Saudi GP - Worth the trip?
Discussion
I’m not supporting this particular regime, I was simply asking for advice on a weekend break.
Firstly politics and now LBGT!
Wait until they vegetarians chime in, better not mention I sometimes eat meat then.
What country is PC to visit then? Not many that hold an F1 event I’d guess.
A previous poster mentioned Japan, you know, the country that still kills and eats whales in the name of research, which personally makes my blood boil.
Give me a list of destinations and you can bet that each one has unacceptable practices, as I said before, don’t hijack my thread please start one of your own.
Firstly politics and now LBGT!
Wait until they vegetarians chime in, better not mention I sometimes eat meat then.
What country is PC to visit then? Not many that hold an F1 event I’d guess.
A previous poster mentioned Japan, you know, the country that still kills and eats whales in the name of research, which personally makes my blood boil.
Give me a list of destinations and you can bet that each one has unacceptable practices, as I said before, don’t hijack my thread please start one of your own.
The issue is, if you overlook this other stuff that maybe has no direct impact on you, you are actually confirming their decision to buy sport, just so YOU can have a nice weekend.
This is the modern world we live in, as long as I, ME, Self can enjoy myself I don't care how much it costs, what precedent it sets.
I laugh at advertising as it does not affect me, but look at it, "Your crap, your way, we care about YOU, "
This is what you get. Sorry chap I am not having a go, but if you attend places like this you are effectively rubber stamping the Saudi's decisions to sport wash. They thrive on FOMO
it is your money, you can do what you want of course, but please be aware of what you are doing look outside your bubble.
This is the modern world we live in, as long as I, ME, Self can enjoy myself I don't care how much it costs, what precedent it sets.
I laugh at advertising as it does not affect me, but look at it, "Your crap, your way, we care about YOU, "
This is what you get. Sorry chap I am not having a go, but if you attend places like this you are effectively rubber stamping the Saudi's decisions to sport wash. They thrive on FOMO
it is your money, you can do what you want of course, but please be aware of what you are doing look outside your bubble.
I maybe the minority but I would not have any issue going to KSA to watch the race. I have been out there a few times for work. My company sells equipment to both commercial and military applications. I dont loose any sleep whatsoever in my comfy bed and nice house paid for because my company does sell goods to them. All within the realms of Government guidelines so nothing illegal.
BUT...by choice I would choose somewhere else if anything that the atmosphere would not be as good compared to other races.
BUT...by choice I would choose somewhere else if anything that the atmosphere would not be as good compared to other races.
kev b said:
I have holiday entitlement to use up before April but and noticed that I could have three or four nights in warm and sunny KSA, watch an F1 night race for about the price of lunch in the rain at Silverstone.
I’m not a drinker or a coke and hookers sort, so wandering around in sunshine for a weekend in March with an F1 night race included seemed like a good idea. However being the cautious type I thought asking PH for advice seemed sensible.
For the naysayers which alternative race held before April would you suggest?
12 Hours of Sebring in March. It's a great venue and a fantastic atmosphere. There are lots of flights to Orlando, Tampa, or Miami. I can't make it this year, but I generally fly in from California, and two time I've had friend fly in from the UK to join me.I’m not a drinker or a coke and hookers sort, so wandering around in sunshine for a weekend in March with an F1 night race included seemed like a good idea. However being the cautious type I thought asking PH for advice seemed sensible.
For the naysayers which alternative race held before April would you suggest?
kev b said:
I’m not supporting this particular regime, I was simply asking for advice on a weekend break.
Firstly politics and now LBGT!
Wait until they vegetarians chime in, better not mention I sometimes eat meat then.
What country is PC to visit then? Not many that hold an F1 event I’d guess.
A previous poster mentioned Japan, you know, the country that still kills and eats whales in the name of research, which personally makes my blood boil.
Give me a list of destinations and you can bet that each one has unacceptable practices, as I said before, don’t hijack my thread please start one of your own.
Sorry but I just do not think that we ought to provide tourist money to such places. In much the same way as South Africa was once treated. Firstly politics and now LBGT!
Wait until they vegetarians chime in, better not mention I sometimes eat meat then.
What country is PC to visit then? Not many that hold an F1 event I’d guess.
A previous poster mentioned Japan, you know, the country that still kills and eats whales in the name of research, which personally makes my blood boil.
Give me a list of destinations and you can bet that each one has unacceptable practices, as I said before, don’t hijack my thread please start one of your own.
Spa? Silverstone? Miami? Singapore?
Jasandjules said:
Sorry but I just do not think that we ought to provide tourist money to such places. In much the same way as South Africa was once treated.
Spa? Silverstone? Miami? Singapore?
None of which take place before April as per OPs requirement though.... Spa? Silverstone? Miami? Singapore?
OP - I haven't been for a while now but used to travel to KSA frequently for work purposes, all Red Sea coast based in or near(ish) to Jeddah.
Whilst it never appeared to be a hub of excitement, it was certainly fine to visit.
Jeddah was not quite as developed as it is now when I last went, I see they have added a lot to attract investment and tourism - there isn't much around from what I can recall so you could spend time on the corniche or investigating the city.
The circuit seems to be north of the Main city nearer the airport along lots of coastline developments - they do have some beach areas and parks along the corniche which would be ok to kill time during the day. There are a few malls etc too so you could buy yourself some gold plated trinkets - looks like a very big one near the circuit too. I recall seeing lots of sculptures etc in the parks along the coast so viewing some of these could be something to do.
I'd also strongly recommend finding a well established Western brand hotel to stay, ideally a 'resort' type if you can - I know that may sound like a cop out to some but they will be more tailored to hosting expats and western visitors so will be geared up for better customer service, facilities etc. I've stayed in many grades of hotels in KSA including local ones, the western branded ones were always much more comfortable and still reasonably priced.
Ramadan was not normally an issue for us, we never had any issues eating/drinking during the day, food service was normally segregated or in covered areas where local staff would avoid or not enter, and we'd be drinking water etc outside on the work sites in front of local senior staff etc and it was not mentioned atall. Maybe due to the nature of the work, I don't know, but certainly didn't have any issues either way. As you'd be there on the cusp of it you shouldn't be affected though, maybe just on your last day for breakfast or when at the airport.
I'd also suggest avoiding Saudi Airlines if you can - personally found them poor for service and comfort.
Jeddah's an interesting place. Have been there a couple of times and would like to return at some point.
Others have mentioned the key things. I'd add the suggestion to treat waiting staff at the hotel with respect. Speak to them. Ask about where they're from and be their friends. All of them will come from SE Asia and aren't treated or paid particularly well (by European standards) so show a little humanity to them and you'll be treated like a king.
Others have mentioned the key things. I'd add the suggestion to treat waiting staff at the hotel with respect. Speak to them. Ask about where they're from and be their friends. All of them will come from SE Asia and aren't treated or paid particularly well (by European standards) so show a little humanity to them and you'll be treated like a king.
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