Formula 1 has announced it will keep the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix on the 2026 World Championship calendar, a confirmation that solidifies the Gulf’s position at the heart of international motorsport.
The announcement, made during the FIA‑FIA summit in Abu Dhabi, came as part of a broader 2026 schedule that will see six races in the Middle East, including Bahrain’s new Sakhir Circuit and the newly constructed Doha circuit. The sources say the decision follows successful partnerships over the past decade, especially the 2018 first‑ever Qatar GP which proved to be a television draw and a boost to the local tourism sector.
Why it matters
For the United Arab Emirates and Qatar alike, the continuity of Formula 1 is more than a racing event; it is a vehicle for soft power, branding and economic diversification, Dr. Lena Al‑Ghaddar, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Motorsport Authority, said. The races attract global media, sponsorship spend and are expected to generate dozens of high‑pay jobs during construction and event phases.
Local suppliers have already seen an uptick in orders for automotive, hospitality and security services, reinforcing the wider shift in the Gulf economies toward knowledge‑based and service industries. Moreover, these events provide a catalyst for infrastructure upgrades – new roads, hotels and public transport – that benefit residents long after the checkered flag is waved.
What’s next
The Gulf governments are now focused on the next concrete steps. The FIA will issue additional technical assessments to the Qatari circuit, which is slated for a major resurfacing and safety upgrade later this year. Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi series of events will expand with the inclusion of a second race day at the Yas Marina, a move announced by the event organisers that will mean two consecutive race weekends in the same city.
The Formula 1 governing body will also work with the GCC states to streamline licensing procedures, aiming for a seamless hand‑over of race support facilities by early 2027. In parallel, the Gulf‑wide marketing team is preparing a multi‑platform campaign to boost ticket sales and to highlight the region’s culture and hospitality to a global audience.
As the 2026 season approaches, the Gulf motorsport community remains optimistic that the region will continue to be seen as a premier destination for high‑profile racing while harnessing the economic gains that the sport brings to the region.
Additional reporting by The Dubai Herald newsroom.
