The Bahrain Grand Prix was the first Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East. The construction of the Bahrain circuit was a national objective for Bahrain, initiated by the Crown Prince, Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The 2004 Grand Prix was the first held in the Middle East.
The Bahrain International Circuit is a 5.412 km (3.363 mi) motorsport venue opened in 2004. It's used for drag racing, GP2 Series, and the annual Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix. The circuit has a FIA Grade 1 license. It's known for its blend of high-speed straights and challenging turns that facilitate overtaking.