Yas Marina circuit builds the next generation of Emirati racing stars

Yas Marina Circuit is far more than the home of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. With over 180 sporting and community events hosted annually, the venue has become the beating heart of a long-term effort to produce world-class Emirati racing talent.

At the grassroots level, the Al Sabq programme, organised by the Yas Heat Academy in collaboration with Mercedes at Yas Kartzone, is leading the charge. 

Its second edition saw participation double to 26 children aged five to seven, with standout female participants such as Ameera Al Mheiri already drawing attention. The programme is designed to identify and nurture the next generation of Emirati drivers from the earliest possible age.

The circuit's ambitions extend well beyond karting. 

By providing a structured pathway from entry-level racing to single-seater competition, Yas Marina has already produced tangible results, most notably Rashid Al Dhaheri, who has progressed to the prestigious Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Junior Team.

Year-round, the venue stays active through the Yas Speed Festival, the Yas Super Street Challenge, and community fitness initiatives including TrainYAS and women-only running and cycling events  all supported by advanced smart safety systems.

The goal is clear and ambitious: within the next 15 years, produce a new generation of Emirati drivers capable of competing at the very highest levels of global motorsport.