TL;DR:
- GCC royals from Saudi,
Qatar ,Bahrain , andOman are increasingly embracing high-stakes adventure sports, fromDakar car rallies to desert dirt biking.
- Yazeed Al-Rajhi’s historic Dakar Rally victory and Prince Khalid’s WRC involvement show Saudi royals eyeing motorsport as nation‑branding tools.
- Qatari princes are quietly embracing dirt-bikes and e-bikes, signalling a new era of youth‑led adventure in the
Gulf . These pursuits reflect Vision 2030-style policies positioning royals as active, global-facing figures while challenging traditional stereotypes.
1. Saudi’s Speed‑seeking Businessman
Yazeed Al‑Rajhi, a member of one of Saudi’s most prominent business families/Image: yazeedracing
- Yazeed Al‑Rajhi: First Saudi Dakar Champ
Yazeed Al‑Rajhi, a member of one of Saudi’s most prominent business families, shocked the motorsport world early this year by becoming the first Saudi and first private-team driver in 25 years to win the Dakar Rally He clinched victory by a narrow four-minute margins after 7,500 km of grueling desert terrain, silencing the factory‑team dominance. Days later, he added a record eighth win at the Hail Baja Rally. The 43‑year‑old said it was the toughest race of his eleven-year career. His momentum has attracted national attention, he was personally received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, alongside Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al‑Faisal and Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al‑Faisal, chairman of Saudi’s motorsport federation. Saudi royals have already embraced the World Rally Championship (WRC)—it was recently awarded a 10‑year contract from 2025 . Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al‑Faisal, who oversees key sports federations, has been pivotal in using motorsport to reshape Saudi’s global image.
2. Qatar’s Royals: Dirt Biking and Desert Sports
Dirt Biking has become a prominent sport among Qatari elites/Image: Pexels
Several Qatari royals are known within local circles to participate in dirt biking, e-biking, and desert rally scenes, especially around the Sealine Desert and Mesaieed, two of the country’s most popular spots for off-road activities. The Three Brothers Riding Company, which has royal patronage, regularly shares social media footage of dune bashing, biking across challenging sand landscapes, and quad racing. Though they maintain a lower media profile compared to Sheikh Hamdan, their passion for endurance sports is well recognised among the local youth and motorsport circles. Qatar is also leveraging this adventurous identity to boost tourism and youth engagement as part of its National Vision 2030, which emphasises sport and wellness.
3. Bahrain’s Royals: From Horse Racing to Water Sports
His participation in ultra-endurance sports is seen as a model for Bahraini youth/Image: Instagram
In Bahrain, adventure among royals takes a slightly different shape. Members of the royal family, including Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, are active in endurance horse racing, ultra-marathons, and triathlons. Sheikh Nasser, who is also Bahrain’s representative for charity and youth affairs, has completed several Ironman races, including the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. His participation in ultra-endurance sports is seen as a model for Bahraini youth, especially in diversifying away from traditional sports. The royal family also supports jet-ski racing and water-based competitions, leveraging Bahrain’s archipelago geography.
The New Royal Identity: Beyond Tradition
This new wave of adventure sports among royals isn’t mere thrill‑seeking—it’s intentional. Here’s how it ties into the spirit of Vision 2030-style national rebranding across the Gulf:
- Soft power through sport: By excelling in global competitions like Dakar, royals position their nations as rising players in motorsport.
- Tourism magnetism: Saudi’s WRC and Dakar events are driving international attention, while Qatar’s adventure scenes hint at emerging eco‑tourism ambitions.
- Gender symbolism: Saudi’s recent backing of grassroots women’s karting, with support from figures like Sebastian Vettel, underscores a societal shift.
Local Impact: From Training to Talent
- Motorsport Ecosystems Grow
Saudi Arabia has established academies, homologation centers, and junior racing leagues to nurture local talent. These programs feed directly into rally teams and WRC events, making royal participation both aspirational and deeply institutional. Events now span the GCC—from Qatar’s desert festivals to the UAE’s burgeoning supercar track circuits, fueling a broader culture where adventure and mobility overlay traditional hierarchy.
What It Means to Ordinary People
These royal-led sports initiatives are more than exotic spectacle, they affect everyday citizens:
- Role models: Youth in the GCC see royalty not as distant elite, but as relatable icons pushing boundaries.
- Inspiration for all: Women’s karting, youth rallies, and desert biking programs offer new avenues for UAE, Qatar, and Bahraini youngsters to get involved.
- Community platforms: Many motorsport and adventure events double as charity drives or eco-awareness initiatives, binding royal glamour to civic goals.
The Larger Picture: What’s at Stake?
These bold activities carry strategic implications:
- Nation-branding: Just as the UAE uses the Burj Khalifa, Saudi and Qatar now use rally cars and bike helmets to craft a modern brand.
- Economic diversification: Motorsport and adventure tourism open new jobs like pit crews, gear rentals, training—and invite foreign investment.
- Cultural rebirth: For countries like Saudi and Qatar, promoting self‑reliance, resilience, and global competitiveness through sports aligns neatly with broader development narratives.
Verdict:
The Gulf’s royals and riches are discovering their adventurous side and it’s reshaping regional identity. From Al-Rajhi’s Dakar triumph to Qatar’s family-friendly dirt-bike rides, royals are signalling a shift from ceremonial heritage to action-oriented leadership. Watch this space: in the years ahead, more GCC monarchs will likely become a sport and adventure enthusiasts, steering their nations into a landscape where prestige meets performance and tradition powers forward.
