MUSCAT: Omani motorsport legend Hamed Al Wahaibi was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the fifth TAS Oman Business Awards, recognising nearly three decades of achievement in international motorsport and his contribution to the development of the sport in the Sultanate.

The award was presented to Al Wahaibi by HE Khalid bin Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Majlis Al Shura, during the awards ceremony held at Intercity Hotel Muscat.

One of the most accomplished figures in Omani motorsport, Al Wahaibi has represented the Sultanate internationally since beginning his professional rally career in 1997.

His passion for motorsport began while studying in the United States, where he competed in circuit motorcycle racing before switching his focus to rallying.

Al Wahaibi went on to win the Middle East Group N Championship and finished second in the World Group N Championship in 1999 while competing in the World Rally Championship (WRC), establishing himself among the leading rally drivers to emerge from Oman.

His contribution to Omani motorsport has extended beyond his own competitive career. Between 2007 and 2012, Al Wahaibi worked to develop young Omani drivers, several of whom went on to secure victories and podium finishes in international competitions.

In 2012, he co-founded the Safety First road-safety initiative with former Oman national football team goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi, using their public profiles to promote greater awareness of safe driving.

After returning to selected rally events in 2021, 2022 and 2024, Al Wahaibi moved into cross-country rallying in 2025, competing in the FIA Baja World Cup.

His career took another turn in 2026 when he competed in a Winter GT Series in Barcelona. Despite having no previous GT racing experience, the Omani driver finished his first race on the podium.

Al Wahaibi currently leads the 2026 FIA Baja World Cup Overall, Challenger and Masters classifications, putting him in contention for multiple titles.

The Outstanding Achievement Award recognises Al Wahaibi not only for his accomplishments behind the wheel, but also for his role in promoting Oman internationally, nurturing national motorsport talent and contributing to road-safety awareness.

Organised by The Arabian Stories (TAS), the Oman Business Awards recognise individuals, leaders and organisations whose achievements and contributions have made an impact across Oman and beyond.

The 2026 ceremony marked the fifth edition of the awards and brought together senior officials, business leaders, entrepreneurs and prominent personalities from across the Sultanate.