MUSCAT, OMAN – The Sultanate’s newest off-road battle has just landed the biggest name in the desert. Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah, the six-time Dakar Rally winner and newly crowned FIA Middle East Baja Cup champion, has confirmed he will line up at the Oman International Baja on December 17th–19th. The Qatari legend made the announcement at the finish of last weekend’s Baja in Qatar.
Oman International Baja: a historic first
This is the Sultanate’s first-ever Baja-type event to run to FIA and FIM regulations. It is being observed for inclusion in the 2027 sporting calendars. Furthermore, it already has a date pencilled in as the third round of the FIA Middle East Baja Cup on November 4th–6th, 2027.
From the Optimus to a Taurus T3 Max
At the moment, Al-Attiyah’s calendar is packed. He is currently in Dubai preparing for the final round of the regional series in an Optimus MD Rallye, before heading straight into back-to-back events in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.
For Oman, however, the 21-time regional rally champion is switching weapons. He will take part in the Bidiyah-based event in a Taurus T3 Max entered in the FIA Challenger category – the same type of car he drove to victory at the 2024 Dubai International Baja alongside Spanish navigator Pablo Moreno.
Moreover, Oman is familiar winning ground. Al-Attiyah already holds a record nine victories in the Oman International Rally, one of the most popular rounds of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.
“I promised that I would come”
Al-Attiyah explained why he chose Oman, and why he chose the Challenger:
“It’s been a very busy few days and we have several events coming up over the next few weeks but I wanted to go to the Oman Baja. Oman is a candidate for next year and I promised the organisation that I would come and support the event in December.
“I will enter the Challenger T3 category. Mister Hamed Al-Wahaibi told me that if I came with the Ultimate car, the Optimus, he would not compete! He said that if I come with the Challenger, he will compete. I promised that I would come with the Challenger from Nasser Racing…”
Nasser Al-Attiyah
Dunes, the Empty Quarter and a carnival finale
Meanwhile, the Oman International Baja will run in conjunction with the last three days of the Bidiyah Sands Carnival, hosted by the Wilayat of Bidayah in the North Al-Sharqiyah Governorate between November 19th and December 19th.
In addition, crews will tackle a challenging route through the neighbouring Sharqiya dunes and the surrounding sands of the Rub Al-Khali.
The Oman Automobile Association (OAA) organises the event in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Al-Sharqiya North Governorate, with sponsorship from Shell Oman.
Oman International Baja at a glance
- Dates: December 17th–19th, 2026
- Base: Bidiyah, North Al-Sharqiyah Governorate
- Status: FIA Middle East Baja Cup candidate event
- 2027: Pencilled in as Round 3 of the FIA Middle East Baja Cup, November 4th–6th
- Al-Attiyah’s car: Taurus T3 Max, FIA Challenger category, Nasser Racing
- Entries close: Wednesday, December 2nd