SPORT REPORTER
MUSCAT, JAN 18
The Oman International Rally 2026 will officially get underway from the city of Sohar for the second consecutive year, hosting the opening round of the Middle East Rally Championship (MERC). The rally will take place on Friday and Saturday, January 23–24, preceded by a Super Special Stage on Thursday, January 22, attracting widespread public and media attention.
The rally is organised by the Oman Automobile Association (OAA) in cooperation with the Sohar Entertainment Festival and with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Al Batinah North Governorate and Toyota Oman. The event marks the return of high-octane rally action to Sohar’s challenging gravel stages, which are known for producing intense competition across all categories.
The entry list features a stellar lineup, led by 20-time Middle East Rally Champion Nasser al Attiyah of Qatar, who will compete in a Škoda Fabia alongside his Spanish co-driver Carrera Caneda. Also headlining the field is Omani driver Abdullah al Rawahi, returning to competition after recovering from injuries sustained in a previous rally accident in Lebanon. Al Rawahi, navigated by Jordanian Atta Al Hamoud, will be aiming to secure his third MERC title on home soil and in front of his supporters.
Several prominent regional drivers are also taking part, including Nasser bin Khalifa al Attiyah, Bader al Fayez, Ihab al Shorfa, Hamza Bakhashab, Rashid al Muhannadi, Mohammed al Marri, Shadi Fakih, Jassim al Maqhwi, Shaker Juwaihan, Sami Fleifel, Saneem, Mohammed al Shorfa, Raya Dagher and Farah Zakaria, in addition to Omani driver Zakaria al Amri with co-driver Mohammed al Mazroui, and a strong contingent of local competitors. Notably, the rally will witness the absence of talented driver Abdullah al Zubair.
The competition will begin with a 3-kilometre Super Special Stage at the Sohar Entertainment Centre, followed by a demanding schedule of special stages including Ar Rusaya, Al Rassah, Al Uwaynah, Al Akeek, Yanbu and Rahab, with repeated loops and designated service areas, culminating in the crowning of category winners and the overall round champion at the Sohar Entertainment Centre.
The rally is organised under the supervision of the Oman Automobile Association, chaired by Brigadier Jamal bin Said al Tai, with Sulaiman al Rawahi, General Manager of the Association, overseeing operations, Anwar al Zadjali in charge of rally management, and Hani Shaaban handling administrative operations.
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