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Emirati driver Khalifa Al Falasi secured second place in the Middle East and North Africa category during the second round of the Oman International Drift Championship (OIDC) 2026, which took place at Muscat Arena. The young talent continued his impressive performance as the 2026 season gains momentum, demonstrating his growing prowess in drift racing competitions.
This achievement follows Al Falasi’s third-place finish in the opening round, showcasing consistent and confident performance in a highly competitive field. According to reports, more than 63 professional drivers from various countries participated in the event, which drew a crowd exceeding 8,000 spectators.
Elite Competition at Oman Drift Championship
The championship round featured some of the world’s most prominent drift racing stars. Among the competitors were 2025 Drift Masters champion Connor Shanahan and Japanese drift legend Daigo Saito, a Formula Drift icon. The presence of such elite drivers underscored the significance of Al Falasi’s podium finish at just 17 years old.
Sheikh Sohail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness at the Ministry of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Committee for Nurturing Sports Talents, expressed pride in the result. According to his statement, the achievement reflects the committee’s systematic approach to discovering and developing promising athletic talents while providing a supportive environment for regional and international competition.
Family Support and National Vision
Sheikh Sohail praised the pivotal role of Al Falasi’s family in supporting his talent from its early stages. He emphasized that families are key partners in creating champions, noting that the driver’s success represents a national model aligned with the Year of the Family 2026 objectives, which aim to strengthen family roles in empowering youth, particularly in sports.
Additionally, he described Khalifa Al Falasi as an exemplary model of ambitious Emirati talent, highlighting his commitment, discipline, and high professionalism despite his young age. The official confirmed continued support for athletes enrolled in committee programs, both technically and morally, to prepare a generation capable of raising the nation’s flag and enhancing its presence in specialized sports.
Technical Excellence in Drift Racing Performance
Throughout the competition, Al Falasi demonstrated advanced technical skills while maintaining complete focus. The young driver adjusted his vehicle’s settings to adapt to changing track conditions and varying competitor strategies, ultimately earning his place on the podium. His performance showcased the development and preparation behind his success in international drift racing events.
Meanwhile, Al Falasi’s competitive record extends beyond this recent achievement. He was ranked first among Emirati drivers in the UAE Drift Championship’s 2024 professional debut season and secured third place in both Red Bull Car Park Drift UAE qualifiers and the Oman Car Park Drift Championship in the Middle East category. In contrast to his earlier career, he joined the UAE Committee for Nurturing Sports Talents programs last August, marking a new phase in his professional development.
Looking Ahead to Championship Finale
The 17-year-old driver has established himself as one of the most prominent rising talents in drift racing across the region. His consistent podium finishes have positioned him favorably in the overall standings, demonstrating both skill and maturity beyond his years in this demanding motorsport discipline.
The final round of the OIDC 2026 is scheduled for February 5-6 in Muscat, where Al Falasi will compete for the overall championship lead. His performance in the concluding event will determine his final standing in the Middle East and North Africa category.
