Creventic remains focused on staging the 2026–27 Michelin 24H Series Middle East Trophy as planned despite increased conflict and uncertainty across the region.
The Dutch organiser informed teams that preparations remain on schedule for the Yas 12 Hours, 24H Dubai and 6H Abu Dhabi. The three-round winter championship currently includes events at Yas Marina Circuit and Dubai Autodrome between December 2026 and January 2027.
However, Creventic has also started developing a contingency plan in case the regional situation prevents the championship from proceeding in the United Arab Emirates. One option could move the entire winter campaign to Kyalami in South Africa while retaining the published January dates.
Creventic continues preparations for Middle East races
Creventic confirmed the Middle East Trophy calendar three weeks before issuing its latest update to entrants. Since then, renewed military action involving Iran and the United States has created further uncertainty for international sporting events scheduled in the region. Creventic has consequently continued monitoring the situation alongside its logistics partners while maintaining its existing operational plans.
The organiser told teams that the three events remain its priority and that work continues according to the original schedule.
“Our full focus remains on organizing the Yas 12 Hours, 24H Dubai and 6H Abu Dhabi as planned,” the letter from Creventic read. “At this stage, preparations continue according to schedule.
“Transport to Dubai can be organized without using the Strait of Hormuz, providing a reliable proven shipping solution. Daily international flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to operate as normal. Together with our logistics partners, we continue to monitor developments on a daily basis.”
Creventic’s update aimed to address two of the main concerns facing international teams: transporting race cars and equipment into the region and arranging travel for drivers and personnel.
The organiser believes teams can ship their equipment to Dubai without relying on routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, it noted that international airlines continue to serve both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Three-round calendar remains in place
The inaugural Yas 12 Hours will open the Middle East Trophy at Yas Marina Circuit in December. The series will then move to Dubai Autodrome for the 24H Dubai in January before returning to Yas Marina Circuit for the 6H Abu Dhabi one week later. The official calendar currently lists the events for 12–13 December, 8–10 January and 16–17 January respectively.
The schedule marks a change from the previous Middle East Trophy campaign. Creventic has added the Yas 12 Hours as the opening round and will stage two separate events at Yas Marina Circuit.
Meanwhile, the 24H Dubai will retain its position as the championship’s central event and Creventic’s longest-running Middle East race.
Although preparations continue, the organiser recognises that the regional situation could change before teams begin transporting equipment for the December opener.
Creventic develops plan for every scenario
Creventic has therefore started working on alternative arrangements. The organiser described the contingency work as a way to prepare for every possible scenario rather than an indication that it has decided to move or cancel the existing events.
A backup plan would protect teams that have already started arranging driver line-ups, transport schedules, accommodation and staffing for the winter championship.
Creventic has identified Kyalami as one possible alternative and has asked entrants to provide feedback on the South African circuit.
Kyalami could host entire winter campaign
Under the proposed contingency, Creventic could relocate the full Middle East Trophy season to Kyalami rather than dividing the championship between several replacement venues.
The circuit has not previously hosted a Creventic event. However, it has experience staging major international endurance races, including several rounds of the Intercontinental GT Challenge.
A single-venue campaign could also simplify logistics if circumstances force Creventic to abandon the planned United Arab Emirates schedule at relatively short notice.
The organiser would aim to preserve the existing January event dates, limiting disruption for teams that have already planned around the 24H Dubai and 6H Abu Dhabi weekends.
“Our objective would be to maintain the published January event dates, allowing teams to keep their planning, transport and travel arrangements largely unchanged,” the letter read regarding a potential move to a ‘Plan B’.
Creventic has not confirmed how the alternative schedule would structure the three races or whether Kyalami would host events of the same duration as the planned Middle East rounds. Instead, the organiser has opened discussions with entrants before developing the proposal further.
Organiser asks teams for Kyalami feedback
Team responses will help Creventic assess the sporting, financial and logistical viability of moving the championship to South Africa. Entrants must consider several factors, including freight routes, travel costs, circuit access and the availability of drivers and personnel. Moving the entire season would also require Creventic to establish new local operational arrangements at Kyalami.
The organiser has therefore encouraged teams to communicate their views before it progresses with the contingency.
Middle East Trophy remains Creventic’s priority
Creventic continues to promote and accept registrations for the Yas 12 Hours, 24H Dubai and 6H Abu Dhabi.
Its official event information still lists all three rounds, while the organiser continues to work with logistics providers and monitor international travel.
However, the development of a Kyalami alternative reflects the uncertainty surrounding sporting events in the region. Teams require sufficient notice to redirect freight, revise travel plans and adjust budgets if Creventic changes the calendar.
For now, the organiser remains committed to its three-round Middle East programme. At the same time, feedback from entrants will help determine whether Kyalami could provide a workable alternative if circumstances prevent the championship from racing in the United Arab Emirates.
