OIDC builds momentum ahead of Round 2 showdown

Muscat: The Oman International Drift Championship (OIDC 2026) opened in spectacular fashion at the Muscat Drift Arena, delivering a thrilling first round that reinforced its reputation as one of the world’s most competitive drifting series. Held as part of the Muscat Nights winter festival and organised by the Oman Automobile Association (OAA), the opening battles brought together more than 50 drivers from over 20 countries, alongside leading competitors from Oman and across the Middle East and North Africa.
Qualifying sessions took place on January 15, followed by intense head-to-head racing on January 16, where international stars and local challengers pushed their machines to the limit in dramatic Twin Drift showdowns.

Defending champion Ali Makseed of Kuwait led the field, joined by Dutch racer Clint van Oort and national champion Ahmed al Amri, while several global drifting figures added further excitement to the weekend.
Large crowds packed the venue as drivers progressed through the Top 32, Top 16 and Top 8 elimination stages before the final duels crowned a thrilling opening round. Motor enthusiasts praised the smooth logistics and world-class facilities that once again underlined Oman’s growing status as a motorsports destination.
With momentum building after the season-opening action, attention is now firmly turning to the much-anticipated second round, which is set to take place on Thursday and Friday, January 29 and 30, at the Muscat Drift Arena under the Muscat Nights banner.

Qualifying runs will be held on Thursday, January 29, followed by the finals on Friday, January 30. More than 50 elite drivers representing over 20 nations are again expected to line up on the grid, promising another weekend of tyre smoking battles and high-precision driving for fans.
Social media activist Mohammed al Araimi highlighted the scale and significance of the championship, describing it as among the strongest drifting competitions in the world and praised Muscat Nights for hosting standout sporting spectacles each year. He also commended the Oman Automobile Association, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and Muscat Municipality for their role in staging the event.

Spectators are equally eager for the next chapter of the championship. Marwan al Battashi, who attended the opening round, captured the excitement in the stands. “The energy in the arena was incredible,” he said. “Every run brought cheers, and the Twin Drift battles kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The mix of international champions and local drivers made the competition even more thrilling. Events like this are exactly what make Muscat Nights so special for motorsport fans.”
Organisers expect Round 2 to build on the success of the opener, with preparations in place to welcome large crowds and deliver another high-octane weekend of racing.
The championship continues to attract elite global talent thanks to its strong organisational standards, competitive format and growing international profile.
As Muscat Nights enters another action-packed weekend, the second round of the Oman International Drift Championship is shaping up to be a must-see attraction, offering spectators a front-row seat to world-class drifting and confirming Oman’s position on the global motorsport calendar.