Muscat – With all-new stages never before featured in the championship, drivers and fans alike are anticipating a fierce, unpredictable showdown in the desert.
The high-octane event marks a debut for Jeddah on the Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) calendar, featuring six gravel stages, with three runs twice on Friday and another three repeated on Saturday. This unique rally setup offers a level playing field for all competitors, as no driver has previously raced these routes under MERC regulations.
Oman will be represented by three teams:
Abdullah Al Rawahi, paired for the first time with British co-driver Ross Whittock, will take on the course in a Skoda Fabia. Abdullah Al Zubair and Taha Soomar return to action in a Subaru Impreza (N14).
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Zakaria Al Amri and Mohammed Al Mazrui, also in a Subaru Impreza (N14), aim to defend their lead in the Group N category. Speaking ahead of the event, Al Rawahi noted the challenges of adapting to both new terrain and a new co-driver:
“This is a round being held for the first time and there are new stages for all of us. We must be ready for everything, especially since I am participating with a new co-driver. The rally is unknown to us, but our goal is to compete for the lead and collect the maximum number of points.”
Al Rawahi will go head-to-head with some of the Middle East’s most decorated rally drivers, including Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah, current championship leader, and Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, as well as Finnish rally ace Juho Hänninen. The fresh course levels the playing field, giving rising stars a chance to shine against seasoned champions.
Meanwhile, Abdullah Al Zubair is hoping to bounce back after mechanical issues cost him valuable points at the Qatar International Rally. A strong finish in Jeddah could boost his standings in Group N, following a solid performance at the 2025 Oman International Rally in Suhar.
Also aiming to capitalize are Zakaria Al Amri and Mohammed Al Mazrui, who lead Group N and are focused on securing maximum points to reinforce their championship campaign.
With the rally’s outcome wide open, Jeddah’s debut on the MERC calendar could mark the rise of a new champion—or cement the dominance of the region’s rallying elite.
