The momentum behind the Saudi Next Gen initiative continues to grow as the program prepares for its second edition. Launched to identify and develop the future stars of Saudi rally raid, the initiative has already proven to be a powerful gateway toward the world’s toughest motorsport challenge: the Dakar Rally.
At the headquarters of the Saudi Motorsports Federation, more than one hundred applications were carefully reviewed to select the five crews invited to Yanbu. Their objective is clear: earn a place on the Dakar Rally starting in 2026 and build a long-term pathway toward Dakar 2027 and beyond.
This surge in interest highlights the increasing passion of young Saudi talents for off-road competition and the Dakar adventure in particular.
A NEW GENERATION OF TALENT
The five drivers selected for this second intake come from diverse motorsport backgrounds. Some took their first steps in karting, others gained experience in circuit racing, while several have already competed in rounds of the Saudi Rally Championship. What they share is an early immersion in motorsport and a strong desire to tackle the unique demands of rally raid.
Despite their experience, the Dakar remains a completely new challenge for all of them, requiring endurance, navigation skills, teamwork, and mental resilience.
For co-drivers, the age limit was raised to 35, allowing the program to welcome slightly more experienced profiles capable of handling the complexity of navigation and race strategy. Notably, the initiative continues to promote inclusivity, with one woman selected in each role.
Reem Al Aboud has been chosen as a driver, while Shrooq Alamri will take on the demanding role of co-driver.
THE SELECTED DRIVERS
Reem Al Aboud (25)
Rakan Altuwaijry (20)
Fahad Aldhafeeri (20)
Basel Alshamrani (22)
Abdulaziz Al Saud (24)
THE SELECTED CO-DRIVERS
Khalaf Alodayli (29)
Saeed Alghamdi (33)
Abdullah Alshammari (27)
Meshal Khalaf Alshammari (20)
Shrooq Alamri (23)
INTO THE DEEP SANDS
The first edition of Saudi Next Gen delivered remarkable results. Exceptionally, two crews were declared winners, earning the opportunity to compete in the Dakar Rally 2026 in the SSV category.
Abdullah Al Shegawi and Raed Alassaf, driving car number 434, alongside Hamza Bakhashab and Fahad Alamri in car number 435, will line up at the start of Dakar 2026 aboard Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo vehicles prepared by the BE Racing team.
To further strengthen their preparation, both crews participated in an intensive training camp in Morocco, where they continued to refine their driving, navigation, and endurance skills in conditions similar to those they will face during the Dakar.
THE ROAD TO DAKAR 2026
With Saudi Next Gen, the Kingdom is laying the foundations for long-term success in rally raid. The program is not only about competing in Dakar 2026, but also about building a sustainable pipeline of talent capable of following in the footsteps of Saudi rally icon Yazeed Al Rajhi.
As the second intake begins its journey, expectations are high. The deep sands, vast deserts, and extreme challenges of the Dakar await, and Saudi Arabia’s next generation is preparing to meet them head-on.
