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.
#LIVE: Some of the competitors and their vehicles wowing the crowds in Jeddah ahead of tomorrow's start in the #DakarRally #Dakar2020 #DakarInSaudi #SaudiArabia https://t.co/YHyCRxhrEX pic.twitter.com/2m40iEoNXf
— Arab News (@arabnews) January 4, 2020
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.
#LIVE: Some more of the concert in Jeddah tonight for the launch of #DakarRally tomorrow #DakarInSaudi #SaudiArabia
Check out Arab News' dedicated #Dakar2020 spotlight to stay updated throughout the race: https://t.co/YHyCRxhrEX pic.twitter.com/whCfE0U50a
— Arab News (@arabnews) January 4, 2020
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.
We are now a matter of hours away from the start of #DakarRally - here's the epic route through #SaudiArabia the drivers will take #Dakar2020
You can read all about the race in Arab News' dedicated spotlight: https://t.co/Nw18eWoyTc pic.twitter.com/rowvFbhIok
— Arab News (@arabnews) January 4, 2020
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.
#WATCH: With the #DakarRally getting underway in #SaudiArabia on Sunday, Arab News spoke to some of the competitors taking part about their thoughts on racing in the Kingdom #Dakar2020 #DakarInSaudihttps://t.co/YHyCRxhrEX pic.twitter.com/qDumLPeZjC
— Arab News (@arabnews) January 4, 2020
