Al-Rajhi Wins 2026 Jeddah Baja Toyota Rally for Seventh Time

Yazeed Al-Rajhi claimed his seventh Jeddah Baja Toyota Rally title and fifth consecutive victory on Saturday, finishing the second round of the Saudi Toyota Baja Championship with a time of 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 55.7 seconds. The event, held under the supervision of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and managed by Bakhashab Motorsports in partnership with Jameel Motorsports, brought together local and international competitors for a weekend of high-speed desert racing that further cements Saudi Arabia’s status as a premier motorsport destination. Al-Rajhi’s triumph, ahead of Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah and Saudi Arabia’s Saleh Al-Saif, sets up a thrilling finale in the Qassim region next month.

Could this year’s championship be the most competitive yet? With two of the region’s most decorated drivers—Al-Rajhi and Al-Attiyah—battling for the overall title, the 2026 season has captured the imagination of motorsport fans across the Kingdom and beyond. The Jeddah Baja Toyota Rally, which concluded on Saturday, November 15, 2026, marked the second of three rounds in the Saudi Toyota Baja Championship, and it delivered all the drama and skill that have come to define off-road racing in Saudi Arabia. The event’s successful organization, under the guidance of the SAMF, highlights the Kingdom’s growing expertise in hosting world-class sporting events, a key pillar of Vision 2030’s aim to diversify the economy and promote tourism.

Context and Background

What makes the Jeddah Baja Toyota Rally a standout on the regional motorsport calendar? Held annually in the coastal city of Jeddah, the rally has grown from a local competition into a fixture that attracts top talent from across the Gulf and beyond. The 2026 edition was no exception, with a competitive field that included seasoned champions and emerging stars. The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, which oversees motorsport in the Kingdom, has played a pivotal role in elevating the event’s profile, ensuring that it meets international standards while showcasing the unique terrain of the region. Managed by Bakhashab Motorsports, a leading Saudi motorsport organization, and organized in partnership with Jameel Motorsports, the rally exemplifies the collaborative efforts driving the sport forward in Saudi Arabia.

The Jeddah Baja Toyota Rally is more than just a race; it is a celebration of Saudi Arabia’s rich automotive culture and its ambitious vision for the future. The event forms part of the broader Saudi Toyota Baja Championship, which includes rounds in Hail, Jeddah, and Qassim. Each location offers distinct challenges, from the rugged mountains of Hail to the coastal deserts of Jeddah and the dunes of Qassim. This diversity not only tests the drivers’ adaptability but also highlights the Kingdom’s varied landscapes, attracting adventure tourists and motorsport enthusiasts alike. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in sports and entertainment, events like the Jeddah Baja Toyota Rally serve as powerful catalysts for economic growth and international engagement.

Key Details

How did Yazeed Al-Rajhi manage to secure yet another victory in Jeddah? The Saudi driver, who has become a dominant force in off-road racing, completed the grueling course in 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 55.7 seconds, demonstrating exceptional skill and consistency. His seventh title in Jeddah and fifth consecutive win underscore his mastery of the terrain and his ability to perform under pressure. Al-Rajhi’s performance was particularly impressive given the fierce competition from Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah, a multiple Dakar Rally winner, who finished second. Saleh Al-Saif, another top Saudi driver, took third place overall, further highlighting the depth of local talent.

The rally also saw victories in various categories, with Khalaf Al-Shammari winning the Ultimate class, Abdulaziz Al-Yaeesh topping the Stock class, Saleh Al-Saif winning the Challenger class, and Hamad Al-Harbi taking the Side-by-Side (SSV) class. In the motorcycle category, UAE’s Mohammed Al-Balooshi clinched first place with a time of 3 hours, 39 minutes, and 17.6 seconds, followed by his compatriot Sultan Al-Balooshi and Saudi Arabia’s Ibrahim Al-Jarallah. The quad-bike category was won by Haitham Al-Tuwaijri, who finished with a time of 4 hours, 7 minutes, and 54.1 seconds, ahead of Abdulrahman Al-Abdulatif and Badr Al-Hamdan. These results reflect the growing competitiveness of the championship and the increasing participation of international riders.

International and Regional Impact

What does the presence of international competitors like Nasser Al-Attiyah and Mohammed Al-Balooshi say about Saudi Arabia’s motorsport scene? It signals that the Kingdom has become a magnet for top-tier talent, thanks to its world-class infrastructure, challenging courses, and generous prize purses. The Jeddah Baja Toyota Rally not only provides a platform for regional drivers to test themselves against the best but also fosters cultural exchange and sports diplomacy. The event attracted teams and spectators from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and beyond, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a hub for sporting excellence in the Middle East.

Moreover, the rally’s success contributes to the Kingdom’s broader efforts to enhance its international image and attract visitors. By hosting events that meet global standards, Saudi Arabia is steadily building a reputation as a must-visit destination for motorsport enthusiasts. The SAMF’s supervision ensures that safety and fairness are paramount, while the partnership with Jameel Motorsports and Bakhashab Motorsports brings commercial expertise and local knowledge. As the championship moves to Qassim for the final round, the stage is set for an epic showdown between Al-Rajhi and Al-Attiyah, both of whom have already won a round this season. Their rivalry is expected to draw even more attention to Saudi motorsport, further boosting its global profile.

