2025 a standout year for FIA championship: Ben Sulayem
The UAE's prominence on the global motorsport stage has been underlined for another year with confirmation of the FIA's major world championship calendars for 2026.
The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place at Yas Marina Circuit from December 4-6 next year in a championship, which will see the next generation of F1 cars running on 100% sustainable fuels.
This was confirmed at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau on Tuesday, which was chaired by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem as the federation's global community gathered for the FIA's annual conference.
The 2026 FI World Championship again includes three other Middle East rounds, in Bahrain on April 10-12, Saudi Arabia from April 17-19 and Qatar from November 27-29.
Saudi again stages back-to-back Jeddah races in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar on February 13-14, while the Middle East also has four rounds in the 2026 F2 Championship coinciding with the F1 races in Bahrain, Saudi, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem speaks during the meeting.
Once again, the Dakar Rally in Saudi commences next year's FIA World Rally-Raid Championship from January 3-17, with the Rally du Maroc taking place from September 28 to October 3 and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge on November 22-27. Bahrain represents the Middle East in the ten-round F3 calendar.
Ben Sulayem told World Motor Sport Council members: '2025 is proving to be an exciting year across all our championships with technological milestones being reached, new talent emerging, and battles being fought on the track and across stages each week. 'This year is a powerful opportunity for us to innovate and grow. New agreements across our championships are unlocking fresh potential, we are enhancing the level of competition and expanding our global reach. Each race across our championships shows the passion and dedication of our community.'
The World Council approved one of the final pieces of the compelling puzzle that is coming together to mark the start of a brand-new era for the FIA World Rally Championship from 2027.
The WRC27 rule set has been undergoing its final refinements and updates over the past six months, and confirmation in Macau of the reference volumes for bodywork cements the commitment set out by the FIA to put flexibility at the core of these regulations.
To achieve this, the rules define a zone in which all of the bodywork panels must be located, but within this volume, manufacturers and constructors have the freedom to scale and integrate almost any design.
This means that, without effecting performance, cars ranging from saloons to hatchbacks, cross-overs and completely bespoke designs could be entered over the ten-year regulation cycle through to 2037.
Meanwhile, a new street circuit in Madrid will make its debut on the Formula 1 schedule in September of next year, replacing the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
a day ago
- Gulf Today
2025 a standout year for FIA championship: Ben Sulayem
The UAE's prominence on the global motorsport stage has been underlined for another year with confirmation of the FIA's major world championship calendars for 2026. The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place at Yas Marina Circuit from December 4-6 next year in a championship, which will see the next generation of F1 cars running on 100% sustainable fuels. This was confirmed at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau on Tuesday, which was chaired by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem as the federation's global community gathered for the FIA's annual conference. The 2026 FI World Championship again includes three other Middle East rounds, in Bahrain on April 10-12, Saudi Arabia from April 17-19 and Qatar from November 27-29. Saudi again stages back-to-back Jeddah races in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar on February 13-14, while the Middle East also has four rounds in the 2026 F2 Championship coinciding with the F1 races in Bahrain, Saudi, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem speaks during the meeting. Once again, the Dakar Rally in Saudi commences next year's FIA World Rally-Raid Championship from January 3-17, with the Rally du Maroc taking place from September 28 to October 3 and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge on November 22-27. Bahrain represents the Middle East in the ten-round F3 calendar. Ben Sulayem told World Motor Sport Council members: '2025 is proving to be an exciting year across all our championships with technological milestones being reached, new talent emerging, and battles being fought on the track and across stages each week. 'This year is a powerful opportunity for us to innovate and grow. New agreements across our championships are unlocking fresh potential, we are enhancing the level of competition and expanding our global reach. Each race across our championships shows the passion and dedication of our community.' The World Council approved one of the final pieces of the compelling puzzle that is coming together to mark the start of a brand-new era for the FIA World Rally Championship from 2027. The WRC27 rule set has been undergoing its final refinements and updates over the past six months, and confirmation in Macau of the reference volumes for bodywork cements the commitment set out by the FIA to put flexibility at the core of these regulations. To achieve this, the rules define a zone in which all of the bodywork panels must be located, but within this volume, manufacturers and constructors have the freedom to scale and integrate almost any design. This means that, without effecting performance, cars ranging from saloons to hatchbacks, cross-overs and completely bespoke designs could be entered over the ten-year regulation cycle through to 2037. Meanwhile, a new street circuit in Madrid will make its debut on the Formula 1 schedule in September of next year, replacing the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.
