The 2026 FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) kicks off today with the Oman International Rally, drawing competitors from ten nations to the Sohar Entertainment Centre. The three-day event will challenge drivers with 13 timed gravel special stages totaling 215.44 kilometers against the clock. Reigning Dakar Rally champion Nasser Al Attiyah is a strong favorite, aiming for a record-breaking 21st regional title and a ninth victory in Oman, making this a key event for rally fans across the region.
The Oman International Rally, organized by the Oman Automobile Association (OAA), serves as the first test for drivers preparing for a full season of competition in the challenging Middle Eastern terrain. This year’s rally features a diverse field, ranging from seasoned veterans like Al Attiyah to emerging young talents, all vying for championship points and regional supremacy. The event also includes a 17-strong Oman National Rally running concurrently.
Nasser Al Attiyah Leads the Charge in the Oman International Rally
Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah, fresh off his sixth Dakar Rally win, is the clear frontrunner. He will pilot a Škoda Fabia RS alongside co-driver Candido Carrera. Al Attiyah stated he needed a few days to recover from the Dakar, but feels prepared for the Oman stages, noting their similarity to last year’s course with some modifications.
However, Al Attiyah is already looking beyond the MERC. He plans to compete in upcoming Bajas in Saudi Arabia and Jordan with a two-wheel drive Optimus MD Buggy. His long-term ambition remains surpassing Stéphane Peterhansel’s record of eight Dakar victories, but he also emphasizes the importance of nurturing the next generation of drivers within the MERC.
Local Hope and Veteran Contenders
Oman’s Abdullah Al Rawahi will attempt to challenge Al Attiyah on home soil. The two-time winner and former regional champion, paired with Jordan’s Ata Al Hmoud in another Škoda Fabia RS, returns to competition after recovering from an accident in Lebanon. According to the OAA, Al Rawahi’s local knowledge could prove crucial.
Nasser Khalifa Al Atya, a veteran of the regional series, aims to defend his FIA Master MERC Driver title. He will be co-driven by Ziad Chehab in a Motortune Racing Ford Fiesta. The Jordanian duo of Sheikh Bader Al Fayez and Ihab Al Shorafa will also compete in Rally 2 Škodas, with Al Fayez partnering with 11-time Rally of Lebanon winner Joseph Matar.
Rising Stars and Championship Battles
The rally also showcases emerging talent. Hamza Bakhashab and Irish co-driver Lorcan Moore will be behind the wheel of a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. In the MERC2 category, Zakariya Al Aamri hopes to improve on his second-place finish last year, driving a Subaru Impreza WRX STi, but faces competition from Kuwait’s Jassim Al Muqahwi and Jordanian drivers Shaker Jweihan and Sami Fleifel in Mitsubishi Lancers.
Additionally, the QMMF is fielding a pair of Peugeot 208 Rally4s for Rashid Al Muhannadi and Mohammed Al Marri. Al Marri, the 2025 FIA Junior MERC champion, will be looking to add an FIA MERC3 crown to his achievements, with Szymon Gospdarczyk and Pierre Delorme serving as his co-drivers. The event will also feature competitors in the Rally5 class, including Shadi El Fakih in a Renault Clio.
Today’s schedule includes a 5.5km shakedown test starting at 09:00hrs, followed by a pre-event press conference at 14:15hrs at the Sohar Entertainment Centre. The ceremonial start is scheduled for 15:15hrs, leading directly into the 2.52km Sohar super special stage at 16:13hrs, marking the official beginning of the motorsport competition.
The Oman International Rally is expected to conclude on Saturday, February 22nd, with the final stages and overall results. The performance of Al Attiyah will be closely watched, as will the progress of local drivers like Al Rawahi. The event will provide valuable insight into the competitive landscape of the 2026 MERC season and the potential challengers to Al Attiyah’s dominance in Middle Eastern racing.
Following the Oman rally, the MERC calendar continues with further events across the region, including the Bajas in Saudi Arabia and Jordan. The championship standings will begin to take shape as drivers navigate diverse terrains and challenging conditions. The next few months will be crucial in determining the contenders for the overall title and the future of off-road rallying in the Middle East.
