Dubrovnik, Croatia 28 May 2025 – Ahead of the arrival of E1, the world’s first and only all-electric raceboat series, in Dubrovnik in two weeks, Tonči Glavina, Croatia’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, today outlined his ambition to establish Croatia as a global destination for sustainable sport.
Speaking in Dubrovnik, Glavina made the comments as the historic city prepares to host the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF on 13 and 14 June.
Tonči Glavina said: “Croatia is fast becoming a global hub for international sporting events. With the arrival of E1 in Dubrovnik this summer, we are reaffirming our vision to become a global destination for sustainable sport, which E1 perfectly exemplifies. Dubrovnik has all the characteristics to become a high-profile location capable of attracting the world’s most prestigious events.
“This is not happening by chance – it is the result of a clear and long-term Government strategy to position Croatia as a leading international sports destination. Since 2016, we have increased funding for sport from 28 million euro to nearly 170 million euro in 2025, marking the highest allocation in Croatian sports history. As part of this strategic approach, we have also allocated 60.6 million euro in recent years to support 188 major international sporting events hosted across the country.
“Alongside numerous World and European Championships, we are especially proud to now welcome the E1 Series – a new era of innovation and sustainability in sport. The Government is actively building Croatia’s international reputation in sport and culture, areas where we’ve consistently punched above our weight. Through sustained investment and strategic planning, our goal is clear – to ensure Croatia not only hosts world-class events, but also reaps the full economic and cultural benefits they bring to our cities, communities, and nation as a whole.”
Croatia is fast becoming a global hub for international sporting events. With the arrival of E1 in Dubrovnik this summer, we are reaffirming our vision to become a global destination for sustainable sport, which E1 perfectly exemplifies.
The minister was joined at the Excelsior Hotel in Dubrovnik, which will play host to E1’s Ocean Club official hospitality and part of Adriatic Luxury Hotels as the race presenting partner, by E1 Chairman and co-founder Alejandro Agag, Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković, and Alen Bošković, representing event co-organisers, the Croatia Powerboating Club.
Set against the backdrop of the Adriatic coast and a special livered E1 RaceBird, key government, city and sporting figures gathered to preview the arrival of E1. The speakers highlighted Croatia’s growing influence in attracting international sporting events to the country as well as underlining its commitment to sustainability and the protection of its coastal ecosystems.
The sustainability-driven series, backed by global superstars including Didier Drogba, LeBron James, Rafael Nadal and Will Smith, will be bringing a touch of glamour to the historic city as Dubrovnik joins an illustrious list of E1 host destinations including Miami, Monaco and Doha.
Now into its second season and founded by E1 Chairman Alejandro Agag and E1 Chief Executive Officer Rodi Basso, the championship sees nine teams comprised of male and female pilots battling it out on the water in the E1 RaceBird, a first-of-its-kind electric raceboat that uses innovative hydro-foiling technology, as they bid to be crowned Champions of the Water.
In addition to the on-water action, the Dubrovnik race weekend will also host a dedicated sustainability conference, bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore the future of clean marine technologies and sustainable coastal development.
Alejandro Agag, E1 Chairman and Founder, said: “It’s a real honour to bring E1 to Croatia for the very first time. Dubrovnik is one of the most iconic and historic coastal cities in the world and the perfect stage for E1’s vision of sustainable marine motorsport.
“Today not only marks the countdown to race day, it highlights Croatia’s growing momentum as a hub for innovation and international sport. We can’t wait to see our E1 RaceBirds flying across the Adriatic in just a couple of weeks’ time.”
Mato Franković, Mayor of Dubrovnik, said: “We are proud that Dubrovnik has been selected as a host city for the UIM E1 World Championship – a cutting-edge sporting event that aligns perfectly with our vision of sustainable tourism and innovation.
“In recent years, we have invested significantly in sports infrastructure and international events, positioning Dubrovnik not only as a city of culture and history, but also as a rising sports destination.”
“Welcoming the E1 Series, which champions green technology and ocean preservation, reflects our commitment to building a modern, forward-looking city that respects its heritage while embracing the future.”
Alen Bošković, Croatian Power Boating Club race organising committee lead, said: “By joining the prestigious E1 calendar, which includes destinations across the globe, The E1 Dubrovnik GP 2025, presented by Adriatic Luxury Hotels promises a unique blend of heritage and innovation.
“Once the proud capital of the Republic of Ragusa—a maritime power and symbol of diplomacy and freedom—Dubrovnik has recently earned international fame as the real-life setting of King’s Landing in HBO’s global hit ‘Game of Thrones.’ This makes it a city where historical and fantasy legends meet the future of innovation. Now, with the arrival of E1, Dubrovnik is writing a new chapter in its rich history—becoming the home of electric marine motorsport.”