The Saudi Toyota Hill Climb Championship is set to return to Taif for the 2026 season, bringing another exciting chapter of mountain motorsport to one of the Kingdom’s most demanding racing venues. Hosted at Al Mohammadiyah Hill in Al Shafa, the championship will once again challenge drivers with a technical course that tests speed, precision, and control while continuing a journey that began in 2017.
Organized under the supervision of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), the championship is managed by Bakhashab Motorsport in partnership with Jameel Motorsport as the Official Partner and Brandship as the Strategic Partner for the 2026 season. Together, they continue to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s national motorsport calendar while providing a professional platform for both experienced competitors and emerging talent.
The 2026 championship will feature three competitive rounds. The opening round will take place from 2 to 4 July, followed by the second round on 17 and 18 July. The championship will conclude with the third and final round from 31 July to 1 August. Across all three rounds, leading drivers and teams from across the region are expected to compete for championship honours on one of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic mountain roads.
Al Mohammadiyah Hill offers a unique challenge that demands exceptional driving skill. The 4.2 kilometre course begins at an elevation of approximately 1,900 metres above sea level before climbing to around 2,150 metres at the finish. A series of technical corners combined with significant elevation changes creates a demanding route where every second counts and every run requires complete concentration, precise vehicle control, and confidence behind the wheel.
The championship has evolved significantly since hill climb competition was first introduced in Saudi Arabia in 2017 at Bani Hassan in the Al Baha Region. The event returned to the same venue in 2018 and 2019 before reaching an important milestone in 2022 when it became part of the Saudi Toyota Championship, with Jameel Motorsport joining as the Official Partner. In 2023, the championship moved to Al Mohammadiyah Hill in Al Shafa, Taif, marking a new phase in its continued growth and development.
Participation has increased dramatically over the years, highlighting the growing popularity of motorsport across the Kingdom. The inaugural edition welcomed approximately 18 drivers, while the 2025 championship attracted more than 190 competitors. This remarkable growth reflects the ongoing efforts of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, led by His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, to expand participation, develop local talent, and ensure the long term sustainability of national motorsport championships.
The list of overall champions reflects the championship’s competitive history. Jean Lahoud secured the inaugural title in 2017 before Fadi Hammadah claimed victory in 2018. Hazem Al Dabbagh became champion in 2019, while Jean Lahoud returned to win again in 2022 and successfully defended his title in 2023 after the championship’s move to Taif. Fadi Hammadah added another championship in 2024, and Faisal Alkabbani emerged as the overall winner in 2025.
As the 2026 season begins, drivers will once again compete for the opportunity to add their names to this distinguished list of champions. The competition promises close battles across every round while showcasing the continued progress of Saudi Arabia’s motorsport community.
The Saudi Toyota Hill Climb Championship has become one of the flagship events on the Kingdom’s national motorsport calendar. Beyond competition, it serves as a valuable platform for discovering and developing future racing talent while promoting a culture of safe and professional motorsport that meets the highest technical and organizational standards. Through the Saudi Toyota Championship, the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation continues to invest in local talent and deliver world class sporting events that strengthen Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a leading destination for regional and international motorsport.
Established in 2006, the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation is the Kingdom’s official governing body for motorsport and motorcycle sport. The federation represents Saudi Arabia before leading international organizations including the FIA, FIM, and FIVA. It oversees the regulation and development of motorsport nationwide, promotes international safety standards, supports national competitors, and plays a central role in hosting globally recognised events such as Formula 1, Formula E, the Dakar Rally, and the World Rally Championship, further reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position on the global motorsport stage.
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