The Formula One season may be over; but the UAE has just started igniting their engines ready for a winter of racing.
- yasminx39
- Dec 27, 2025
- 4 min read
After an exhausting summer dragging our feet through sweaty walks and AC fuelled activities, the weather has finally shifted and we (in the Gulf) can breathe outdoors again. Families stroll on the beaches and corniches, watching their children ride their bicycles and scooters. Outdoor markets open up their doors, as people pack up their camping equipment to enjoy the breezy cool air.
There is another side to this all though as the amazing weather also means it is the perfect time to roar up your engines and drive through the northern emirates, it is the perfect time to take up that offer to race around the autodrome, to settle your bets on the outdoor karting tracks or the most popular local activity is take your Nissan patrols, dune buggies or dirt bikes out into the dunes, and race up the steep sandy hills.
Between the sounds of modified engines, the smell of burnt tires and sight of speed, the UAE car culture comes alive during this time of the year. So, while we may have finished the F1 25 season witnessing a new Formula One champion crowned on the tracks of Yas Marina Circuit; the Formula one grand finale was just the beginning for car enthusiasts in the Gulf.
Here are a five car fuelled events to keep you busy within the UAE during the F1 off season.
Liwa International Festival
Date: 12th December 2025 – 3rd January 2026
Venue: Al Dhafra Desert ‘Liwa’ [Abu Dhabi, UAE]
This yearly event is almost a tradition for the locals of the UAE who live and breathe car culture out in the desert. This is an action-packed festival with thrilling events in car drifting and dune climbing, where spectators can enjoy raw exhilarating excitement from the dunes. Many will bring their caravans or pitch
their tents and stay numerous nights to enjoy the sounds of engines in the desert. The event also embodies the Emirati culture with grounded exhibitions in falconry, henna art, food trucks and entertainment.
This event has grown a lot in recent years and attracted a larger audience year by year.
The Michelin 24H Dubai 2026
Date: 16th – 18th January 2026
Venue: Dubai Autodrome [Dubai, UAE]
This fun filled event features GT and touring cars race from 1pm on Saturday and finish around 1pm Sunday. Spectators will be treated with over 70 entries this year with a range of Porche, BMW, Mercedes, Aston Martin and Mclaren cars set to race. On Friday the track will be busy for practice and qualifying sessions as well as the ‘top 10 shoot-out’ which will take place Friday evening around 5:20pm. A full list of the schedule can be found on the 24hseries website.
As well as the exhilarating racing on track, fans can also enjoy the numerous entertainment and food around the venue. This event is an iconic and a popular one that attracts quite the crowd every year. Drivers will be tested on their endurance and stamina skills on track all the way to the finish line. Tickets are needed to enter and can be found online on platinum list.
Emirates Drift Championship
Date: December 2nd 2025 (Round 1) January 3rd (Round 2), February 14th (Round 3) and February 21st (Round 4 - Season Finale)
Venue: Liwa International Festival / Yas Marina Circuit [Abu Dhabi, UAE]
This is a four-part championship which first starts in the deserts of Liwa and ends on the circuits of Yas Marina. This exciting event watches a variety of cars from Toyota supras, Nissan Silvias, Mazda RX-7s, BMW E46s and Ford Mustangs battle it out and drift around a circuit while judged on their lines, angles and speed. Skillful precision is key.
Tickets are available from the Yas marina circuit website and includes entertainment around the track as well as close up experiences with the drivers and action.
Middle East Car & Bike Week 2026
Date: January 10th – 11th 2026
Venue: Dubai Studio City [Dubai, UAE]
This is a lively automotive event that takes place yearly featuring custom builds, luxury super cars and thrilling motorcycles. The event allows spectators to enjoy engaging arenas consisting of RC racing, stunt shows, drifting arenas, family activities, music, food and retail stores.
This is an exhilarating event that attracts a mix of families, car enthusiasts and global brands to enjoy the thrill and luxury of cars and motorcycles in Dubai. Ticket packages are available on platinumlist.
Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East
Date: 24th and 25th January 2026 | 31st January 2026
Venue: Dubai Autodrome [Dubai, UAE] | Yas Marina Circuit [Abu Dhabi, UAE]
The 24th and 25th of January weekend will be round 3 of an intense and competitive racing series that sees regional professionals battle it out in GT3 cars. The first round was in Bahrain and second round in Qatar which saw Japanese newcomer Taichi Watarai dominate the races with his team ‘seven x seven’ and currently lead the overall standings.
This exciting competition will continue into round 4 at the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi on the 31st of January. Round 5 and 6 will take place on the same weekend as the Formula one at the Bahrain International Circuit on the 10th – 12th April and the final at the Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Corniche circuit on the 17th – 19th April.
This series winners are split into 3 categories: Pro, ProAM and Masters. A full list of drivers can be found on www.carreracupme.com
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