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More than 25 participants will take part in the second round on Saturday, 3rd January with tickets still available to buy.
The Championship will also take place with Round 3 on 14th February before coming to a close a week later with the season-finale.
Abu Dhabi,January 2026: The region’s top drifters will descend on Yas Marina Circuit this weekend as the Emirates Drift Championship returns to the iconic venue, bringing closer door-to-door battles on the track.
Taking place on Saturday 3rd January, the second round of the four-round competition has attracted a competitive line-up of more than 25 top drifters as they showcase their drifting skills and talent on the VDA track.
Away from the track, fans can look forward to intense battles, a driver parade, and a vibrant event village offering food trucks, a live DJ, and interactive attractions including simulators, the Pit Stop Challenge, the Otaku M.E. Experience, and much more.
Tickets start from only AED 40 for general admission while it’s AED 170 for VIP category. VIPs will also have access to prime viewing areas, paddock access (individuals aged 14 and above) to see the cars and teams up close, complimentary light refreshments and meet the drivers.
The Emirates Drift Championship is part of Yas Marina Circuit’s on-going efforts to promote the growth of motorsport in the UAE and region. Following Saturday’s round, the event will resume with Round 2 on 14th February before concluding with the season-finale on 21st February where the competitors will take on the North Handling Configuration of the famous Grand Prix Track, which has a rich history of staging title-deciding finales.
Ali Al Beshr, General Manager of Yas Marina Circuit, said: “We are delighted to open 2026 with the second round of the Emirates Drift Championship. This is a competition that has gone from strength to strength, attracting some of the best drifters from across the region and this year’s is no different.
“Hosting the event at our VDA Track before moving to our Grand Prix track, reflects the versatility of our venue by staging different motorsport disciplines that people can enjoy. It also aligns with our on-going mission of providing opportunities for people to test themselves in the motorsport circuit and help grow the sport in the UAE and beyond.
“We look forward to welcoming as many people as possible in what will be a great day out, watching high-octane motorsport action along with fantastic off-track family-fun entertainment for all.”
ABOUT YAS MARINA CIRCUIT:
Yas Marina Circuit is the United Arab Emirates’ most exciting sporting and entertainment multi-purpose venue. Located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the circuit is home to the annual FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX and much more. In addition to the extensive year-round program of professional and grassroots motorsport events and experiences including Drag and Yas Track Nights, the circuit has emerged as a thriving hub for entertainment and community events in the UAE.
Yas Marina Circuit is also a champion of sustainability in motorsports, receiving the Three-Star Environmental Certification from the FIA, the governing body’s highest recognition of sustainability. The award is an acknowledgement of the circuit’s long-standing commitment to environmental management with the objective of standing with Formula One in becoming Net-Zero Carbon by 2030.
As the region’s most technologically advanced facility, the circuit is also a leading MICE venue, regularly hosting a diverse range of corporate meetings, conferences, and events. Whether you want to experience the thrill of karting at our Kartzone, driving an Aston Martin GT4 at over 200km/hour on an F1 circuit, work towards your racing license at the Yas Racing School, get fit at TrainYas, participate in one of our many sporting events, or simply catch up with friends at Yas Central, Yas Marina Circuit truly is The Meeting Place of Champions.
ABOUT YAS MARINA CIRCUIT:
Yas Marina Circuit is the United Arab Emirates’ most exciting sporting and entertainment multi-purpose venue. Located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the circuit is home to the annual FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX and much more. In addition to the extensive year-round program of professional and grassroots motorsport events and experiences including Drag and Yas Track Nights, the circuit has emerged as a thriving hub for entertainment and community events in the UAE.
Yas Marina Circuit is also a champion of sustainability in motorsports, receiving the Three-Star Environmental Certification from the FIA, the governing body’s highest recognition of sustainability. The award is an acknowledgement of the circuit’s long-standing commitment to environmental management with the objective of standing with Formula One in becoming Net-Zero Carbon by 2030.
As the region’s most technologically advanced facility, the circuit is also a leading MICE venue, regularly hosting a diverse range of corporate meetings, conferences, and events. Whether you want to experience the thrill of karting at our Kartzone, driving an Aston Martin GT4 at over 200km/hour on an F1 circuit, work towards your racing license at the Yas Racing School, get fit at TrainYas, participate in one of our many sporting events, or simply catch up with friends at Yas Central, Yas Marina Circuit truly is The Meeting Place of Champions.
