70 racing teams ready to battle in 24H Dubai race this weekend

Dubai: A total of 70 racing teams including four UAE-based outfits consisting of some best international and regional endurance drivers will be in action during this weekend’s 20th Michelin 24H Dubai race.

Coinciding with Dubai Autodrome’s 20th anniversary celebrations, the season-opening 24HR Series will have its largest GT3 grids with more than 30 teams taking to the track for the flagship competition on January 11-12.

Among the UAE teams that will be competing are Rabdan Motorsport, led by Emirati lead driver Saif Al Ameri, who will be joined by country teammates Fahad Al Zaabi, Salem Al Ketbi and Christopher Zoechling. Other UAE-based teams include Dragon Racing, Fulgenzi Racing, and Duel Racing.

They will be part of a competitive grid which has attracted some prominent names in the endurance motorsport world such as two-time WRC champion Kalle Rovanpera, former World Touring Champion Robert Huff and reigning Asian Le Mans Series GT winner, Alex Malykhin. Also set to be behind the wheel are Oman’s Ahmad Al Harthy, British Touring Car champion Jake Hill and Saudi Arabia’s first professional female racing driver Reema Juffali.

Famous Indian actor Ajith Kumar, who has starred in more than 60 movies in the Tamil film industry across three decades, will make his motor racing return with his newly-formed team — Ajith Kumar Racing.

Mixing with the elite field is Dubai Autodrome’s very own Jamie Day, who has climbed through the ranks from karting who will be racing in the GT3 category while the venue’s driving instructors Axcil Jefferies (champion in 2021 edition), Mathieu Detry (2024 champion in GT AM), and Ramez Azzam are so set to line up on the track.

Since opening in 2004, the Dubai Autodrome has staged every single edition of the 24H Dubai — the first race of the 2025 24H Series, with the event a key championship in the venue’s busy motorsport calendar.

Faisal Al Sahlawi, General Manager of Dubai Autodrome, said: “This 2025 Michelin 24H Dubai event represents a significant moment as it is also part of Dubai Autodrome’s 20th anniversary celebrations. Since the lights first went out way back in 2006, this motorsport event has gone from strength to strength, creating wonderful memories to cherish, and the fact that we are staging the 20th edition of this flagship event which has brought together some of the top names in motorsport reaffirms how highly-regarded this event is, both in the UAE and abroad.

“This competition has served as an important platform for UAE drivers and teams to get competitive experience against an international field that will help them in their development. In the past, we have seen many teams and drivers fly the UAE flag high by gaining podium finishes and we hope to see some of the participants follow in their footsteps.”

He added: “More importantly, the 24H Dubai is a key sporting event on the Dubai calendar which not only benefits the motorsport landscape but also contributes to the local economy by attracting tourists to the venue with the hotels also benefiting.”

Off the track, there is a wide array of family-fun entertainment and activities for all ages including a Cultural Zone where visitors can explore the vibrant cultures of Africa, Asia, America, and Australia, a Kids Zone and a Car Display of eight stunning cars.

“Whether you’re a motorsport fan, car enthusiastic or just visiting the 24H for the first time, there is something for everyone to enjoy and be part of this historic occasion. We look forward to welcoming as many people as possible this weekend,” Al Sahlawi added.