MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup 2024 Wraps Up in Style
Doha-Qatar- 22 December 2025 The eyes of the motorsport world have been on Qatar this week as the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) hosted the MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup 2024 for the second time at the Lusail International Circuit (LIC). With strong displays of regional talent and racing action, the championship – held from 19-21 December – welcomed over 150 drivers from across 16 countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. Marking the success of the championship, FIA President and Nations Cup founder Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “The MENA karting nations cup is an opportunity for us to showcase the best of our region. It brings global attention to MENA motorsport while offering young talent the honour of representing their nations. “My congratulations to all competitors – the racing this week has been exemplary – an important step on their motorsport journey. With winners represented from across our region, it is clear the future of MENA motorsport is strong. “Thanks to QMMF President Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai for hosting such a successful event, alongside the volunteers, staff and officials, who have dedicated their time and effort.” Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of QMMF and Lusail International Circuit, said: “We are honoured to host the MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup 2024 for the second consecutive year at LIC. The MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup provides a platform and empowers drivers, especially the young emerging talent, to display their skills. “We extend our gratitude to all the participating nations and the talented drivers. I would also like to thank the FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his continuous effort to empower the youth through this championship.” The champions were awarded their titles in a vibrant closing ceremony, and to mark exceptional performance and skills throughout the championship, three teams were awarded the “MENA Nations Cup” accolade with Lebanon taking first place, Morocco second, and UAE third. The final results of each category are as follows: Micro Max: The UAE dominated the category, with Ava Lawrence and Atiqa Asif Mir, both from the UAE, securing P1 and P2 with times of 17 minutes 39.551 seconds and 17 minutes 40.738 seconds, respectively. Nahyl El Gahoudi from Morocco claimed P3 with a time of 17 minutes 43.383 seconds. Mini Max: Faris Haroun from UAE, secured P1 with a time of 16 minutes 56.733 seconds. He was followed by Joe Mourad from Lebanon in P2, clocking 16 minutes 59.712 seconds, and Saif Al Obaidli from Qatar in P3 with a time of 17 minutes 05.162 seconds. Junior Max: Nathan Kappen from the UAE led the grid and secured P1, followed by Malek Mustafa from Palestine in P2 and Veer Chopra from UAE in P3, with times of 20 minutes 56.954 seconds, 21 minutes 08.364 seconds, and 21 minutes 08.499 seconds, respectively. Senior Max: In the Senior Max category, Sanad Al Hamawi from Jordan claimed P1 with an impressive time of 20 minutes 58.907 seconds. He was followed closely by Anis Tazi from Morocco, who secured P2 with a time of 21 minutes 06.771 seconds, and Zain El Hommossany from Egypt, who completed the podium in P3 with a time of 21 minutes 07.033 seconds. DD2: Christopher Njeim from Lebanon, Taha Hassiba from Qatar, and Souhil Khatal from Algeria claimed P1, P2, and P3, respectively, with times of 20 minutes 42.371 seconds, 20 minutes 43.037 seconds, and 20 minutes 45.762 seconds. DD2 Masters: Sofiane Salhi from Algeria, Faisal Al Yaefi from Qatar, and Abdo El Feghali from Lebanon claimed P1, P2, and P3, respectively, with times of 20 minutes 48.947 seconds, 20 minutes 55.695 seconds, and 21 minutes 05.897 seconds. R390 Endurance: Team Morocco secured P1 in the R390 Endurance category, followed by the UAE in P2 and Algeria in P3, respectively. R390 Sprint: Lebanon dominated this category with Mathias Njeim (Lebanon) and Jad Al Awar (Lebanon) securing P1 and P2, clocking in times of 19 minutes 51.620 seconds and 19 minutes 55.099 seconds, respectively. Mahdi Kadri from Morocco secured P3 with a time of 19 minutes 55.272 seconds.
Visit Qatar and Msheireb Properties to Host QatarGP activation at Msheireb Downtown Doha
Doha, Qatar, 26 November 2024 – Visit Qatar, in partnership with Msheireb Properties, Lusail International Circuit, announced the launch of a QatarGP activation at Msheireb Downtown Doha’s iconic Barahat Msheireb, coinciding with the FORMULA 1® QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2024. The activation will operate from November 29 to December 1, offering visitors a vibrant venue to experience the excitement of Formula 1 racing in the heart of Qatar’s capital. The three-day activation will feature live screenings of all racing sessions, including practice runs, qualifying rounds, the sprint race, and Sunday’s main event. Designed as a family-friendly destination, the activation will complement the on-track action at Lusail International Circuit with interactive activities and entertainment. Dr. Hafiz Ali Abdullah, Senior Director of Corporate Communications at Msheireb Properties, said: “Following the remarkable success of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Fan Zone at Barahat Msheireb, which attracted thousands of football enthusiasts, we are delighted to once again transform our sustainable downtown into a hub of sporting excitement. The QatarGP activation builds on our proven track record of hosting world-class entertainment events that bring communities together in the heart of Doha.” Mr. Jassim Mahmoud, PR and Communication Director at Visit Qatar, said: “Together with our esteemed partners at Msheireb Properties and Lusail Circuit we are delighted to bring the QatarGP Activation to life, offering an exciting opportunity for everyone to enjoy the full Formula 1 experience right here in the heart of Msheireb. This fan zone is designed to be the ultimate destination for fans, residents and visitors alike, to come together and fully immerse themselves in the thrilling world of Formula 1.” Visitors to the activation will experience the thrill of Formula 1 through state-of-the-art racing simulators and an engaging RC car track. The venue will showcase an impressive display of classic and modern racing cars, while a dedicated entertainment area will feature live DJ performances throughout the evening. The activation’s design incorporates both lounge and picnic-style seating areas, creating a comfortable environment for families and friends to enjoy the races together. Entry is free for all visitors, and the QatarGP activation will be open daily from 2:30 PM to 10:00 PM, with live screenings starting from 4:00 PM. The race schedule includes Practice Sessions on Friday, November 29 (2:30 PM – 7:30 PM), Qualifying and Sprint Race on Saturday, November 30 (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM), and the Main Race on Sunday, December 1 (from 8:00 PM).
