UAE Driver Rashid Al Dhaheri Makes Racing History at Home

Standing on the podium at Yas Marina Circuit, Rashid Al Dhaheri celebrated more than just a race win. The 2026 Formula Regional Middle East Championship opener marked the first time any driver from the Middle East and North Africa region had ever won a Formula Regional race.

The 22-year-old Emirati driver dominated the weekend at the Abu Dhabi track where he first learned to race. He secured pole position in qualifying, missing the top spot in his first session by just 0.001 seconds before clinching it in the second.

Thirty-two drivers from 11 teams competed in the championship's opening round, all racing the brand-new Tatuus T-326 Formula Regional car for the first time. The upgraded chassis features advanced aerodynamics and enhanced handling, presenting fresh challenges even for experienced drivers.

Al Dhaheri adapted quickly to the new machinery. He finished second in the first race on Saturday, then climbed from 11th to fifth in Sunday's reverse-grid second race, earning valuable championship points.

Race three delivered the breakthrough moment. Starting from pole position, another first for a MENA driver in Formula Regional competition, Al Dhaheri crossed the finish line in first place as his home crowd erupted in celebration.

The Ripple Effect

Al Dhaheri's victory opens doors for young racing talent across the entire region. His success with French team R-ace GP proves that drivers from the Middle East can compete and win at the highest levels of junior motorsport formulas.

The win holds special significance for the UAE's growing motorsport community. Yas Marina Circuit has hosted Formula One's season finale for years, but homegrown racing talent has remained rare at the international level.

"Winning here at Yas Marina Circuit, where it all began for me, in front of my home fans and family, this victory means everything," Al Dhaheri said after the race. He credited his team, partners, and family for supporting his winter preparation.

The championship continues with round two returning to Yas Marina Circuit from January 23-25, giving Al Dhaheri a chance to extend his points lead. The series then heads to Dubai Autodrome before concluding at Qatar's Lusail International Circuit in February.

For young racing fans across the Middle East watching Al Dhaheri spray champagne on that podium, the message rings clear: their turn could be next.