After a hiatus of nearly a decade, an international rally took off in Ghadames, a southwestern city in Libya, attracting both local and international participants. This event marks the return of a major sporting occasion to Libya, absent since around 2010.
The rally, which started in the city of Nalut and concludes in Ghadames, close to the borders with Tunisia and Algeria, spans a distance of 367 kilometers. It includes approximately 60 competitors from Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria, as reported by “Al Arabiya.net”.
The International Rally of Libya, initiated in 2002 and active until 2010, previously drew up to 160 participants from European and Arab countries. Its suspension in 2011 due to security issues led to its temporary relocation to Tunisia and Morocco. This year marks its return to its original Libyan setting.
This year’s rally represents a significant achievement, with dozens of professional motorcyclists and car drivers competing in desert conditions, amidst public enthusiasm and attendance. Mohammed Hanan, a Libyan civil society activist, told “Al Arabiya.net” that the event’s revival in the southern Libyan cities sends a global message of safety, stability, and the area’s readiness to host significant cultural and sporting events.
Hanan highlighted the potential of such events to alter the global perception of Libya, from a country known for chaos and violence to one recognized for its tourism and natural diversity. This, he believes, could attract more visitors to the Libyan desert and spark optimism for Libya’s future.
Tourism in Libya has begun to see a cautious resurgence in recent months, with Europeans and individuals from Gulf countries visiting Libyan cities, especially the desert regions, under strict security measures.
