The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has announced the official calendar for the 2026 World Championships in motorsport, highlighting the United Arab Emirates as the host for several prominent events.

Chief among these is the season-ending Formula 1 race, the Etihad Airways Grand Prix, scheduled at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi from December 4 to 6, 2026. This race will feature the next generation of Formula 1 cars, which are designed to run on 100% sustainable fuel.

This announcement was made during a meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council held in Macau, presided over by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA President, along with various senior officials from the federation and representatives from member countries.

The 2026 Formula 1 calendar includes four races in the Middle East region: the Bahrain Grand Prix from April 10 to 12, followed by the Qatar Grand Prix from November 27 to 29, culminating in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December.

Additionally, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the Formula E World Championship races in Jeddah on February 13 and 14.

Alongside the Formula 1 events, four races of the Formula 2 Championship will take place concurrently in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.

Bahrain will also represent the region in the Formula 3 Championship, which comprises a total of ten rounds.

In the realm of long-distance desert rallies, the Dakar Rally will commence from Saudi Arabia from January 3 to 17, 2026, marking the first event of the World Rally-Raid Championship.

The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is scheduled from November 22 to 27, with the Morocco Rally following from September 28 to October 3.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized that the year 2025 is pivotal for global motorsport, highlighting significant technological achievements within the FIA.

He noted the emergence of a new generation of talent in racing, suggesting ample opportunities for innovation, enhanced competition, and a broader audience for motorsports worldwide.

Furthermore, the FIA World Motor Sport Council approved updates to the World Rally Championship (WRC27) regulations, marking the beginning of a new era characterized by technical diversity and design flexibility.

These new rules will enable manufacturers to develop a range of vehicle types, including sedans, hatchbacks, and crossovers, within a regulatory framework extending to 2037.

The FIA Council reaffirmed its commitment to advancing motorsport globally, enhancing sustainability and innovation in line with future requirements, and solidifying the Middle East's status as a central hub in the global motorsport landscape.