Sunday 12 / January / 2025
Muscat: Omani rally driver Abdullah Al Zubair announced his return to competitive rallying, confirming his participation in the 2025 Middle East Rally Championship (MERC).
The first round, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman and organised by the Oman Automobile Association, is set to take place on January 23-24.
Driving a Subaru Impreza N14, the same vehicle he piloted during the 2023 Oman International Rally, Al Zubair is eager to hit the stages once more.
Reflecting on his comeback, he said that his main objective this season is to complete all the rounds and secure strong finishes in the N category, adding that it feels “incredible to be back behind the wheel in a championship as competitive as MERC.”
Al Zubair’s extensive rallying experience includes notable appearances in the Middle East Rally Championship, the Jordan National Rally Championship, the World Desert Rally Championship, and Baja events across Poland, Spain, Greece, and beyond. This year, he will be joined by Taha Al Zadjali as his navigator, a seasoned co-driver who has previously worked with Omani racers such as Khalid Soomar and his brother Khalil, as well as a Jordanian competitor.
The rallying veteran also highlighted the unique challenges of the Oman International Rally, describing it as “one of the toughest rallies in the Middle East.”
This year’s edition, which will be held in the Wilayat of Sohar, features entirely new stages.
“The new routes bring an added layer of unpredictability and competition,” he said. “Success will demand effort, patience, caution, and experience, and I wish all participants the very best.”
Grateful for the support of his sponsor, Ara Petroleum Company, Al Zubair noted the key role of corporate backing in rallying.
He said: “I am deeply thankful to Ara Petroleum for their support in this championship. Rallying is an expensive sport, and such sponsorship eases the financial burden, enabling competitors to focus on their performance. I hope more companies step up to support Omani drivers.”
Sultan bin Obaid Al Ghaithi, CEO of Ara Petroleum, praised Al Zubair’s dedication. “We are proud to support Abdullah Al Zubair in his journey. He is a distinguished and hardworking competitor who aspires to represent Omani motorsport honourably, and we are pleased to play a part in his championship campaign.”
With the first round of the 2025 MERC to kick off in Oman, Al Zubair is ready to face the region’s best drivers, hoping to deliver a strong performance and bring pride to his home country.
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