On February 15, the international round of YUKA Gymkhana Challenge 2026 took place at Yas Marina Circuit, bringing together professional drivers, members of the motorsport community, and a broad audience of spectators. The event further
strengthened the project’s position as one of the region’s most dynamic and
recognizable motorsport formats.
The 2026 edition marked the second YUKA Gymkhana Challenge event held in the United Arab Emirates. The series made its international debut in the country in 2025 in Al Ain, laying the foundation for the development of Gymkhana as a competitive discipline in the UAE.
International Driver Line-Up
The competition featured drivers from the UAE, Jordan, France, Spain, Lebanon, India, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Egypt, New Zealand, and El Salvador.
This diverse representation highlighted the growing global appeal of the series and reinforced its status as an international competitive platform. The presence of competitors from the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Oceania created a highly competitive environment and elevated the sporting level of the event.
Competition Results
Following an intense knockout bracket, the podium positions were determined as follows:
1st Place — Car #43 Aliaksei Shendziukou (Belarus),
2nd Place — Car #G Damir Idiyatulin (Russia),
3rd Place — Car #2G Ali Sajwani (UAE).
Damir Idiyatulin (#G) also secured victory in the Qualifying session, setting the fastest lap of the event.
How the Competition Unfolded
The event followed a mirrored course format with mandatory side changes, ensuring equal conditions for all competitors. The winner in each battle was determined by the combined time of two runs, adding a strategic dimension to the competition.
Time gaps between drivers in multiple pairings were measured in fractions of a second, making precision and consistency decisive factors.
The final battle between Aliaksei Shendziukou and Damir Idiyatulin delivered one of the most intense moments of the evening, with the outcome determined by accuracy through technical sections and stability on both course configurations.
The quarterfinal and semifinal rounds further demonstrated the high level of preparation among participants and the maturity of Gymkhana as a competitive motorsport format.
Qualifying: Minimal Time Differences
The Qualifying session reflected the high competitiveness of the field:
Damir Idiyatulin (#G) — 2:40.337
Aliaksei Shendziukou (#43) — 2:41.820
Fahad Latheef (#8) — 2:44.283
The tight margins in qualifying set the stage for an intense elimination bracket and a highly competitive final phase.
Festival Atmosphere and Spectator Experience
Beyond the sporting competition, the event featured a comprehensive festival program, including DJ performances, a curated food court, children’s and interactive zones, automotive displays, and entertainment activities for visitors.
The nighttime format amplified the spectacle. Lighting design, music, engine sound, and close on-track battles combined to create the atmosphere of a large-scale motorsport show, appealing both to dedicated enthusiasts and to a wider audience.
Conclusion
YUKA Gymkhana Challenge 2026 demonstrated: a high competitive standard, strong international representation, a clear and spectator-friendly format, sustained audience interest in the discipline.
The event is currently held once per year in the UAE. Organizers are evaluating potential regional expansion based on market growth and audience engagement.
The next UAE edition of YUKA Gymkhana Challenge is scheduled for the following season. The project continues to contribute to the evolution of modern motorsport culture in the region while building an international community around the Gymkhana discipline.
The event was supported by FORTIS and ICORE, companies that back ambitious projects both in business and in motorsport. Their involvement reflects a shared commitment to innovation, performance, and the development of forward-looking initiatives that connect entrepreneurship and competitive sport.