Web Release
2 days ago
- Web Release
The Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia shows support for new health and fitness event
The Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia and its Sport Sector Team have signed an investment agreement with RX Arabia to support the successful launch of FIBO Arabia in the Kingdom, which will debut at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center from 1-3 October 2025. The sports and fitness industry in Saudi Arabia continues to gain considerable momentum. Organised by RX, a global leader in events and exhibitions, and under the theme for a strong and healthy society, FIBO Arabia is already 60% sold out following a successful sales launch at FIBO's flagship tradeshow in Cologne, Germany last month. There, 1,200 exhibitors and partners from 60 nations and 154,748 visitors from 129 countries were welcomed. The launch of FIBO Arabia coincides with the Saudi government's significant support for investing in the country's sports sector as part of the Kingdom's 2030 strategy to diversify its economy. The government aims to increase sports spending by US$22 billion by 2030, encompassing sports clubs, academies, sportswear and equipment, and sports facilities. Vasyl Zhygalo, Managing Director, Middle East and Emerging Markets, RX: 'We are honoured that the Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia is supporting the launch of FIBO Arabia. This underscores the importance of health and fitness to the Saudi Arabian government and highlights its investment-friendly attitude towards overseas entrepreneurs and progressive companies that want to invest in their health and fitness sector.' The country's focus on becoming a global sports hub is underscored by the announcement of major events to take place in Saudi Arabia, including the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, and the 2029 Asian Winter Games, which will provide a significant boost to its position as a global sports hub. Furthermore, according to Gymnation, which operates a chain of fitness centres in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the Saudi fitness market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% between now and 2032 when the health and fitness market is projected to be worth US$2.28 billion. The growth in the market is largely attributed to government initiatives aimed at enhancing the population's quality of life and promoting physical activity, as well as a rise in health consciousness among the population. Basim K. Ibrahim, Sport Sector Investment Development Director, Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia, added: 'FIBO Arabia represents a pivotal platform in advancing Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals by promoting a culture of fitness and wellness while also highlighting the Kingdom's growing potential as a hub for investment within this sector. With increasing emphasis on exercise, sports, and wellbeing across the Kingdom, the event provides a vital opportunity for international and local brands to showcase the latest innovations and technologies in the industry. We look forward to the positive impact FIBO Arabia will have on our communities and the exciting prospects it will unlock for the future.' Professional development will be a key focus of the show, with FIBO Arabia hosting a series of expert-led workshops, seminars, and keynote sessions. These continuing education opportunities are designed to equip attendees with the tools, insights, and certifications needed to thrive in today's rapidly evolving fitness and wellness landscape. From innovation and education to networking and live engagement, FIBO Arabia 2025 promises to be a must-attend event for anyone passionate about shaping the future of health, fitness, and wellness in the Middle East and beyond. For more information on FIBO Arabia, please visit
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Gulf Business
Dubai-based karting prodigy Atiqa Mir joins AKCEL GP Academy
Atiqa Mir, a 10-year-old Dubai-based Indian karting prodigy has become the youngest driver from the region to secure a place in a professional motorsport development programme, following her signing as an official AKCEL GP Academy Driver. AKCEL GP says the move signals a shift in motorsport accessibility and diversity, reinforcing the UAE's commitment to nurturing next-generation talent and establishing itself as a global hub for motorsport excellence. A rising star in the karting circuit, Atiqa Mir has already made a name for herself with her fearless driving and consistent podium finishes. She has competed in some of the world's most prestigious karting championships, including the Rotax Euro Trophy, Rotax International Trophy, IAME Series (UAE and Europe), WSK Euro Series, WSK Super Master Series, and the Champions of the Future Academy. The timing of this partnership aligns with the official launch of the AKCEL GP Academy: the cornerstone development initiative of AKCEL GP, the UAE-based high-performance motorsport team competing in FIA F4, Formula Regional Middle East Championship, and FIA F3. Opening in Abu Dhabi in August 2025, the Academy will serve as a cutting-edge training ground for the next generation of racing talent from the UAE and abroad. The Academy's inaugural batch will feature 15 promising young drivers and is committed to offering a structured and competitive pathway beginning with elite karting championships and advancing through the ranks of single-seater racing. Atiqa Mir (10) has made a name for herself with consistent podium finishes. Speaking on Atiqa's signing, Amit Kaushal, group chairman of AKCEL Group, said, 'Atiqa's talent, focus, and composure on track are well beyond her years. We're proud to welcome her to the AKCEL GP family and support her long-term journey toward Formula 1. Over the next 15 years, we're committed to guiding her development from karting to single-seaters as she grows into a world-class racer and future F1 contender.' As Atiqa Mir begins her training in Abu Dhabi, she will follow a structured development programme designed to prepare young drivers for the demands of professional motorsport. Her training will combine simulator sessions, physical conditioning, mental coaching and in-depth performance analysis. A key focus of her time with AKCEL GP Academy will be competing in championships across the UAE and Europe, providing her with essential on-track experience and exposure to high-level competition early in her career. The goal is to lay a strong foundation of skills, discipline, and racecraft with a clear vision: Formula 1 as the ultimate destination. Reflecting on this new chapter in her journey, Atiqa Mir said, 'Racing is everything to me. It's where I feel strong, fast, and free. Joining AKCEL GP Academy is a dream come true, and I want to show young girls like me from Dubai and India that we can compete at the highest levels. One day, I hope to race in Formula 1, and I'm ready to work hard to get there.' The UAE's support for motorsport development has grown rapidly over the past decade. The nation is home to internationally acclaimed circuits such as Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Autodrome and hosts one of the most prestigious events on the racing calendar, the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. In 2024, the UAE's sports event market generated more than Dhs22.8m in revenue and is projected to exceed Dhs44m by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 11.8 per cent. Globally, the motorsport industry is valued at around Dhs34.9bn, making the UAE's entry into talent development and racing innovation all the more significant.
