Hail, February 08, 2024, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Hail Region and Chairman of the Region Development Authority and the Supreme Organizing Committee of the 2024 Hail Toyota International Rally, inaugurated the rally's 19th edition by signaling its commencement. The event marks the inaugural round of the 2024 season of the Baja Rally World Cup, the opening leg of the Middle East Baja Cup, and the Saudi Toyota Desert Rally Championship.
The launch ceremony unfolded at the Al-Maghawat National Center in Hail, graced by the presence of distinguished personalities, including Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, President of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, and Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Chairman of the Region Development Authority. Also in attendance were Prince Badr bin Fahd bin Faisal bin Farhan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Amateur Radio Society, and the Deputy Governor of the Hail Region.
During the proceedings, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad, Governor of the Hail Region, paid tribute to the government agencies participating in the rally and the Saudi News Agency (SPA) for their contributions. He officially declared the commencement of the 2024 Hail Toyota International Rally, now in its 19th iteration, and inspected the participating racing vehicles.
Prince Abdulaziz expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and the HRH Crown Prince for their unwavering support for motorsports in the Kingdom, which has propelled it to prominent positions regionally and globally. He also commended the Minister of Sports and the President of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation for their steadfast oversight. Highlighting Hail's stature as a key station in the World Rally Cup and Middle East Championships, he lauded its exemplary organization, public engagement, logistical services, and accompanying events. He wished the drivers a safe journey to the finish line and success in attaining technical excellence.
Prince Abdulaziz underscored the significance of the Hail Rally on a national level, noting its economic, sporting, and cultural impact, which has positioned Hail as a sought-after tourist destination attracting visitors and rally champions from across the globe. The rally's participation from over 24 nationalities was hailed as a notable achievement.
Following the ceremony, a special demonstration stage kicked off from the "Qareen Anz" area, spanning three kilometers.
