Oman International Drift Championship 2026 Begins Thursday in Muscat

International Drivers Gather in Muscat for Oman Drift Championship

Muscat: The Oman International Drift Championship 2026, organized by the Oman Automobile Association (OAA), will begin this Thursday, 15 January, with events continuing for two days at the Association’s headquarters as part of the Muscat Nights activities.

Motorsports enthusiasts in the Sultanate of Oman and abroad are turning their attention to the Muscat Drift Arena at the OAA headquarters, which will host the first round of the championship on Thursday and Friday, 15 and 16 January.

Suleiman Abdullah Al Rawahi, Director General of the Oman Automobile Association, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the championship ranks among the leading drifting competitions worldwide in terms of professional organization, safety standards, and strong public attendance. He said this has reinforced Oman’s standing as a regional and international destination for motorsports.

Al Rawahi explained that this year’s edition will feature more than 50 competitors from over 20 countries, including internationally recognized drivers such as Ahmad Daham, Ali Makhseed, and Clint van Oort, alongside prominent Omani drivers Ahmed Al Amri, Haitham Al Hadidi, and Ali Al Balushi.

He added that the 2026 championship will include female competitors, reflecting the growing diversity within the sport and supporting wider participation in international drifting events.

Al Rawahi stated that the championship programme spans two days, with the first day dedicated to qualification rounds, followed by the final competitions on the second day. He noted that comprehensive logistical arrangements have been completed, with fully equipped stands ready to receive spectators.

He stressed that the Association’s continued success in organizing major events demonstrates the confidence placed in its professional teams. He said the OAA has become a central platform for the development of motorsports in Oman, as reflected in the scale and quality of the events it hosts at regional and international levels.

Al Rawahi further emphasized that the Association seeks to promote safe motorsports practices by providing regulated venues and adhering to recognized international standards. He noted that motorsports enjoy wide popularity in Oman and that the OAA plays an important role in guiding young enthusiasts toward safe and organized participation.

He concluded by affirming that the Oman Automobile Association will continue organizing local, regional, and international championships to support the growth of motorsports and broaden community engagement.