Muscat – The Oman International Rally will open the 2026 FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) for the second consecutive year, with the event scheduled to run from January 22 to 24 from its base at Suhar Entertainment Centre (SEC).
Organised by Oman Automobile Association (OAA), the rally will again be staged in Suhar following the success of the previous edition. The event will feature 13 special stages over the 215.44km course, totalling 659.72km, across the sultanate’s fast gravel terrain.
The rally is being held under chairman Brig Jamal Said al Tai, officiated by vice-chairman Suleiman al Rawahi, rally director Anwar al Zadjali and clerk of the course Hani Shaban. It is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Suhar Wali’s Office and Toyota Oman.
Administrative checks and the first day of reconnaissance will take place at SEC on January 20, followed by scrutineering at Royal Oman Police’s inspection facility in Suhar and a second day of reconnaissance on January 21.
Competitive action begins on January 22 with a 5.5km shakedown stage in the morning, followed by a pre-event press conference and ceremonial start at SEC. Crews will then contest the opening 2.52km Suhar Super Special stage in the afternoon.
The rally’s first full leg on January 23 will feature two passes through Ar Rusays (15.42km), Ar Rassah (19.15km) and Al Uwaynah (13.97km), with a mid-day service and regroup in Suhar. The final day on January 24 will include two loops of Al Akak (25.25km), Yanboa (13.81km) and Rahab (18.86km), with the second run through Rahab designated as the Power Stage, offering bonus points to the fastest five drivers.
The rally will conclude with a post-event press conference and podium ceremony in Suhar.
First held in 1979, the Oman International Rally is one of the Middle East’s longest-running motorsport events. It became part of the inaugural MERC in 1984. Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al Attiyah holds the record with eight victories, while Omani driver Abdullah al Rawahi has won the event twice in recent years.
Entries close on January 13.
