By: Times of Oman

MUSCAT: Omani rally driver Abdullah Al Zubair delivered a stellar performance at the inaugural Rally Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Saturday, clinching first place in the Group N (MERC2) category and strengthening his position in the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) standings.

Fellow Omani driver Zakaria Al Amri also impressed, finishing third in the same category despite facing multiple challenges.

Driving his trusted Subaru Impreza alongside co-driver Taha Soomar, Al Zubair dominated the Group N field from the outset of the demanding two-day rally, which marked the third round of the MERC.

The event returned to the Middle East calendar after a long hiatus and was widely regarded as one of the most grueling legs of the championship due to rocky terrain, high temperatures, and multiple stage cancellations.