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DUBAI: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, founder of the MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup, says the competition will bring new opportunities for karting talent in the region as this year’s event prepares to get underway in Qatar.

The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation brings the region’s karting scene into the spotlight again as it hosts the 2025 edition of the event, with Thursday night’s opening ceremony following two days of practice sessions before racing on Friday and Saturday.

Emerging drivers from the MENA region have assembled at the Lusail Karting Circuit for one of the world’s largest regional karting events in a display and celebration of the next generation of global motorsport.

The third edition to be held in Qatar, this year’s championship has an increased starting list with 173 drivers from 18 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Countries represented are Qatar, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Iran, Oman, Palestine, ������Ƶ, Syria, Tunisia, the UAE, and Yemen.

Ben Sulayem, who founded the Nations Cup in 2020, said: “With growing numbers of participating countries, this year’s MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup represents the development of motorsport and new opportunities for karting talent across our region.

“My congratulations and thanks to QMMF and President Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al-Mannai for hosting this milestone event. Good luck to all competitors, volunteers, staff, and officials. Your passion, dedication and teamwork allow this competition to thrive on the global stage.”

A range of karting categories will allow drivers at different stages of their early racing careers to prove themselves around the twists and turns of the Lusail Circuit, with six Rotax Max Challenge categories for drivers aged 8 and over and the R390 Sprint and R390 Endurance categories for ages 15 and above.

In the 2024 championship, Lebanon clinched the MENA Nations Cup title ahead of Morocco in second position and the UAE in third. This year’s championship is poised to deliver another thrilling weekend of racing.

Al-Mannai, the president of QMMF and Lusail International Circuit, said: “We are proud to once again host the MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup, providing a platform for young drivers from across the region to develop their skills and passion for motorsport.

“We extend our gratitude to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his continued support and vision in promoting motorsport development. This championship is not only in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, but also highlights our ongoing commitment to support the growth of motorsport from the grassroots level, helping the next generation of talent reach their full potential.

“We wish all competitors, teams, and officials every success throughout the championship and thank marshals for their commitment and hard work."

DUBAI: Ryder Cup hero Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will return for the 2026 Dubai Invitational, taking place from Jan. 15 to 18.

The five-time Major champion will tee it up in the second edition following a history-making 2025 season. He played a starring role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage Black — their first win on American soil in 13 years.

McIlroy also became the first European to complete the career Grand Slam when he added the 2025 Masters title to his previous Major triumphs at the 2011 US Open, the 2012 and 2014 PGA Championships, and The Open in 2014.

He finished runner-up at the inaugural Dubai Invitational two years ago, one shot behind eventual champion and Ryder Cup teammate Tommy Fleetwood, who has also confirmed for the 2026 edition.

The world No. 2 currently leads the 2025 Race to Dubai.

He is looking forward to 2026 with back-to-back weeks in the UAE for the Dubai Invitational and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the first Rolex Series event of the campaign and an event he has won on four occasions.

“I’m excited to be starting my year in Dubai,” said McIlroy. “The UAE is a place where I’ve enjoyed a lot of great weeks, and I’m sure this will be no different.

“Dubai Creek Resort was a fantastic host venue two years ago, and Abdulla and his team put on an incredible event.

“I came very close to winning that week, so I’m hoping 2026 will be another really good year for me. And to start strong in the Middle East would be the perfect way to get it underway.”

Tournament host Abdulla Al-Naboodah said it was “an honor” to have McIlroy play.

“His participation is a significant addition to our world-class field, and we look forward to delivering another exceptional week of competition and hospitality for players, partners, and spectators.”

The Dubai Invitational is the opening event on the Race to Dubai’s International Swing and is played concurrently with a three-day Pro-Am team event, with Sunday featuring professionals only.

The bi-annual event consists of 60 professional DP World Tour golfers, and 60 amateur golfers.