• A grassroots programme at Yas Marina Circuit is opening doors for boys and girls aged 5 to 7 to begin their motorsport journey.

In the UAE, the road to motorsport excellence is beginning earlier than ever. The return of AL SABQ in 2026, led by Yas Heat Academy, is once again placing young Emirati talent in the driver’s seat—quite literally.

Hosted at Yas Kartzone, the initiative is designed to identify and nurture promising drivers aged between 5 and 7, offering them a structured introduction to competitive karting. Now in its second edition, the programme is expanding its reach across the country, with a clear focus on increasing female participation and ensuring wider access to opportunity.

The selection event, set for April 18, will bring together up to 20 young participants for a full day of assessments. These go beyond speed on the track, combining time trials with fitness, concentration and behavioural evaluations. The aim is simple but ambitious: to discover potential early and guide it with the right support from the very beginning.

The name AL SABQ itself reflects that ambition. Derived from Arabic, it means to lead, to surpass or to come first—a fitting vision for a programme that encourages children to dream big from a young age.

At the end of the selection process, the top two male drivers and the top female driver will each be awarded a fully funded Bambino racing seat in selected local championships, representing Yas Heat Academy. The inclusion of a guaranteed female place signals a strong commitment to nurturing talent across genders.

The programme builds on a growing legacy. Graduates such as Keanu Al Azhari, Hamda Al Qubaisi and Rashid Al Dhaheri have progressed to international competitions, highlighting the impact of early, structured training.

With registrations now open through Yas Marina Circuit, AL SABQ 2026 is more than a competition. It is an invitation for young Emiratis to take their first step into a world of speed, discipline and possibility.