Car racing in Dubai – events

Motoring in Dubai – a quick introduction

Dubai is known around the world for several things: the world's tallest building, numerous skyscrapers, amazing beaches and restaurants with views, as well as sports cars driving through the city streets. Dubai's luxury cars add colour to the streets and are a permanent feature of the city, not just a curiosity. The passion for motoring among Dubai residents and expats is huge. Motorsport is visible in the desert, because Dubai residents love Desert Safaris, and it is visible on the streets and race tracks, where residents show off their latest automotive acquisitions. Today, we will focus on racing in the UAE, which is overseen by the Emirates Motorsport Organisation, which is responsible for the development of racing, racing rules and the development of kart drivers.

For those who are curious, have you ever heard of the phenomenon of abandoned cars in Dubai? If so, have you ever wondered where they come from? Check out our article where we explain where abandoned cars in Dubai come from. Anyone can drive a sports car (and not only sports cars) in Dubai. All you need is a national driving licence and that's it! Find out how to rent a car in Dubai? For those interested in the subject, we recommend our guide to automotive attractions in Dubai.

Where do car races take place in Dubai?

The best car races in Dubai take place at the Dubai Autodrome, located in the modern Motor City district. It is a leading, fully integrated motorsports and entertainment facility with a 5.39 km FIA-approved track (the highest quality award). The Autodrome has hosted events such as A1 GP and GP2 Asia in the past, and currently hosts the annual Michelin Dubai 24-Hour race, Formula 4 races and other local racing series, as well as amateur races. It is worth mentioning that motorsports in Dubai also include karting and the Dubai Kartdrome, a go-kart racing track located next to the Dubai Autodrome, which regularly hosts junior and adult races as well as go-kart championships.

Can tourists visit the race track in Dubai? Can you try driving on the Dubai Autodrome track yourself? Yes, tourists can visit the Dubai Autodrome race track and also drive on the track in a rented car or Formula car. Speed enthusiasts can book rides here, getting behind the wheel of powerful cars such as the Ferrari 488 GT, McLaren, Audi TT, Formula 1 cars, Renault Clio City Cup, Porsche GT3, Aston Martin Vantage, as well as various BMW models (M2, M3, M4, M5, M240i) and Mini JCW. It is also possible to take your own car onto the track during special open days, allowing you to unleash the full potential of your vehicle in a controlled and safe environment. For karting fans, Dubai Kartdrome offers both indoor and outdoor tracks that meet international standards. How to book a ride? Visit the Dubai Autodrome website and purchase a track ride in a few simple steps.

What are the most important automotive events in Dubai?

The Dubai race track hosts prestigious racing series, providing plenty of excitement for fans in the stands. What races take place at Dubai Autodrome? What cars take part in the races in Dubai? Let's take a look at what events motor racing fans can look forward to at Dubai Autodrome:

• 24H Michelin Dubai: the second largest 24-hour race on the world motorsport scene, part of the GT Championship called the 24H Series, which also includes Malaysia, Abu Dhabi and, in Europe, Italy (Mugello), Belgium (SPA), France (Paul Ricard), Germany (Nürburgring) and Barcelona. Over 70 crews on the track in cars and teams from brands such as Porsche, BMW, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Mercedes and Audi.
• Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East: a Porsche 911 racing series organised on tracks in the Middle East.
• Asian Le Mans Series: an Asian endurance racing series that is part of the family of competitions organised by the French Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO). The series includes races in the prototype (LMP) and GT sports car classes.
• Formula Regional Middle East Championship: an FIA-approved single-seater racing series held in the Middle East, mainly in January and February. It is a category for young drivers, serving as a development stage between Formula 4 and Formula 3. The series was established in 2023, replacing the Formula Regional Asia, which was moved to Southeast Asia.
• F4 UAE: a racing series for young drivers that promotes talent development in the United Arab Emirates.
• NGK Spark Plugs: a collective name for the Gulf ProCar and Gulf Radical Cup racing series. Gulf ProCar is the name of a racing series organised by Gulf, which specialises in ProCar series car racing. The Gulf Radical Cup is a racing series featuring Radical cars.

For those interested in exciting experiences, I invite you to browse attractions in Dubai, where you will find, for example, the world's longest urban zip line and a JetCar ride under the Burj Al Arab.

How much does a ticket to a car race in Dubai cost?

Dubai Autodrome tickets – how much do tickets to races at the Dubai Autodrome cost? Most races at the Dubai Autodrome are free and do not require advance ticket reservations, e.g. for the 24H Dubai or F4 UAE. If there are paid tickets, they are inexpensive and often include additional attractions, such as access to the race paddock and the opportunity to watch the teams at work in the race garages.

Once you have purchased your race ticket, book your accommodation in Dubai near the race track and enjoy comfortable accommodation close to the city's main attractions.

What does the 2026 Dubai motor racing calendar look like?

The 2025 racing calendar has already come to an end. It is now time for 2026. In addition to the famous 24h Dubai, the races will take on different forms and are sure to be a phenomenal spectacle for the fans gathered in the stands. The Dubai car racing calendar for 2026 currently looks as follows:

• 24H Michelin Dubai: 17-18 January
• Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East: 24-25 January
• Asian Le Mans Series, Formula Regional Middle East Championship and F4 UAE: 31 January - 1 February
• NGK Spark Plugs Round 3: 28 February
• NGK Spark Plugs Round 4: 28-29 March
• NGK Spark Plugs Round 5: 11-12 April

Other racing events in the United Arab Emirates

Car racing in Dubai - you already know the events for 2026. Although Dubai is the motorsport hub of the region, it is not the only place where races are held in the United Arab Emirates. What other racing events take place in the UAE? What rally events in the United Arab Emirates can fans watch? The most important motorsport event in the United Arab Emirates is the Formula 1 race, hosted by the Yas Marina Circuit (Abu Dhabi). It is the last race of the F1 season, often deciding the fate of the motorsport championship. There are also events such as the Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi, the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East in Abu Dhabi, the Asian Le Mans Series in Abu Dhabi, the Formula Middle East Trophy in Abu Dhabi, the Dubai International Baja rally and numerous other local racing and karting events. You can find the full calendar on the EMSO website.

So, who's going to F1? Book a trip to Dubai and fulfil your dream of seeing Formula 1 live, visiting Dubai with accommodation, attractions, insurance and on-site tour guide included.

Questions and answers (FAQ):

• Are there F1 races in Dubai?

No, there are no Formula 1 races in Dubai. Originally, there were plans to organise an F1 race in Dubai, but the series management decided to organise the race in Bahrain instead, and a few years later, the United Arab Emirates saw the queen of motorsport race in another city, at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi.

• Why is Dubai the motorsport centre of the Gulf region?

Despite not hosting the biggest racing events, Dubai is the motorsport centre of the Persian Gulf region. Motorsport in Dubai is growing thanks to a large group of enthusiasts, easier access for racing amateurs, reasonable prices for rides and well-developed technical facilities.

Motorsport in Dubai

• What is 24H Dubai and when does it take place?

When listing the most important automotive events in Dubai, the most significant one is the 24H Hankook Dubai race. It is a 24-hour endurance race for sports and touring cars as part of the 24 Hours series. It is not the only important event on this track. The Dubai Autodrome also hosts amateur and junior races, such as F4 UAE.