New visual identity launched to mark 50 years of Qatar International Rally
The Qatar International Rally, the second round of the 2025 Middle East Rally Championship, will kick off in Doha on February 6. It follows Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah’s recent victory in the season-opening Oman International Rally.
The 2025 Qatar International Rally will be particularly special as it celebrates the race’s 50th anniversary with a brand-new visual identity. It pays homage to the rally’s rich legacy, reflecting both Qatar’s cultural heritage and its deep-rooted passion for motorsports, which has grown tremendously over the past five decades.
The new logo and visual identity draw inspiration from Qatari culture, with the Arabian oryx symbolizing the country’s heritage and the endurance required by rally drivers navigating the challenging desert terrain.
The fluid lines forming the oryx represent the twists and jumps that make rally racing exhilarating, while the yellow triangles take inspiration from the golden desert sands that characterize Qatar’s landscape.
Additionally, traditional Bedouin tent embroidery is incorporated into the design, while the rock formations of Zekreet, a key rally location, inspire the vertical alignment of the triangular shapes and curved angles.
The logo has been designed with versatility, ensuring it can be adapted to highlight rally tracks and cultural landmarks, creating a cohesive visual language that resonates with audiences from diverse backgrounds.
The first edition of the Qatar International Rally took place in 1975, with British driver Peter Austen claiming victory alongside his Qatari co-driver Humaid Abdulrahim.
Meanwhile, Qatari duo Arhama Al Kuwari and Gaith Al Kuwari were the only local team to successfully cross the finish line, securing seventh place.
Although modest in scale compared to today’s event, the inaugural rally was a significant milestone, marking one of the first major motorsport competitions in Qatar and the Gulf region. It laid the foundation for the rally to become one of the most prestigious regional motorsport events.
Over the years, the Qatar International Rally has evolved significantly. Initially part of the Middle East Rally Challenge and later the Gulf Rally Championship, the event saw a transformative shift in 1984 with the launch of the FIA-recognized Middle East Rally Championship.
Notably, Qatar hosted the opening round of this historic championship, which was the first FIA-sanctioned series in the region.
Throughout its 50-year history, the Qatar International Rally has continually improved, contributing to the growth of motorsports culture in the country. This development has produced world-class Qatari drivers who have excelled in both regional and international competitions.
Saeed Al Hajri claimed victory at the Qatar International Rally in 1983. The following year, with the inception of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship, he secured back-to-back wins, driving a Porsche 911 SC RS prepared by Prodrive Racing.
Founded and managed by David Richards, Prodrive played a pivotal role in shaping the Qatar International Rally alongside Rothmans. The 1984 triumph was Prodrive’s first international victory, setting the stage for the team’s future success across various motorsport disciplines.
Al Hajri’s achievement also marked the start of a dominant career in the Middle East Rally Championship, a title he would successfully defend the following year.
In 1986, the championship welcomed its first-ever World Rally Champion, with the late Bjorn Waldegard competing in Qatar with Toyota’s European factory team. He clinched victory in his Toyota Celica Twin Cam Turbo.
A year later, Qatar International Rally had the honor of hosting His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, who made his first and only rally appearance outside of Jordan.
The Qatar International Rally has been a gateway for many Qatari drivers to reach global motorsport recognition. From Saeed Al Hajri to Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and current Middle East Rally Champion Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, numerous Qatari talents have left their mark in Qatar and the international stage.
Looking at the rally’s past winners, it is evident that the event has attracted some of the biggest names in motorsport.
Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah holds the record with 17 victories, while FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has won the rally nine times. Saeed Al Hajri has claimed six wins, including five during the Middle East Rally Championship era.
The Qatar International Rally will officially commence on Thursday, February 6, with an opening ceremony at Lusail Boulevard - Al Sa’ad Plaza, at 6pm. The event will be open to the public, offering fans an opportunity to enjoy an exciting lineup of performances and festivities to kick off the rally season in Qatar.
Afterwards, the Super Special stage will take place at Lusail Karting Track at 7pm. The rally action will continue until February 8, concluding with the awards ceremony at Lusail Boulevard - Al Sa’ad Plaza at 7pm.
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