Project aimed at developing motorsports in the country

KUWAIT: Under the patronage and attendance of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the ceremony for the opening of Kuwait Motor City was held in Arifjan yesterday.

Upon arrival, Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah and Amiri Diwan Administrative and Financial Chief Abdulaziz Eshaq received His Highness the Amir.

The ceremony was attended by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber AL-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy National Assembly Speaker Ouda Al-Ruwaie and senior state officials. The ceremony included a documentary on the motor city and a show executed by different types of vehicles and motorbikes.

His Highness the Amir and His Highness the Crown Prince received presents during the ceremony. Speaking at the event, minister Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah congratulated the country's leadership and people on the opening of the Kuwait Motor City, a project aimed at developing motorsports in the country as well as providing gear enthusiast with an outlet to practice their passion and hobby.

Kuwait Motor City is a dream that came true due to the care and support by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, said Sheikh Ali Al-Jarrah who indicated that the country's youth could utilize their energy in a positive way. The Amiri Diwan had the pleasure to execute this unique project that meets regional and international standards for motorsports, said Sheikh Ali Al-Jarrah. The minister hoped that the venue would be organizing regional and international motorsport events, affirming that the facility is up to the task. Local motorsport athletes will highly benefit from Kuwait Motor City where they can test and develop their skills, said Sheikh Ali Al-Jarrah.

The Amiri Diwan official thanked all those who took part in the construction of the Motor City, saying that their efforts will stand as a testament to the robust Kuwaiti spirit.

Amiri Diwan Administrative and Financial Chief Abdulaziz Eshaq said that the Motor City was constructed in 14 months on an area of 2.6 million square meters. Kuwait Motor City was the vision of the Amiri Diwan, which was brought to reality by German engineer and circuit designer Hermann Tilke, said Eshaq, adding that the project encompassed seven circuits and tracks catering to the needs of various motorsport disciplines.

The main track-at a length of 5,610 -- will host the chief racing events, which will be held in the Motor City, said Eshaq who indicated that the venue has sidetracks for drag race events.

He went on to say that, there was a-1,750-meter track which could host international Kart racing events, adding that Motocross, rally, and dune racing tracks were also part of the Motor City.

The Motor City could receive around 8,000 spectators and houses VIP halls in addition to 32 vehicle repair shops and a parking lot for around 3,300 automobiles. - KUNA