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The Yas Heat Academy has officially unveiled the 2026 edition of Al Sabq, its premier grassroots initiative aimed at discovering young Emirati racing talent. The programme will be held at Yas Kartzone, located within the iconic Yas Marina Circuit.
Created to spot and develop the UAE’s next generation of drivers, Al Sabq offers a clear entry route into competitive karting for Emirati children aged between five and seven. Now in its second year, the initiative is expanding its reach nationwide while placing stronger focus on encouraging female participation, highlighting its commitment to inclusivity.
The selection event is scheduled for April 18 and will see up to 20 young participants take part in a comprehensive day of evaluations. These will include timed driving sessions, physical fitness and focus assessments, along with behavioural observations both on and off the track. Participation is free, with registrations closing one week before the event.
The name “Al Sabq,” derived from Arabic, conveys meanings such as leading, excelling, and finishing first—reflecting the programme’s goal of placing young Emiratis at the forefront of motorsport from an early stage.
At the end of the assessment day, the top two boys and the leading girl will be awarded fully funded Bambino racing seats in selected local championships. They will compete as official academy drivers under the management of Yas Heat Racing. Importantly, the programme guarantees a pathway for at least one female driver, reinforcing equal opportunity in the sport.
The inaugural edition, held last May at Yas Kartzone, provided a national platform for children aged five to six to showcase their driving potential.
Speaking on the initiative, Ali Al Beshr emphasized that Al Sabq reflects a long-term vision to build a sustainable pipeline of Emirati motorsport talent. He noted that increasing accessibility and promoting female involvement are key to shaping a diverse and ambitious future for the sport in the UAE.
He also highlighted the programme as an ideal starting point for young drivers to gain exposure to motorsport, develop their skills, and represent the nation in both local and regional competitions.
Since its launch, Yas Heat Academy has contributed significantly to the growth of Emirati drivers on the global stage. Notable graduates such as Keanu Al Azhari, Hamda Al Qubaisi, and Rashid Al Dhaheri have gone on to compete internationally, showcasing the strength of a structured grassroots development system.
Building on this foundation, the 2026 edition of Al Sabq further strengthens Yas Marina Circuit’s broader mission to nurture local talent, engage youth, and drive long-term excellence in motorsport.
