Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James will take part in the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF – the world’s first all-electric race boat series
Title partnership centres around AlUla’s ambition as a premier sports and adventure hub, its robust commitment to sustainability and community, and dedication to supporting high-profile international events
AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 23 January 2025:
LeBron James is launching a new team in the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF and partnering with AlUla in the world’s first all-electric raceboat Championship.
Named after the ancient oasis city in northwest Saudi Arabia, Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James will compete in the 2025 E1 season, beginning with the E1 Jeddah GP on 24-25 January, and will be piloted by talented racers Rusty Wyatt and Catie Munnings.
The partnership centres around AlUla’s ambition as a premier sports and adventure hub, and its dedication to supporting high-profile competitions and sportspeople across the globe. Central to AlUla’s development as a destination is the enrichment of its local community – a commitment that closely aligns with LeBron James’ philanthropic efforts in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.
Moreover, the E1 all-electric race boat series comes in line with AlUla’s commitment to sustainability and comprehensive regeneration, evident in the city’s approach to holistic tourism, which manages visitor numbers, boosts environmental awareness, and engages the community in conservation.
Core to its strategy is the AlUla Sustainability Charter, which guarantees the preservation of the natural and historical integrity of the area amidst ongoing development. This commitment is highlighted by initiatives like designating 50% of AlUla as nature reserves and investing in eco-friendly infrastructure.
Rami AlMoallim, Vice President of Destination Management & Marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “Our partnership with E1 and LeBron James marks a significant moment for AlUla, built on a shared commitment to conservation and community, spanning our desert landscapes to the world’s seas. This collaboration highlights the deep interconnectedness of our environments and the power we all have to make a change. As a champion of regeneration and wildlife conservation, AlUla sees electric boat racing as an opportunity to redefine the future of sports and innovation and we are thrilled to be part of such a visionary partnership.”
As a growing heritage luxury boutique destination, and home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, AlUla has become known for blending history with innovation as it champions world-class home-grown sporting events such as Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, AlUla Trail Race, AlUla Tour and more.
Through AlUla’s partnership, Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James will visit iconic host cities such as Doha, Monaco, and Miami, reinforcing its status as a premier global destination.
