Formula One has released a first look of the street circuit that will host the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix later this year.
The kingdom's first F1 race will be staged in Jeddah during the weekend of December 3-5, beginning and concluding on the city's corniche and running along the Red Sea.
"Welcome to the fastest street circuit in #F1," read a post on F1's official Twitter account, revealing drivers can expect to hit average speeds of 250km/h.
The newest street circuit in F1 is set to become the longest and fastest street circuit in the sport. Featuring 27 corners, the Jeddah Street Circuit stretches to 6.175km in length, making it the second longest circuit on the current F1 calendar behind the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps and the longest street circuit in the sport.
The race will take place under lights against the stunning backdrop of Saudi Arabia's west coast.
Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Faisal, President of the Saudi Automobile & Motorsport Federation (SAMF) said: “We are looking forward to welcoming motorsport fans to Saudi Arabia. Next December will be a huge moment, when we host the biggest event in motorsports.
"Even though this is the first time we will host a Formula One Grand Prix, delivering such important international events is further confirmation of the Kingdom’s ability to manage and organise these events to the highest standards for our fans and growing young population.”
Ross Brawn, F1's managing director said it was "very exciting" to release the details of a new circuit.
"We have worked closely with the team at Tilke [Engineers] and with the promoter to ensure we have a track that provides exciting wheel to wheel racing for our fans and challenges all of the drivers.
"The design brings out the best of a modern street circuit but also has fast paced free flowing areas that will create fast speeds and overtaking opportunities. The setting is incredible, on the Red Sea, and we can’t wait to see the cars on track in December.”
The addition of Saudi Arabia to the F1 calendar means there will be three Gulf races in 2021. The Bahrain Grand Prix takes place on March 28, a week after the season opener in Australia.
Abu Dhabi retains its traditional season-finale slot, with the 2021 race set for December 12 at Yas Marina Circuit.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Going grey? A stylist's advice
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Barcelona v Liverpool, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE).
Second leg
Liverpool v Barcelona, Tuesday, May 7, 11pm
Games on BeIN Sports
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