Rally racing in Qatar traces back to the 1960s and 1970s when oil company employees teamed up with local Qatari drivers, fostering the growth of motorsport. This collaboration led to the creation of the first Qatar Motor Rally in 1977, later evolving into the Qatar International Rally.
However, Qatar's passion for racing has older roots. The nation’s love for speed is linked to ancient desert traditions, where racing camels and horses was a form of celebration. The arrival of the first car in 1925 for Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani marked a turning point, as cars became part of special events and competitions. By the 1980s, Qatar was importing FIA-approved vehicles, laying the groundwork for professional rallying. The launch of the Arabian Gulf Championship in 1979 and the Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) in 1984 further solidified Qatar’s motorsport legacy.
Saeed Al Hajri, known as the "King of Dunes," is a prominent figure in Qatari rallying. He learned to drive at seven during desert hunting trips and started competing in amateur races by 15. Turning professional by 19, Al Hajri made a mark in the 1980s with the Rothmans Porsche Rally Team. His breakthrough came in 1989 when he won the Cork International Rally, becoming the first Arab to win a rally outside the Middle East.
Al Hajri’s 30-year career saw him competing in 110 rallies, winning the MERC twice and 16 international titles. His influence paved the way for future generations of Qatari rally drivers.
Winner’s Trophy, Qatar International Rally 1984.
Racing suit, Saeed Al Hajri, early 1980s.
Following Saeed Al Hajri’s legacy, other Qatari drivers like Saadoun Al Kuwari, Jaber Al Marri, and Muhammad Al Mannai made their mark in rally racing during the 1980s. Although Al Mannai’s career faced a setback in 1992 due to an injury, he made a remarkable comeback in the 2000s.
In the 1990s, Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah emerged as a rising star, with Sheikh Hamad bin Eid Al Thani also making significant achievements. Drivers such as Adel Hussein Abdulla, the 2016 World Cross Country Rally Champion, continued to uphold Qatar’s rallying tradition.
Nasser Al Attiyah is one of Qatar’s greatest rally drivers. His career took off in 2003, and he quickly rose to prominence, winning the 2006 Production Car World Rally Championship. Over time, he won the Dakar Rally five times and claimed 19 MERC titles.
Al Attiyah’s connection to the desert and his rally skills have made him a global icon, and he remains one of the most successful Middle Eastern rally drivers to date.
Winner’s trophy, Nasser Al Attiyah, Dakar Rally 2011.
Racing suit, Nasser Al Attiyah, Dakar Rally 2011
