The UAE has the most developed motorsport infrastructure in the Middle East, and there is no shortage of domestic national racing series available.
All major disciplines are catered for, while the major racing series are sanctioned by the Automobile & Touring Club (ATC) – the official FIA-appointed sporting authority.
However, trying to understand the different classes of racing and who they best suit can be difficult. To help you learn more about what racing classes exist in the UAE, use our guide.
Note In order to race in the sanctioned classes, you will need a race licnese. Visit the ATC's website to learn how.
Karting
Circuits Al Ain Raceway, Al Forsan, Dubai Kartdrome, RAK Track.
Profile Karting is the world’s most accessible form of motorsport. The UAE is blessed with four world-class tracks and several race teams selling equipment. Most circuits will accept drivers as young as 7-years-old, although special “Bambino” karts do exist for those as young as five.
Karting teaches you vehicle control in a way that circuit racing and road cars can’t, and anyone who wants to pursue a career in motorsport would be well-advised to start here, regardless of age.
1. Rotax MAX Challenge
The RMC is the UAE’s only national karting championship. Organised by Al Ain Raceway, the series travels between Al Ain Raceway, Al Forsan, Dubai Kartdrome, Yas Marina, and Muscat Speedway. The season runs for 12 rounds between October and April, and performing drivers are selected to represent the UAE in the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals.
All classes run Rotax MAX 125cc engines, which are restricted in different ways for the junior classes and sealed to prevent cheating. Competitors require their own race karts, although teams will hire equipment to those unsure as to whether they want to commit. This series is for those who are serious about their karting. Learn more here.
Membership is required annually, and all competitors must have a valid racing license.
Phone 03 768 6662 Email UAE RMC Website Al Ain Raceway
2. Dubai “O” Plate
The Dubai “O” Plate is a one-off race each year that runs to the same regulations as the Rotax MAX Challenge. The race meeting is a festival of karting hosted by Dubai Kartdrome. As it is a non-championship round, the atmosphere is generally more relaxed.
The winners of each of the classes are awarded the prestigious “0” race number. Learn more here.
A valid race license is required for race-kart classes.
Phone 04 367 8744 Email Kartdrome Website Dubai Kartdrome
3. Dubai Endurance Championship
The Dubai Endurance Championship is one of the Middle East’s oldest and most prestigious karting events. Race lengths vary between 500km and 24 hours, with four races being held each year at Dubai Kartdrome on different circuit layouts.
The event is popular with companies who want to advertise their businesses, or even entertain their employees or clients. Teams can consist of anywhere between three and 12 drivers. It’s not uncommon for teams to hire known fast drivers to do their winning for them!
Weights and timed pit stops are applied to ensure the racing is as fair as possible. Karts and equipment are all provided. Read more about it here.
No race license is required.
Phone 04 367 8744 Email Kartdrome Website Dubai Kartdrome
4. Al Ain Endurance Championship
Al Ain Raceway’s new endurance series combines both junior and senior teams. The four-race series runs two six-hour races and two eight-hour races. For teams of up to six or eight drivers (depending on the distance), the series is ideal for corporate teams who don’t want to commit vast expenses. Karts and equipment are all provided.
The minimum age for junior drivers is 13, and drivers will need proof of age. Read more here.
No race license is required.
Phone 03 768 6662 Email sales@alainraceway.com Website Al Ain Raceway
5. SWS - Sodi World Series
The Sodi World Series (SWS) is run by Dubai Kartdrome together with their rental kart supplier, Sodi. The race series runs over several rounds, with drivers scoring points in pursuit of the championship. The carrot on the stick is that the winning drivers qualify to race in the World Finals in Paris each year.
It is the perfect starting block for anyone who wants to try their hand at karting before committing to spending money on their own private equipment. Karts and equipment are all provided. Read more about the SWS here.
No race license is required.
Phone 04 367 8744 Email Kartdrome Website Dubai Kartdrome
6. X30 Challenge
The X30 Challenge is the latest kart-owner series to be launched in the UAE, and is run by the brand new RAK Track in Ras Al Khaimah. Conventional race-karts are fitted with an Iame X30 engine, which is unsealed and can therefore be tuned to the owner’s preference.
The X30s only race at RAK Track for now, but the series is looking to expand to other circuits, offering an alternative to the dominant Rotax classes. Learn more about the X30 Challenge here.
Competitors must have a race license.
Phone 07 222 2128 Email RAK Track Website X30 Challenge
Circuit racing
Circuits Dubai Autodrome, Yas Marina Circuit
Profile Circuit racing is well-catered for in the UAE, with all the major types of car available. It’s not something you should just jump into, you will need training and experience before you can race. All circuit racing requires the competitor to have a race license.
Thankfully there are people who can help, and there is something for all reasonable budgets.
1. Formula Gulf 1000
Formula Gulf 1000 (FG1000) is the UAE’s only single-seater racing series. Run by Gulf Sport, who are located within a stone’s throw from Dubai Autodrome, FG1000 is the ideal stepping stone to racing cars from karting. Gulf Sport take care of all mechanical work and set up, although drivers are encouraged to learn.
