Muscat – An Omani doctor has recorded a milestone for the sultanate in European motorsport after securing a podium finish in a historic racing championship in Portugal.
Dr Ahmed Shahrabani represented Oman at the Algarve Classic Championship at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, finishing third overall in the Historic Mini Championship Group 1 Series recently. Competing in a semi-endurance race, he shared driving duties with British racer Olly Samways, holding his own against an experienced international field.
The result is believed to be the first podium finish by an Omani driver in this championship category, marking a notable moment for the country’s presence in historic motorsport.
Away from the circuit, Shahrabani balances racing with a career in medicine and entrepreneurship. He has worked within the UK’s National Health Service and founded Locum’s Nest, a British healthcare technology company that connects hospitals with medical professionals through a mobile platform. The company was acquired last year by US-based Aya Healthcare.
Born in Muscat and educated at the British School in Madinat Qaboos, Shahrabani said the demands of medicine and motorsport share common ground. “Racing, like medicine, is the perfect blend of science and art. To represent Oman and finish on the podium is something I’m extremely proud of,” he told Muscat Daily.
Building on his success in Portugal, Shahrabani has confirmed plans to compete in the Le Mans Classic Series alongside Samways. His long-term objective is to qualify for the prestigious Le Mans Classic in France in 2027.
His 2026 schedule includes appearances at Donington Park in the UK (March 28), Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium (May 22) and Imola in Italy (Oct 16), alongside other UK-based events. He will compete in a 1964 MG B prepared to historic racing standards, carrying Omani national colours and racing under the Omani flag.
As Omanis continue to gain recognition across international arenas, Shahrabani’s progress reflects a growing national footprint in global sport. His journey from medicine to motorsport underscores a widening scope of Omani participation on the world stage.
