The world’s first hydrogen-powered motorsport series, the FIA Extreme H World Cup, has confirmed Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia as the host for its debut race. The event will run from 9 to 11 October 2025, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Tuwaiq Mountains.
Qiddiya City, billed as the world’s first city designed entirely for play, is being built as a global hub for sport, culture, and entertainment. The Extreme H race will take place on a purpose-built off-road track, showcasing the potential of hydrogen technology in motorsport.
A New Era for Racing
Alejandro Agag, Founder and Chairman of Extreme H, said Qiddiya is the perfect place to launch the series.
“Qiddiya City is the ideal launchpad for the FIA Extreme H World Cup, a new frontier for motorsport that embodies purpose, innovation, and entertainment,” he said.
“More than just a race venue, it’s a statement of intent. A visually stunning, technologically ambitious location that sets the tone for a new era of motorsport.”
The inaugural event also symbolises Saudi Arabia’s growing motorsport ambitions. Qiddiya City recently unveiled its Speed Park Track, a state-of-the-art racing circuit with striking design features, though Extreme H will take place on a separate off-road course.
Sustainable Motorsport Vision
Abdullah AlDawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, said hosting Extreme H aligns with the city’s wider sustainability goals.
“Qiddiya City is envisioned not just as a destination for play, but as an example of contemporary, sustainable urban planning and design. Hosting the inaugural FIA Extreme H World Cup underscores our commitment to showcasing sustainable motorsport while positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for future-focused experiences,” he said.
The city has pledged to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2060 and is integrating renewable energy, EV infrastructure, and large-scale tree planting as part of the Saudi Green Initiative.
Transition from Extreme E
The Extreme H World Cup will officially begin after a final Extreme E race, the Desert X Prix, held on 4–5 October. Agag said this farewell event will celebrate the impact of Extreme E before passing the baton to hydrogen-powered racing.
“Extreme H’s first event will also host the final Extreme E race… celebrating everything it achieved, where it all first started, before we officially make the transition to the new era of hydrogen with Extreme H,” Agag explained.
“The hydrogen-powered event will use advanced technology to push the boundaries of sustainable racing, pioneering a new vision in a location which shares our commitment to a more sustainable and innovative future,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
“As we mark this finale, our focus is firmly on the future. The launch of Extreme H signals the next bold chapter in racing, and Saudi Arabia is proud to be playing a central role in shaping where the sport is headed,” added Saudi Motorsport Company CEO Eng. Mansour Almokbel.
Further details on teams, drivers and the racing format will be revealed in the lead-up to October’s double-header event.
