Creventic adds YAS 12 HOURS to 2026/27 Middle East Trophy calendar

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Creventic has confirmed a three-round calendar for the 2026/27 Michelin 24H SERIES Middle East Trophy, featuring the newly created YAS 12 HOURS.

The championship will begin at Yas Marina Circuit on 12–13 December 2026 before moving to Dubai Autodrome for the Michelin 24H DUBAI from 8–10 January 2027. Teams will then return to Yas Marina Circuit for the Michelin 6H ABU DHABI on 16–17 January, which will conclude the compact winter campaign.

The revised schedule restores the championship’s traditional event order, while the new 12-hour race strengthens Creventic’s long-term commitment to endurance racing in the Gulf region.

New YAS 12 HOURS opens the season 2026/2027 24H Series Middle East Trophy campaign

The inaugural YAS 12 HOURS will launch the campaign with a non-stop 12-hour race at Yas Marina Circuit.

Creventic plans to establish the event as a regular fixture on the international endurance racing calendar. The organiser has secured the opportunity to run the race every December on a long-term basis, giving the Middle East Trophy a new opening event.

The YAS 12 HOURS will also provide teams with an early opportunity to begin their winter programmes before the championship’s two traditional January races. Creventic General Manager Helen Roukens believes the new event can support the series’ continued development in the region.

“We’re really proud to add the YAS 12 HOURS to our calendar. The Middle East has always been one of our most exciting destinations, and the strong entry numbers last season show there’s real potential to keep growing here. Having all three events scheduled so close together is a great next step, and we’re looking forward to delivering a strong winter season for our teams and drivers.”

The event will extend Creventic’s presence at Yas Marina Circuit, which will now host both the opening and closing rounds of the season.

Michelin 24H DUBAI retains January date

Following the Abu Dhabi opener, teams will travel to Dubai Autodrome for the Michelin 24H DUBAI. The championship’s flagship event will take place from 8–10 January 2027 and retain its traditional position near the beginning of the calendar year.

The twice-round-the-clock contest regularly attracts one of the largest and most diverse grids in endurance racing. Consequently, it will remain the centrepiece of the Middle East Trophy schedule despite the addition of the new Yas event.

Its position between the two Abu Dhabi rounds will also allow teams to remain in the region throughout the full championship period.

Michelin 6H ABU DHABI returns as season finale

The Michelin 6H ABU DHABI will conclude the Middle East Trophy at Yas Marina Circuit on 16–17 January. The schedule restores the traditional sequence of events after the 6H ABU DHABI preceded the 24H DUBAI during the previous campaign.

As a result, teams will contest three races across just over five weeks, with only one week separating the Dubai round from the Abu Dhabi finale.

The six-hour race will therefore decide the championship after teams have already completed 36 hours of racing across the first two events.

Track days expand each race weekend

Creventic has also confirmed the weekend format for all three rounds. Two CR Track Days will precede each event, giving drivers and teams additional circuit time before official competition begins. These sessions will allow crews to develop car set-ups, familiarise drivers with the circuits and prepare for the endurance races.

Each meeting will then feature further free practice and qualifying sessions before the main race.

The expanded format should prove particularly valuable for teams combining drivers with different experience levels, while also giving international entrants more time to adapt to local conditions.

Logistical challenges delay Qatar event

The Michelin 8H QATAR no longer forms part of the 2026/27 calendar. Creventic originally planned to hold the race in December, but logistical challenges within the region led the organiser to postpone the event.

Its absence leaves the Middle East Trophy with three rounds across the United Arab Emirates. However, the addition of the YAS 12 HOURS maintains a varied schedule consisting of six-hour, 12-hour and 24-hour races.

Compact calendar supports continued growth

Creventic has repeatedly attracted large grids and close competition to its Middle East Trophy events. The new calendar aims to build on that momentum by placing all three rounds within a short period and reducing the time that international teams must spend transporting equipment between regions.

Meanwhile, the YAS 12 HOURS gives the championship another major endurance event alongside the established Dubai race.

The combination of two visits to Yas Marina Circuit and the traditional 24H DUBAI creates a focused winter championship that Creventic hopes will appeal to teams, drivers and spectators.