farasan Island, Al Soudah, and that in order to promote Saudi tourism to attract visitors. The identity of the STC Formula 1 Saudi Grand Prix 2022 in Jeddah was characterized by the Arabic calligraphy and by integrating the Arabic calligraphy with the English language. The integrated calligraphy highlighted drivers’ names, places in the media island area and the Paddock Club area. Many drawings were added to the most prominent landmarks of Jeddah in a modern way by using Neon art illustrations. Music also had a share in attracting and educating visitors, with musicians in the Paddock Club area playing oud, qanun, and saxophone. And one of the beautiful gestures in the media island is the setting up of the Saudi tent to attract foreign media professionals to experience and enjoy the ambiance of tents. One of the most prominent booths in the STC Formula 1 Saudi Grand Prix areas is the Year of Saudi Coffee booth of the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with the Culinary Arts Commission. The Ministry of Culture had announced that 2022 is to be named Year of Saudi Coffee, in addition to changing the name of Arabic coffee officially to Saudi coffee, which is considered as a major element in Saudi culture and folklore. When we enter the Saudi Coffee booth, young Saudi men and women in Saudi cultural costumes from all regions of the Kingdom who draw, through their welcome and smiles, all the guests to visit the booth. The Year of Saudi Coffee booth is characterized by the presence of the finest types of coffee beans and different blends and spices from all regions of the Kingdom. Apart from the visitors being able to experience and taste the different types of coffee, they will also be introduced to the different coffee roasting and preparation methods. In addition they will treated to dates and some kind of Saudi dessert. A Saudi representatives from the Year of Saudi Coffee booth revealed, “Though there are 14 recipes to prepare Saudi coffee from different regions of the Kingdom, here 5 recipes were selected to be presented to Formula 1 race visitors.” An Italian man, after trying the Saudi coffee, said, "The Saudi coffee is more softer than the European coffee, I thought it would be like espresso, but it is more like tea.” "I have to get used to it, because I am Italian and I am used to another type of coffee, and this is new for me. But this is good too because there's so many types, like the soft ones and the strong ones." The Italian, who took several samples of Saudi coffee, said that he wanted to take it to his father to try it. The Italian could stock up on the samples as the Year of Saudi Coffee distributed free samples of several types of coffee of Saudi blends to visitors. The distribution too was very unique and thoughtful as the samples were gifted in envelopes printed with the identity of the Year of Saudi Coffee. Among the touches that enhanced the Kingdom’s identity, is placing the Saudi flag on the badge of media professionals, photographers and officials of the STC Formula 1 Saudi Grand Prix 2022. All these simple touches went a long way to etch the Saudi culture in the memory of all participants in this huge event that helps build the Kingdom’s position globally. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

Formula 1 race highlights Saudi identity to all

DISCOVER MORE

Barcelona defender Araujo suffers thigh injury

Mushfiqur hits record ton as Bangladesh run riot against Ireland

Construction of race circuits planned around Saudi regions

Alcaraz reclaims world no. 1 ranking, Nadal out of top 10

What time's kickoff? Four hour delay baffles Libya's Al-Akhdar

Starc sticking to tried and tested formula ahead of World Cup

Medvedev aims to build new streak after falling to Alcaraz

Watson would trade trainer's title for victory on Dubai World Cup night

Can GCC banks manage contagion risk from Silicon Valley Bank collapse?

Saudi National Bank says no impact on growth plans from Credit Suisse

SNB offers $100bln to help UBS Group take over Credit Suisse

Dubai is proactively developing plans to accelerate digital growth - Sheikh Hamdan

Oman reveals list of 103 countries whose citizens can visit visa free

'I've never seen a car so fast', says Hamilton of Red Bull

Perez on pole in Saudi Arabia as Verstappen hits trouble

Saudi Arabia open to hosting two F1 races in near future

Verstappen leads Red Bull one-two in first Saudi practice

Hamilton splits from long-term performance coach Cullen

LATEST VIDEO

VIDEO: Saudi crown prince launches new national airline

ZAWYA COVERAGE

ACWA Power CEO Paddy Padmanathan retires after 18 years of service

Dubai’s DEWA, JPMorgan tackle ways to cooperate in green, sustainable financing

Saudi ACWA Power signs deals to invest $2.5bln in green projects in Uzbekistan

Healthcare expenditure in GCC to reach $135.5bln in 2027

Amazon to cut 9,000 jobs in second round of layoffs

India's strong corporate debt profile key to macroeconomic stability

Somalia's drought killed 43,000 last year, half under five

Mideast Stocks: Most Gulf bourses end lower as oil prices drop; Egypt rises

UAE President, Romanian President review bilateral relations, regional issues

THE BRI REPORT

China is reshaping the Belt and Road Initiative ahead of a post-pandemic era

DISCOVER MORE

LATEST VIDEO

ZAWYA NEWSLETTERS

ZAWYA COVERAGE