Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 3 January 2025: The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation has announced the launch of the "Saudi Next Gen Program", an initiative designed to nurture and develop Saudi talent in motorsports. This programme aligns with the Federation’s ongoing efforts, in collaboration with the Saudi Motorsport Company and under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports, to empower Saudi youth and provide pathways for the Kingdom’s future champions to excel in rally racing and the broader world of motorsports.
As part of this initiative, five promising drivers have been selected: Fahad Al-Marmash and co- driver Hussam Al-Zahrani; Hamzah Bakhshab and co-driver Fahad Al-Omar; Abdullah Al- Shaqawi and co-driver Raed Al-Assaf; Mirehan Al-Baz and co-driver Waleed Al-Shaqawi; and Fatimah Banaz. These drivers will make their debut in the Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2025, the world’s most prestigious and challenging rally, which Saudi Arabia is hosting for the sixth consecutive year. The selection process for these competitors was conducted during the Al- Qassim Rally, a key stage of the Saudi Rally Championship.
To prepare for this monumental event, the selected drivers will participate in an intensive training camp in Bisha from 31 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, under the guidance of former rally driver Edo Mossi. The training programme will include theoretical and practical sessions, as well as extensive field tests using Yamaha SSV vehicles. Participants will take part in the prologue stage and complete two desert rally-style stages to simulate real-world competition.
Additionally, the drivers will receive mentorship from Saudi rally experts and programme ambassadors, including Yazeed Al-Rajhi, Yasir Bin Saidan, and Mishaal Al-Ghunaim. These ambassadors will share their vast experience, helping the participants refine their skills and prepare for local and international competitions. The standout team will earn the chance to compete in the Dakar Rally 2026.
As the motorsport world eagerly anticipates the launch of Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2025 on 3 January 2025, the event will commence in the city of Bisha, renowned for its rich heritage, majestic mountains, and serene valleys. Over the course of 14 days, competitors will cover approximately 7,759 kilometres, including 5,115 kilometres of special timed stages, traversing Saudi Arabia’s diverse terrains that showcase the Kingdom’s stunning landscapes and historical landmarks. The rally will culminate in Shubaytah, situated in the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest uninterrupted sand desert.
This year’s Dakar Rally will see the participation of 12 Saudi drivers, including prominent names such as Yazeed Al-Rajhi, Yasir Bin Saidan, Dania Akeel, Saleh Al-Saif, Hamad Al-Harbi, Ibrahim Al- Muhanna, Tarek Al-Rammah, and Badr Al-Barak. In the motorcycle category, Saudi competitors include Mishaal Al-Ghneim, Abdulhalim Al-Mogheera, Ahmed Al-Jaber, and Badr Al-Hamdan.
The Dakar Rally stands as one of the world’s most prestigious motorsport events. For more than four decades, it has captivated audiences and participants by navigating breathtaking routes across Europe, Africa, and South America. The rally made its historic debut in Asia in 2020, when Saudi Arabia first hosted this iconic event, establishing the Kingdom as a global hub for motorsports and reinforcing its commitment to Vision 2030.
