Abu Dhabi, UAE – Yas Heat Academy, located at Yas Marina Circuit, has marked a major milestone for UAE motorsport, with drivers Essa Al Hammadi and Faris Haroun becoming the first Emirati drivers to represent the United Arab Emirates at the FIA Karting Academy Trophy.
Selected to compete on the international stage, Essa Al Hammadi will represent the UAE in the FIA Karting Academy Trophy Senior category, with races taking place in Germany
and Sweden throughout the 2026 season. Faris Haroun will compete in the Junior category, beginning his campaign in Italy before progressing to FIA Karting Academy Trophy rounds in Italy later this year.
Beyond the FIA Karting Academy Trophy, Faris Haroun has also secured an expanded European racing programme in Italy, providing additional opportunities to gain valuable international race experience against some of the world’s most promising young drivers. The programme includes competitive weekends in Cremona and Viterbo, further accelerating his development on the international stage.
This historic participation reflects the continued growth of the Yas Heat driver development program at Yas Marina Circuit, which is committed to identifying and nurturing local talent and providing a pathway from grassroots karting to international competition.
Competing against drivers selected from countries around the world, both Essa and Faris will represent the UAE flag across multiple European rounds, gaining valuable experience at the highest level of international karting.
The FIA Trophy weekends are broadcast live on YouTube, with programs and results posted regularly on the official FIA Karting website.
2026 International Racing Calendar
Essa Al Hammadi – FIA Karting Academy Trophy (Senior)
- 10–14 June – Mülsen, Germany
- 27 July–2 August – Kristianstad, Sweden
Faris Haroun – FIA Karting Academy Trophy (Junior)
- 20–25 July – Sarno, Italy
- 7–11 October – Viterbo, Italy
Faris Haroun – Additional European Racing Programme
- 8–11 July – Cremona, Italy
- 23–26 July – Viterbo, Italy
As the 2026 season continues, both drivers will carry the UAE flag onto some of Europe’s most competitive karting circuits, marking another important milestone for Yas Heat Academy’s driver development programme and reinforcing Yas Marina Circuit’s role in developing future Emirati motorsport talent.
SOURCE: MEDIA RELEASE / SUPPLIED CONTENT WITH IMAGES