The series isn’t just simply a turn-up-and-drive operation, all the drivers who compete are offered professional driver coaching as well as fitness programmes and feedback sessions.
FG1000 is one of the more affordable modes of circuit racing in the UAE, and is a vital step on the ladder towards a career in motorsport.
Phone 04 422 8940 Email Gulf Sport Website FG1000
2. Radical Middle East Cup
The Radical Middle East Cup is a single-make series organised and promoted by AUH Racing. While the cars look the same, there are in actual fact three separate classes: Masters, Supersports, and Clubman. The SR8 Masters cars can reach speed of up to 280kp/h and can get to 100kp/h in 2.7 seconds. The SR3 Supersports aren’t far behind, reaching a top speed of 250kp/h.
The Radical Cup is one of the most popular open-top classes in domestic motorsport, with grids in the UAE averaging between 12-15 cars. It suits those on a medium budget.
Phone 04 422 9616 Email AUH Motorsports Website Radical ME Cup
3. Porsche GT3 ME Cup
The Porsche GT3 ME Cup is, as the name suggests, a racing series for Porsches. Based in Bahrain, the series frequents the UAE’s two major circuits. The cars used are GT3 991s and are maintained to equal standards.
It runs an “Arrive and Drive” set up, and is therefore a suitable choice of racing series for those who don’t have the time to transport or prepare their own racing cars.
Learn more about the Porsche GT3 ME Cup here.
Phone +973 361 00911 Email GT3 Cup Website Porsche GT3 Cup
4. MRF F2000
The MRF F2000 series is a new-player in the UAE. An Indian series, this year it will run at both Yas Marina and Dubai Autodrome. The single-seater cars are powered by a 2 litre, 16 valve straight-4 engine.
Being based in Chennai, India means that the series is a little harder to enter for those living in the UAE, but it remains an option none-the-less. It has attracted a raft of young, talented drivers from all over the world.
Due to the international nature of the series, any participants would be advised to complete at least one season in FG1000 beforehand.
Phone +91 44 2829 2777 Email MRF Website MRF F2000
5. Touring Cars
As part of the UAE’s NGK Racing Series, Touring Cars is one of the most exciting and hotly competed racing series in the country. The series runs between Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina over eight race meetings.
The series is ideal for those serious racers who want to enjoy their racing at the weekends, rather than make a career out of it.
The technical regulations for permitted cars can be found here.
Phone 04 367 8700 Website NGK Racing Series
6. Clio Cup
Like the Touring Cars, the Renault Clio Cup runs as part of the NGK Racing Series. A budget class, the Clio Cup is the ideal platform for younger drivers who prefer closed-car racing. Full technical regulations can be found here.
Phone 04 367 8700 Website NGK Racing Series
7. TRD 86 Cup
The TRD 86 Cup enjoyed its first season last year, and this year it has gained popularity. Unlike other racing series, the 86 Cup offers drivers an entire season package up front. It costs Dh177,000, so while it may not be the cheapest form of circuit racing, it is one of the most predictable (not accounting for crashes!).
The Toyota GT86 cars use a 2 litre 4-cylinder boxer engine, which emits 200 horsepower.
Phone 800 YAS (927) Website TRD 86 Cup
Motorbikes
Circuits Dubai Autodrome (on-road bikes)
Profile Bike racing has always been popular in the UAE. There is no shortage of riders, and while racing is provided both on and off road, the temptation of the desert is usually the bigger draw.
1. UAE Sportbike Championship
The UAE Sportbike Championship features three classes: 600cc Supersport class along with a non-championship 1000cc Superbike class. The classes are based on the FIM Supersport and Superstock World Championships regulations.
The Rookie Cup runs in conjunction with the championship. All races will take place at Dubai Autodrome, making it the country’s only dedicated circuit bike series.
Phone 04 367 8700 Website UAESBC
2. Dubai Motocross Championship
There is barely a class of dirt-bike that isn’t catered for in the Dubai Motocross Club. Riders from as young as four are welcome to get practice in, and there is no upper age limit. The series runs for eight rounds in Jebel Ali, with only seven rounds counting towards the championship.
The Dubai Motocross Club is affiliated with the Emirates Motorsport Federation, itself under the ATC’s umbrella.
If you want to compete in a friendly, volunteer-orientated environment, then this is the series for you.
Phone 055 388 6279 Website Motocross Facebook and Motocross website
Rally
Profile Rallying has been popular in the UAE for many years. Indeed, the ATC president, His Excellency Dr. Mohammad Bin Sulayem, was the UAE’s original racing hero, notching up several rally titles over a long career. The vast expanses of desert mean that courses can be easily identified.
1. Emirates Desert Championship
The Emirates Desert Championship (EDC) is the UAE’s national rally championship. Classes include rally-cars, buggies, quadbikes, and off-road bikes. The EDC is the perfect series to enter if you want to enjoy a weekend racing around the desert.
Rally locations change frequently.
See also Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and Dubai International Rally.
Phone 04 282 7111 Website EDC
