ALULA: AlUla has strengthened its global sporting presence with LeBron James launching a new team in the UIM E1 World Championship presented by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF in the world’s first all-electric race boat championship.
Named after the ancient oasis city in northwestern Saudi Arabia, Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James will compete in the 2025 E1 season, beginning with the E1 Jeddah GP on Jan. 24-25, and will be piloted by talented racers Rusty Wyatt and Catie Munnings.
The partnership centers around AlUla’s ambition as a premier sports and adventure hub, and its dedication to supporting high-profile competitions and sportspeople across the world, a press release issued on Friday said.
Central to AlUla’s development as a destination is the enrichment of its local community — a commitment that closely aligns with LeBron James’ philanthropic efforts in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.
The E1 all-electric race boat series is also in line with AlUla’s commitment to sustainability and comprehensive regeneration, evident in the city’s approach to holistic tourism, which manages visitor numbers, boosts environmental awareness and engages the community in conservation.
Core to its strategy is the AlUla Sustainability Charter, which guarantees the preservation of the natural and historical integrity of the area amid ongoing development.
This commitment is highlighted by initiatives such as designating 50 percent of AlUla as nature reserve and investing in eco-friendly infrastructure.
Rami AlMoallim, vice president of destination management and marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “Our partnership with E1 and LeBron James marks a significant moment for AlUla, built on a shared commitment to conservation and community, spanning our desert landscapes to the world’s seas.”
“This collaboration highlights the deep interconnectedness of our environments and the power we all have to make a change. As a champion of regeneration and wildlife conservation, AlUla sees electric boat racing as an opportunity to redefine the future of sports and innovation and we are thrilled to be part of such a visionary partnership,” AlMoallim said.
As a growing heritage luxury boutique destination, and home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, AlUla has become known for blending history with innovation as it champions world-class home-grown sporting events such as Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, AlUla Trail Race, AlUla Tour and more.
Through AlUla’s partnership, Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James will visit iconic host cities such as Doha, Monaco and Miami, reinforcing its status as a premier global destination.
