For the first time in the Middle East, Boulevard City in Riyadh hosted the 2025 Drone Racing World Cup from January 23 to 25, 2025. This adrenaline-fueled event, sponsored by Riyadh Season, brought together the world’s top drone pilots, who showcased their skills in high-speed aerial battles. The competition blended speed, technology, and precision, offering spectators an electrifying experience as drones maneuvered through intricate obstacle courses at breathtaking velocities.
This event marked the first-ever Drone Racing World Cup in the MENA region, making it a significant moment for both Saudi Arabia and the sport itself. Elite pilots from over 50 countries navigated complex aerial courses at extreme speeds, creating an unmatched visual spectacle against the vibrant skyline of Riyadh.
With Saudi Arabia's growing commitment to technological innovation, hosting this global event further solidified the Kingdom’s position as a leader in cutting-edge advancements, while providing audiences with a thrilling entertainment experience.
Beyond the heart-pounding races, the 2025 Drone Racing World Cup featured an impressive prize pool exceeding 1 million SAR, attracting the world’s most skilled drone pilots, all vying for the title.
With precision flying, rapid reflexes, and unmatched agility, competitors pushed their limits to conquer challenging high-speed circuits, designed to test their expertise and reaction times. Spectators witnessed intense aerial battles, with drones weaving through narrow paths, dodging obstacles, and performing jaw-dropping acrobatics, making every moment a thrilling spectacle.
In addition to the main racing event, the 2025 Drone World Cup featured multiple interactive experiences, allowing visitors to explore the latest in drone technology:
These experiences not only entertained but also fueled innovation and curiosity in the field of drone technology.
Hosting the 2025 Drone Racing World Cup aligned seamlessly with Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on technological advancement, innovation, and the growth of a knowledge-based economy. By attracting global tech-driven events, Saudi Arabia continued its mission of positioning itself as a hub for emerging industries, bridging the gap between sports, entertainment, and cutting-edge technology.
As part of Riyadh Season, the event not only contributed to Saudi Arabia’s thriving entertainment sector but also inspired a new generation of engineers, tech enthusiasts, and drone pilots, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to technological excellence and innovation.
The 2025 Drone Racing World Cup concluded with spectacular performances, leaving thousands of spectators in awe of the incredible speed and precision displayed by the pilots. The combination of world-class competitors, high-tech experiences, and a futuristic setting made this one of the most memorable events of the year.
With this huge success, Saudi Arabia further cemented its status as a global leader in sports and technology-driven entertainment. Fans and tech enthusiasts are already looking forward to future editions, anticipating even more groundbreaking innovations in the world of drone racing.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.