In a shimmering desert landscape, the Middle East Formula One dream is finally becoming a reality as Bahrain puts itself on the Grand Prix map this weekend.
The world championship, one of the biggest sporting spectacles on the planet, has races in Europe, the Americas, Australia, Malaysia and Japan but this weekend's inaugural race weekend here marks a major milestone in the sport.
The new Bahrain International Circuit, created in just 16 months by a team of more than 3,000 people, represents Bahrain's attempt to follow Dubai's lead in developing the Middle East into a major sporting attraction.
And the 150-million-dollar complex, which rises from the arid desert south of the Kingdom's bustling capital Manama on the site of an old camel farm, has set a benchmark for the future of Formula One.
"This is the realisation of a dream for many and it is of immense significance not just to the Kingdom but to the whole of the Arab world," said his Excellency Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed al Khalifa.
"We have witnessed a transformation of immense proportion here on the island and the stunning facilities of the Bahrain International Circuit are unsurpassed in the history of Grand Prix racing."
The facilities, which were still being completed when the Grand Prix circus pitched its tent here Thursday, are as beautiful as they are functional, created in traditional design but more technologically advanced than any other.
The new 5.411km track, designed by Austrian circuit guru Herman Tilke, includes a nine-story VIP tower, a main grandstand for 10,000 spectators and a capacity for 45,000 fans.
Formula One commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone said: "It's super, one of the best in the world. The standard has raised the bar and it will be a great event."
Impressive modern facilities created first by Malaysia, the last all-new circuit introduced to the calendar in 1999, and now by Bahrain have been part of the reason why Ecclestone has been enticed to move Formula One to pastures new.
Shanghai will be the season's second all-new venue when it hosts the Chinese Grand Prix in September and their facilities also promise to leave the 'old tracks' of Europe in the shade.
But the Bahrain race has not come without its problems.
Terrorist concerns have put teams on red alert, with several drivers taking out personal bodyguard services as extra protection and visitors advised to keep off the streets.
In the current global climate, Formula One has done well to take note of Bahraini traditions and culture. The big event may be welcomed with open arms but the traditional trimmings of motor racing's opulent world are not.
There is no place for glamorous girls, which will be as evident as ever at the Monaco Grand Prix in May, and champagne at the post-race podium celebration will be replaced by a special non-alcoholic fruit-based beverage.
But the genuine delight at seeing Bahrain break on to perhaps the world's biggest stage has created a relaxed atmosphere and the sport, it seems, is now genuinely pleased to be here.
The influx of major manufacturers in Formula One, with seven of the world's biggest car companies represented, has partially driven the expansion of the calendar into previously unexplored territory for motorsport's flagship.
So too has the onset of a tobacco ban in the European Union, the traditional core of Formula One, that will be brought in one year earlier than the worldwide ban in 2006.
Exploration of new markets has been a boon to teams, with several securing new sponsorship contracts on the back of the new events. Back-of-the-grid strugglers Minardi announced a deal with a Middle East company this weekend.
But it remains to be seen how popular the new venues are with the root of Formula One's success - its fans, who have been waning since the dull dominance of Ferrari in 2002.
Tickets for race day were still not sold out Saturday morning and only when the desert dust settles after Sunday evening will the success of Formula One's first foray into its new world be able to be revealed.
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