RIYADH — The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has prepared Saudi Arabia’s airports to serve Dakar Saudi Arabia 2022. The rally is organized by the Ministry of Sports, under the supervision and follow-up of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.

The preparation includes a set of services inside the airports including reception centers, facilitating arrival and departure procedures, providing platforms for completing travel procedures, and organizing the operation of 15 helicopters registered with the Helicopter Aircraft Company. As many as 10 helicopters are locally registered, and 5 are with foreign registrations. This is in addition to licensing 6 monoplanes for air support purposes such as medical evacuation and communications passing.

GACA has harnessed its capabilities to equip service platforms and facilities, provide all needed facilities in coordination with the relevant authorities and provide permits for organizers, operators and participants through the relevant airports. This is in addition to issuing 3 guidebooks (rally license requirements, refueling outside airports, dealing with dust generated by helicopters).

GACA has also issued permits to use a number of airports and aircraft entry permits, in addition to coordinating with the Saudi Air Navigation Services Company to organize air traffic for Dakar Rally operations.

The Dakar Saudi Arabia 2022 is the third consecutive edition to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, after it hosted the 2020 and 2021 editions. It is also the largest event in the world of motorsports, as this year's edition attracted more than 650 participants representing 70 nationalities from around the world, making it the biggest rally in terms of the number of participants. — SPA