Riyadh: The Saudi Next Gen program continues to set new benchmarks in the development of national motorsports talent. Overseen by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and the Saudi Motorsport Company, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport, the initiative provides a comprehensive training ecosystem designed to empower young Saudi men and women to compete on the world’s most prestigious racing stages.

According to Saudi Press Agency, launched last year, the program utilizes a specialized curriculum that merges rigorous theoretical study with elite practical training. Supervised by a select group of international experts and certified trainers, the journey begins with a competitive selection process, followed by intensive skill-building phases. The program culminates in grueling field tests with Yamaha side-by-side vehicles, in which participants must complete the preliminary stage of the Dakar Rally and two full desert rally stages to ensure they meet the highest professional standards of compe
titive readiness.

The program has officially announced its first successful graduates: drivers Hamza Bakhashab and Abdullah Alshequawi. After demonstrating exceptional skill and passing all required professional evaluations, the duo has qualified to compete in the 2026 Dakar Rally. Their participation marks the realization of the program’s core objective-preparing Saudi drivers to go head-to-head with the world’s best.

By fostering this new generation of athletes, the Saudi Next Gen program is solidifying the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for motorsports and a leader in sports talent development under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030.