Economic and Strategic Significance

How does a regional rally like the Jeddah Baja Toyota Rally fit into Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification strategy? Sports tourism is a key component of Vision 2030, which seeks to reduce the Kingdom’s dependence on oil and create new revenue streams. Events such as this rally generate significant economic activity, from hotel bookings and restaurant visits to car rentals and retail spending. They also create jobs and support local businesses, particularly in the hospitality and transportation sectors. The presence of international teams and media further amplifies the economic impact, as it puts Jeddah and the wider region on the global map.

Strategically, the rally reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing a vibrant sports ecosystem. The Kingdom has invested heavily in motorsport infrastructure, including the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, which hosts Formula 1, and the Qiddiya project, which will feature a world-class racing track. These investments are part of a broader push to position Saudi Arabia as a global sports hub, capable of hosting major events and nurturing local talent. The Jeddah Baja Toyota Rally, with its mix of local and international participants, serves as a proving ground for Saudi drivers and a showcase for the Kingdom’s organizational capabilities. As the championship finale approaches, all eyes will be on Qassim, where the season’s champion will be crowned.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does Yazeed Al-Rajhi’s victory and the success of the Jeddah Baja Toyota Rally contribute to Vision 2030? They embody the spirit of a nation transforming itself into a dynamic, forward-looking society. Vision 2030 aims to increase household spending on entertainment, promote healthy lifestyles, and empower youth—goals that are directly supported by motorsport events that inspire and engage. Al-Rajhi, as a Saudi role model, exemplifies the ambition and talent of the Kingdom’s youth, encouraging more young people to pursue careers in sports and related fields. The rally also aligns with the vision’s tourism objectives, attracting visitors and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

As the Saudi Toyota Baja Championship heads to Qassim from December 2 to 5, the final round promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a season that has already delivered unforgettable moments. With Al-Rajhi and Al-Attiyah tied on wins, the Qassim Baja Toyota Rally will determine who takes home the overall title. Regardless of the outcome, the championship has already succeeded in elevating Saudi motorsport, fostering regional camaraderie, and advancing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. The world will be watching as the drivers tackle the challenging dunes of Qassim, ready to write the next chapter in Saudi Arabia’s remarkable sporting journey.

20 Questions

Q1. Who won the 2026 Jeddah Baja Toyota Rally?

A1. Yazeed Al-Rajhi won the 2026 Jeddah Baja Toyota Rally, securing his seventh title in the event and fifth consecutive victory.

Q2. What was Yazeed Al-Rajhi’s finishing time?

A2. Al-Rajhi finished the rally with a time of 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 55.7 seconds, placing him first in the overall classification.

Q3. Who finished second in the overall standings?

A3. Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah finished second, followed by Saudi Arabia’s Saleh Al-Saif in third place.

Q4. Which organization supervised the rally?

A4. The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) supervised the event, with management by Bakhashab Motorsports and partnership with Jameel Motorsports.

Q5. Who won the Ultimate class?

A5. Khalaf Al-Shammari won the Ultimate class, showcasing his skill in the highly competitive category.

Q6. Who won the Stock class?

A6. Abdulaziz Al-Yaeesh took first place in the Stock class, demonstrating consistency and speed.

Q7. Who won the Challenger class?

A7. Saleh Al-Saif won the Challenger class, adding to his third-place overall finish.

Q8. Who won the Side-by-Side (SSV) class?

A8. Hamad Al-Harbi claimed victory in the Side-by-Side (SSV) class, excelling in the demanding off-road category.

Q9. Who won the motorcycle category?

A9. UAE’s Mohammed Al-Balooshi won the motorcycle category with a time of 3 hours, 39 minutes, and 17.6 seconds.

Q10. Who finished second and third in the motorcycle category?

A10. Sultan Al-Balooshi of the UAE finished second, and Saudi Arabia’s Ibrahim Al-Jarallah took third place.

Q11. Who won the quad-bike category?

A11. Haitham Al-Tuwaijri won the quad-bike category with a time of 4 hours, 7 minutes, and 54.1 seconds.

Q12. Who were the runners-up in the quad-bike category?

A12. Abdulrahman Al-Abdulatif finished second, and Badr Al-Hamdan took third place in the quad-bike category.

Q13. Where will the final round of the championship be held?

A13. The Qassim region will host the third and final round, the Qassim Baja Toyota Rally, from December 2 to 5.

Q14. Who are the main contenders for the overall championship title?

A14. Nasser Al-Attiyah, who won the Hail International Toyota Rally, and Yazeed Al-Rajhi, who won the Jeddah Baja Toyota Rally, are competing for the overall title.

Q15. How many rounds are in the Saudi Toyota Baja Championship?

A15. The championship consists of three rounds: Hail, Jeddah, and Qassim.

Q16. What is the significance of Al-Rajhi’s fifth consecutive win in Jeddah?

A16. It underscores his dominance in the event and his exceptional skill in off-road racing, solidifying his legacy in Saudi motorsport.

Q17. How does the rally contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A17. It promotes sports tourism, economic diversification, and youth engagement, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals of a vibrant society and a diversified economy.

Q18. What role does the SAMF play in Saudi motorsport?

A18. The SAMF oversees and regulates motorsport in the Kingdom, ensuring events meet international standards and fostering the growth of the sport.

Q19. Who is Bakhashab Motorsports?

A19. Bakhashab Motorsports is a leading Saudi motorsport organization that manages events like the Jeddah Baja Toyota Rally, contributing to the sport’s development.

Q20. What can fans expect from the Qassim Baja Toyota Rally?

A20. Fans can expect a thrilling finale as Al-Rajhi and Al-Attiyah battle for the overall championship title in the challenging dunes of Qassim.