Speed, strategy and regional powerhouses: Formula 1 in the Middle East

Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, has expanded its global reach dramatically over the past two decades, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Middle East. With world-class circuits, lavish hospitality, and growing local investment, the region has become a key player in the F1 calendar¹. But it's not just about hosting races, Middle Eastern companies are now deeply integrated into the sport's ecosystem. 

The rise of F1 in the Middle East
The Middle East entered the Formula 1 scene with the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2004. Since then, the region has added several high-profile races, including:

• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Marina Circuit) – Debuted in 2009, known for its twilight race and luxury experience.
• Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Jeddah Corniche Circuit) – Launched in 2021, offering a high-speed street circuit along the Red Sea.
• Qatar Grand Prix (Lusail International Circuit) – Returned to the calendar in 2023 as part of a long-term deal until 2032. 

These races represent not just sporting spectacles but massive national investments in tourism, infrastructure and global branding. 

Local companies accelerating the F1 movement
Middle Eastern corporations and sovereign wealth funds are not just passive sponsors—they’re shaping the business of Formula 1.

1. ARAMCO (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, is a global partner of Formula 1. Its branding is highly visible on trackside hoardings and cars. Beyond sponsorship, Aramco is investing in sustainable fuels and energy solutions for F1’s future, aligning with the sport’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2030. 

2. Etihad Airways (UAE)

Etihad Airways has been a long-standing title sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The airline uses the event as a premium marketing opportunity, tying it into travel and luxury packages that promote the UAE as a destination. 

3. Qatar Airways

In 2023, Qatar Airways became an official global airline partner of Formula 1, replacing Emirates. This strategic sponsorship strengthens the Qatari brand globally and supports the nation’s broader push in sports, including football, tennis, and motorsports. 

4. Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)

The PIF, which also owns stakes in sports like golf (LIV Golf) and football (Newcastle United), is reportedly interested in deeper involvement with F1—either via potential team investments or broader commercial interests through Live Nation and Liberty Media partnerships. 

Why the Middle East is so attracted to F1

1. Global visibility: F1 offers year-round, international TV coverage that showcases the host nations to millions of viewers.
2. Tech & innovation alignment: The Middle East is shifting toward high-tech economies; F1 aligns well with that image through cutting-edge engineering and sustainability efforts.
3. Tourism & hospitality²: F1 events bring an influx of high-spending tourists, business leaders, and celebrities, benefiting local economies.
4. Soft power & national branding: The sport provides a platform for nations to present a modern, dynamic image on the global stage.

Local talent and grassroots growth 
While the Middle East is currently more focused on hosting and corporate partnerships, there’s a budding effort to develop regional motorsport talent. Initiatives like the Yas Heat Racing Academy³ and Saudi Motorsport Company aim to train young drivers, engineers, and event professionals, laying the foundation for long-term local involvement. 

Formula 1 in the Middle East is more than a series of races—it’s a bold regional strategy. From powering the grid with Aramco to flying fans in with Qatar Airways, the involvement of local companies goes far beyond sponsorship. It’s about influence, innovation, and integration into one of the world’s most elite sports. As the F1 calendar continues to evolve, expect the Middle East to remain not just a host, but a central engine of growth and transformation for the sport.

Diligencia helps customers from around the world to find essential information on organisations registered in Africa and the wider Middle East, drawing on primary sources that are otherwise hard to find. Using our curated data, we enable our clients to effectively manage their compliance obligations, allowing them to continuously monitor their suppliers and counterparty risks in the MEA region. 

FOOTNOTES

1. https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2025
2. https://live.worldtourismforum.net/news/Catch-up-the-latest-news-in-tourism-industry/The-Economic-and-Tourism-impact-of-Formula-1-Racing-Towards-Destination-Growth
3. https://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/motorsports/yas-heat-racing