The Oman International Rally returns after a one-year break as the exciting motorsport event will kick-start the Motorsport Festival in Suhar from January 23 to 25.
Top 20 international drivers including local hero and defending champion Abdullah al Rawahi and six-time champion Nasser al Attiyah of Qatar are expected to feature in the rally, which marks the opening round of FIA Middle East Rally Championship (Merc).
The Suhar Entertainment Centre (SEC) will serve as the rally headquarters for the highly anticipated 2025 Oman International Rally, organised in collaboration between the Office of the Governor of North Al Batinah and the Oman Automobile Association.
This collaboration aims to place Oman and Suhar — the largest city in the Al Batinah North Governorate — on the international map as a prominent destination for motorsport enthusiasts, further elevating the nation’s standing in the world of motorsport. The vibrant city of Suhar is also known as the birthplace of Sinbad the Sailor.
As one of the most popular and competitive rounds of the regional rally series, the Oman International Rally promises an exciting start to the New Year. The event features a demanding format with 13 special stages and 232.39 competitive kilometers across a total route of 636.41km.
The rally will traverse areas in Suhar, Shinas and Liwa provinces.
ABDULLAH TO DEFEND TITLE
The rally will once again welcome Abdullah al Rawahi, Oman’s national rallying hero and winner of the Oman International Rally in both 2021 and 2023. Al Rawahi is set to compete against a strong field of regional and international drivers, adding a local flair and excitement to the competition.
In the 2023 edition, Abdullah along with his Jordanian co-driver Ata al Hmoud on Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo clocked 2 hours 37 minutes and 30.1 second to take the top podium at the Oman Automobile Association.
Petrc Kacirek/Petra Rihakova (Czech Republic) – Skoda Fabia R5 claimed second in 2:44:05.7 ahead of Nasser al Attiyah/Mathieu Baumel (Qatar/Andorra) – Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 with a timing of 2:44:38.0.
Kuwait-Qatar combo of Mshari al Thefiri and Nasser al Kuwari in Mitsubhishi Lancer Evo X (2:46:45.7) and Nasser Khalifa al Attiyah (Qatar)/Giovanni Bernacchini (Italy) in Ford Fiesta R5 (2:52:41.2) completed the top five.
The 2024 edition was cancelled due to the unstable conditions in the Middle East.
The 2025 event is being run under the chairmanship of Brigadier Jamal Said al Tai, organising panel member Suleiman al Rawahi and Rally Director Anwar al Zadjali. Hani Shaban will act as the Clerk of the Course with his assistant Chris Hodgson and deputy Younis al Balushi.
Administration checks will take place at rally headquarters on January 20th from 16.00hrs, with scrutineering scheduled for January 22 evening at the ROP Inspection Area in Suhar.
On January 23, the pre-event press conference (15.00hrs) precedes the ceremonial start (15.30hrs) at the SEC and then crews will tackle the opening Suhar super special stage from 16.43hrs.
On January 24, drivers will compete over two passes through the Ar Rusays (23.56km), Ar Rassah (19.45km) and Al Uwaynah (13.94km) special stages, split by a regroup and service stop at the SEC.
Two runs through the Al Akak (25.20km), Yanboa (13.45km) and Misyal A’sidr (19.32km) specials round off the action during the final day on January 25. The second pass through the Misyal A’sidr speed test will act as the rally's new Power Stage.
The SEC will host the prize giving (17.30hrs) and post-event press conference (18.30hrs) on January 25.
The 2025 Oman International Rally is part of a broader celebration of motorsport excellence within the Motorsport Festival in Suhar, which includes thrilling activities like drifting, freestyle shows, car exhibitions, and rallying. This dynamic festival promises to attract motorsport fans from across the globe, cementing Suhar’s position as a key hub for international motorsport events.
The Suhar Entertainment Centre will not only host the rally headquarters but will also provide a vibrant base for fans and participants alike, showcasing the city’s rich culture and scenic charm.
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