Motorsports fans thrilled at Gymkhana Challenge

A large number of visitors including the members of the motorsport community, and a broad audience of spectators have thrilled to see the live performances of top professional drivers showcased their drifting skills as part of YUKA Gymkhana Challenge 2026. The international round of championship took place at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi. The event further strengthened the project’s position as one of the region’s most dynamic and recognisable motorsport formats.

Beyond the sporting competition, the event featured a comprehensive festival programme, including DJ performances, a curated food court, children’s and interactive zones, automotive displays, and entertainment activities for visitors.

The nighttime format amplified the spectacle. Lighting design, music, engine sound, and close on-track battles combined to create the atmosphere of a large-scale motorsport show, appealing both to dedicated enthusiasts and to a wider audience. Daria Prisyagina, project manager of the championship while talking to media said, “The 2026 edition marked the second YUKA Gymkhana Challenge event held in the United Arab Emirates. The series made its international debut in the country in 2025 in Al Ain, laying the foundation for the development of Gymkhana as a competitive discipline in the UAE.

We are bringing more entertainment as part of the event to further extend this and wanted to see more participants,” she said. The competition featured drivers from the UAE, Jordan, France, Spain, Lebanon, India, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Egypt, New Zealand, and El Salvador.

“This diverse representation highlighted the growing global appeal of the series and reinforced its status as an international competitive platform. The presence of competitors from the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Oceania created a highly competitive environment and elevated the sporting level of the event,” she added. The event followed a mirrored course format with mandatory side changes, ensuring equal conditions for all competitors.

The winner in each battle was determined by the combined time of two runs, adding a strategic dimension to the competition.