Dakar Village's third day concludes with mega show

JEDDAH: Dakar Village ended its third night with an impressive show of the participating vehicles on the podium, and an expansive light show accompanied by acrobatic performers and musicians.

Staged atop large containers, set to the side of the podium, performers danced to Spanish salsa, with a live band performing in the background. Local DJs also entertained fans with popular tracks such as Swedish artist Avicci’s “wake me up” and many more.

Locals and tourists alike flocked to catch glimpses of the drivers and their cars at Dakar Village’s Parc Ferme, and many also had opportunities to take pictures with their favorite drivers and hear more about the vehicles.

Motorcar enthusiasts and fans were excited to also watch motorbike stunt shows by Saudi locals, as children waved and shouted with delight at the passing bikes.

Drivers and teams on the podium expressed their excitement at being in the Kingdom for the first time, with many remarking on the warm welcome they had received, and their enthusiasm for exploring new territory.

The chairman of the General Sports Authority, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, welcomed the drivers on the podium, including iconic Saudi rally driver Yazeed Al-Rajhi and more.

Staged in the Middle East, it is the first time that the Dakar Rally has been staged outside of the African and South American continents. In total, 550 competitors from 62 countries competing in cars, side-by-side vehicles, motorbikes, quads and trucks will set off from Jeddah on Sunday to cover over 7,500 kilometers in 12 days across the Saudi desert.