Creventic Moving Ahead With 2026-27 Middle East Trophy

Photo: Racingpixels/Creventic

Creventic is moving ahead with plans for the Michelin 24H Series Middle East Trophy, having confirmed a slightly revised calendar for the 2026-27 season that will be held exclusively in the United Arab Emirates.

Announced on Thursday, the three-event schedule will kick off with the first-ever Yas 12 Hours at Yas Marina Circuit on Dec. 11-12, followed by the 22nd annual Michelin 24H Dubai on Jan. 8-10, before concluding one week later, back at the home of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, for the Michelin 6H Abu Dhabi on Jan. 15-16.

While not having previously confirmed the dates of the 24H Dubai or 6H Abu Dhabi, the opening round in December, which will run to a continuous 12-hour format, replaces the previously announced Michelin Qatar 8H, which has been postponed.

Additionally, CR Track Days have been confirmed to precede each meeting, prior to official free practice, qualifying and the races themselves.

Creventic is the first international organizer to confirm races in the Middle East since the onset of the Iran war in February, which resulted in the postponement of the Qatar 1812km FIA World Endurance Championship round and cancelation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix by Formula 1 in the spring.

Both the WEC and F1 events in the region are currently scheduled for later in the season but yet to be officially confirmed by organizers, along with the 2026-27 Asian Le Mans Series, which could revert to an entirely European calendar.

Last week, Driving Force Events Ltd. announced the cancelation of its annual Gulf 12 Hours, which was originally scheduled for early January, the same date as the 24H Dubai.

This could make Creventic the de facto exclusive home of sports car racing in the region this winter, which would provide significant opportunity to the Dutch-run organization given the typical high demand for sports car racing during the European off-season.

“The decision to move forward with this format has been developed over the past months together with the circuits, our partners and a number of key stakeholders,” Creventic general manager Rik Breukers told Sportscar365.

“For us, it was important to make sure that the calendar, logistics and sporting concept were all in place before making an official announcement.

“Regarding the wider situation in the Middle East, we are of course monitoring developments closely. Safety and reliability are always the priority for Creventic, the teams and our partners.

“At this moment we are confident in the plan, but like with any international event, we will continue to follow the situation and work with the circuits, local authorities and logistics partners.

“If circumstances require adjustments, we will act accordingly.

“Overall, the aim is to create a strong, efficient and attractive winter series for our teams, with three races at top-level venues and a clear logistical structure behind it.”

Creventic Outlines “One Combined Logistical Operation” for Trophy

Breukers explained they’re organizing the Middle East Trophy as “one combined logistical operation” rather than three separate events, but will continue to welcome single-event entries for its blue riband twice-around-the-clock enduro at Dubai Autodrome.

“This should make it easier and more efficient for teams, especially those taking part in the full series,” he said. “Teams will need to commit in time so that freight and customs can be organized properly.

“We are currently working on the exact deadlines together with our logistics partners, but the key message to teams is that early commitment is important, especially for those shipping cars and equipment from Europe.

“For teams only entering the 24H Dubai, the process will be similar to previous years, but we will also communicate clear deadlines for them so that their cargo arrives in time and everything can be prepared properly.”

Breukers explained that the decision to postpone the round at Lusail International Circuit was mainly down to logistics.

“Having all three events in the UAE gives us a very efficient structure from a logistical point of view, especially with the movement of cars, equipment and containers between events,” he said.

“Yas Marina is also a world-class venue and a circuit we know well, so it gives us a very strong platform for the series.”

2026-27 Michelin 24H Series Middle East Trophy Calendar:
Dec. 11-12 — Yas 12 Hours
Jan 8-10 — Michelin 24H Dubai
Jan. 15-16 — Michelin 12H Abu Dhabi

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John