• Formula One fans visiting Expo 2020 Dubai were treated to a special screening of the race, at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion on Sunday. All photos: Saudi Arabia Pavilion
    Formula One fans visiting Expo 2020 Dubai were treated to a special screening of the race, at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion on Sunday. All photos: Saudi Arabia Pavilion
  • Live shots of the action in Jeddah were shown so that they reflected perfectly from the facade of the pavilion, which is covered in mirrors.
    Live shots of the action in Jeddah were shown so that they reflected perfectly from the facade of the pavilion, which is covered in mirrors.
  • This is the first year that the event has been held in the kingdom.
    This is the first year that the event has been held in the kingdom.
  • The race in Jeddah was broadcast between 9.30pm and 11.30pm UAE time.
    The race in Jeddah was broadcast between 9.30pm and 11.30pm UAE time.

Saudi Arabia pavilion at Expo 2020 turns into giant F1 screen for grand prix


Sarah Forster
  • English
  • Arabic

Formula One fans visiting Expo 2020 Dubai were treated to a special screening of the inaugural grand prix in Jeddah on Sunday.

Live shots of the action were shown so that they reflected perfectly on the facade of the Saudi Arabia pavilion, which is covered in mirrors.

The spectacular showing drew crowds of fans to watch the Formula One STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021, which was broadcast on the enormous screen between 9.30pm and 11.30pm UAE time.

This is the first year that the event has been held in the kingdom.

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - in pictures

  • Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates winning the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with second placed Red Bull's Max Verstappen in the background, on Sunday, December 5, 2021. AP
    Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates winning the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with second placed Red Bull's Max Verstappen in the background, on Sunday, December 5, 2021. AP
  • Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton compete in the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday, December 5. AFP
    Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton compete in the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday, December 5. AFP
  • Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton tussle for the lead. Getty
    Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton tussle for the lead. Getty
  • Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton compete for the lead. AP
    Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton compete for the lead. AP
  • Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton during the race. Getty
    Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton during the race. Getty
  • Drivers take the start of the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Jeddah on December 5, 2021. AFP
    Drivers take the start of the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Jeddah on December 5, 2021. AFP
  • Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton leads at the start of the race. AFP
    Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton leads at the start of the race. AFP
  • Jets release smoke as they perform an air display over the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. AFP
    Jets release smoke as they perform an air display over the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. AFP
  • Jets release smoke as they perform an air display over the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. AFP
    Jets release smoke as they perform an air display over the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. AFP
  • A jets performs during an air display over the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. AFP
    A jets performs during an air display over the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. AFP
  • Jets perform an air display over the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. AFP
    Jets perform an air display over the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. AFP
  • Jets perform an air display over the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. AFP
    Jets perform an air display over the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. AFP
  • Drivers and team members pay tribute to the late founder and former team principal of Williams Racing, Frank Williams who died a week before the race. AFP
    Drivers and team members pay tribute to the late founder and former team principal of Williams Racing, Frank Williams who died a week before the race. AFP
  • Lewis Hamilton looks at the trophy prior to the start of the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. AP
    Lewis Hamilton looks at the trophy prior to the start of the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. AP
  • Red Bull's Max Verstappen before the race. Reuters
    Red Bull's Max Verstappen before the race. Reuters
  • Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr before the race. Reuters
    Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr before the race. Reuters
  • Drivers stand and take a knee on the starting grid prior to the race. AFP
    Drivers stand and take a knee on the starting grid prior to the race. AFP
  • Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas and Red Bull's Max Verstappen. AFP
    Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas and Red Bull's Max Verstappen. AFP
  • Drivers race during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Street Circuit. AP
    Drivers race during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Street Circuit. AP
  • Mechanics work on the car of McLaren driver Lando Norris in the pits. AFP
    Mechanics work on the car of McLaren driver Lando Norris in the pits. AFP
  • Alpha Tauri driver Pierre Gasly during the race. AFP
    Alpha Tauri driver Pierre Gasly during the race. AFP
  • Mick Schumacher's Haas after crashing. Getty
    Mick Schumacher's Haas after crashing. Getty
  • Haas driver Mick Schumacher after crashing. Getty
    Haas driver Mick Schumacher after crashing. Getty
  • Alpine driver Esteban Ocon competes in the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. AFP
    Alpine driver Esteban Ocon competes in the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. AFP
  • Race marshals remove the car of Williams driver George Russell after a crash. AFP
    Race marshals remove the car of Williams driver George Russell after a crash. AFP
  • A race marshal assists Haas driver Mick Schumacher after his crash. AFP
    A race marshal assists Haas driver Mick Schumacher after his crash. AFP
  • Red Bull driver Max Verstappen speaks with team members during a second stop in the race. AFP
    Red Bull driver Max Verstappen speaks with team members during a second stop in the race. AFP
  • Lewis Hamilton speaks with team members during a second stop in the race. AFP
    Lewis Hamilton speaks with team members during a second stop in the race. AFP
  • Red Bull driver Sergio Perez leaves his car after a collision. AFP
    Red Bull driver Sergio Perez leaves his car after a collision. AFP
  • Sergio Perez after crashing. AFP
    Sergio Perez after crashing. AFP
Updated: December 06, 2021, 11:33 AM