Doha, Qatar – The 2026 Shell Eco-marathon Qatar concluded successfully at the Lusail International Circuit (LIC), solidifying Qatar’s position as a growing regional center for sustainable mobility and engineering innovation. The event, which took place this week, drew over 70 student teams, representing nearly 1000 participants from 15 countries, all competing to design and build the most energy-efficient vehicles. This year’s competition highlights Qatar’s commitment to fostering STEM education and exploring future energy solutions.
The participating teams hailed from across Asia and the Middle East, including China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Republic of Korea, Kyrgyzstan, and Tunisia. The Shell Eco-marathon challenges students to push the boundaries of fuel efficiency, utilizing both electric and internal combustion engine technologies.
Shell Eco-marathon Qatar 2026: A Showcase of Innovation
The Lusail International Circuit provided a unique and challenging environment for the student teams. Traditionally a venue for high-speed motorsport, the LIC was transformed into a testing ground for ultra-efficient vehicle designs. This allowed students to evaluate their creations on a professional-grade track, mirroring real-world conditions and providing valuable data for improvement.
The event isn’t simply a race; it’s a comprehensive engineering competition. Teams are judged on a variety of factors, including fuel efficiency, design innovation, and vehicle performance. This holistic approach encourages students to consider the entire lifecycle of their vehicles, from concept to construction to operation.
The Role of LIC in Supporting STEM
LIC’s facilities, including expansive paddocks and advanced track technology, were crucial to the success of the event. The circuit offered a practical learning environment where students could apply theoretical knowledge to solve real-world engineering problems. This hands-on experience is a key component of the Shell Eco-marathon’s educational mission.
Abdulaziz Ali Al Mohannadi, CEO of Lusail International Circuit, emphasized the importance of the program. He stated that the Shell Eco-marathon demonstrates the potential of young engineers and collaboration in shaping a sustainable future. Al Mohannadi also noted the alignment between the event’s goals and Qatar’s long-term vision for sustainability and education.
This marks the second consecutive year that Qatar has hosted the Shell Eco-marathon, demonstrating a growing commitment to supporting the competition and its participants. The country’s investment in the event reflects its broader strategy to diversify its economy and promote technological advancement. Qatar is actively seeking to become a leader in sustainable technologies, and initiatives like the Shell Eco-marathon are seen as vital to achieving this goal.
The focus on Shell Eco-marathon isn’t isolated. Qatar has been investing heavily in infrastructure projects designed to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmentally friendly transportation options, including an expanding public transportation network and incentives for electric vehicle adoption. These efforts are part of the country’s National Environment and Climate Change Strategy, which aims to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Additionally, the event provides a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration between students, industry professionals, and government officials. This exchange of ideas can accelerate the development and deployment of new sustainable mobility technologies. The competition also serves as a recruitment opportunity for companies seeking talented engineers and innovators.
Looking ahead, organizers will begin evaluating the results of the 2026 competition and planning for future events. The specific dates and location for the 2027 Shell Eco-marathon Qatar have not yet been announced. However, continued support from both LIC and Shell is anticipated, and the event is expected to remain a key component of Qatar’s efforts to promote environmental sustainability and STEM education. The long-term impact of the competition on the development of future energy solutions remains to be seen, but the initial results are promising.
Further details on the winning teams and vehicle designs will be released by Shell in the coming weeks. Industry analysts will be watching to see how the innovations showcased at the event translate into commercially viable technologies. The success of the 2026 competition underscores the growing importance of sustainable transport solutions globally.
