For Immediate Release
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Oman Automobile Association Launches Brand-New Baja in March 2026
MUSCAT, Oman – The Oman Automobile Association (OAA) is finalising preparations for the inaugural 2026 Oman International Baja, set to take place from March 26–28, 2026, as an official FIA candidate event for inclusion in the 2027 FIA Middle East Bajas Cup.
Renowned for organising world-class drifting competitions and the prestigious Oman International Rally, the OAA is expanding its motorsport portfolio by introducing the Sultanate’s first official cross-country Baja. The event will also welcome motorcyclists and quad riders competing under FIM regulations.
Spectacular Desert Terrain in Bidiyah and Sharqiya Sands
The rally will be headquartered in Bidiyah, located approximately 233km from Muscat, within the breathtaking Sharqiya Sands (formerly known as the Wahiba Sands). Covering nearly 10,000 square kilometres of red and brown dunes, the Sharqiya Sands provide a dramatic and technically demanding setting for Baja competition.
Neighbouring Al-Qabil, in the Al-Sharqiya North Governorate, will also feature prominently in the route. The region’s diverse landscape includes vast dunes, remote desert tracks, wadis, and views stretching toward the eastern Hajar mountain foothills.
2026 Oman International Baja Route Details
The three-day event will feature:
- Thursday, March 26:
- 12.76km Oman Oil Prologue Stage at Al-Wasil (starting 13:10hrs)
- Ceremonial start at 18:00hrs
- Friday, March 27:
- 240.90km desert stage across Bidiyah and surrounding regions
- Saturday, March 28:
- 168.45km desert stage through Bidiyah and Al-Qabil
The challenging route promises towering dunes, vast open desert plains, and demanding off-road navigation — ideal conditions for Baja-style racing.
Event Headquarters and Key Locations
- Event Base: Jawharat Bidiyah Resort
- Service Park: Bidiyah Green Homes Park
- Ceremonial Start: Bidiyah Green Homes Park
- Finish Location: Bidiyah 4×4 Club
Administrative checks and scrutineering will take place on Wednesday, March 25, at Rally HQ and the service park. The pre-event press conference is scheduled for 17:30hrs on Thursday, March 26, followed by the ceremonial start at 18:00hrs.
Official Support and Sponsorship
The 2026 Oman International Baja is organised in partnership with:
- Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth
- Al-Sharqiya North Governorate
The event is proudly sponsored by Shell Oman.
The Baja is being held under the presidency of Brigadier Jamal Al-Tai, supported by Vice-President Suleiman Al-Rawahi and senior officials including Anwar Al-Zadjali, Clerk of the Course Khaled Zakaria, Deputy Clerk Sanad Al-Rawahi, and Nicolas Hindy.
Leadership Statement
Brigadier Jamal Al-Tai commented:
“The Baja marks an exciting new chapter in the motorsport history of the Sultanate of Oman. While the country has a proud stage rallying legacy dating back to the late 1970s, this is the first official cross-country Baja hosted in Oman.
The choice of North Al-Sharqiya, particularly the renowned desert landscapes of Bidiyah, provides the perfect setting for this historic debut. The towering dunes, vast open desert and demanding terrain offer an ideal environment for Baja-style competition. The launch reflects Oman’s ongoing commitment to expanding its motorsport portfolio and is a proud moment for the nation.”
Registration Information
Registration for both FIA and FIM categories is now open via the official Oman Automobile Association channels.
Entry deadline: Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
About the 2026 Oman International Baja
The 2026 Oman International Baja represents a milestone in Omani motorsport, combining world-class organisation with one of the Middle East’s most iconic desert landscapes. As an official FIA candidate event, it aims to secure a place in the 2027 FIA Middle East Bajas Cup calendar while showcasing Oman’s capability to host elite international cross-country rally competition.