Gulf 12H Canceled Amid Current Middle East Situation

Photo: Gulf 12 Hours

The next edition of the Gulf 12 Hours has been canceled, with event promoter Driving Force Events confirming a one-year “pause” amid the current Middle Eastern conflict.

Originally set to take place on Jan. 8-10 at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, organizers indicated that a combination of factors, including shipping costs and transit times, along with “no clear timeline” for a return to standard operations led to the decision.

Additionally, it stated that the decision was taken to “preserve the quality and international character” of the event.

“Earlier this year, clear operational criteria were established for the event,” the statement read.

“Despite recent apparently encouraging developments, freight costs remain several times above normal levels, logistics transit times continue to be unpredictable and no clear timeline for a return to standard operations has emerged. With planning windows now closed, the next edition has been deferred by one year.

“After 15 consecutive editions, the Gulf 12 Hours has chosen to pause rather than compromise the quality and international character that have made it one of endurance racing’s most distinctive events.

“The decision reflects a shared commitment with long-standing teams and partners to preserving the standards that define the event.”

The statement added: “While fully committed to the return of the Gulf 12 Hours in winter 2027/28, Driving Force Events is also preparing to unveil an exciting new project that reflects the same passion, ambition and international spirit that have defined the organization since 2012.”

The Gulf 12 Hours is the first sports car racing event in the Middle East scheduled for this winter to be canceled, with an announcement still pending from the FIA World Endurance Championship on whether the Qatar 1812km and 8 Hours of Bahrain races will go ahead this October and November, respectively.

Additionally, there has been no word from Creventic regarding its Michelin 24H Middle East Series, which announced a new round in Qatar on Dec. 11-12.

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