Doha: Nasser Saadon Al-Kuwari, a seven-time Middle East Rally Champion co-driver, has officially declared his retirement, concluding a remarkable 25-year journey in motorsports.
The Qatari rally icon characterized this choice as the “most challenging” of his life, having devoted many years to representing his nation at the pinnacle of the sport.
In an emotional Instagram post on Monday evening, Al-Kuwari stated, “I have decided to retire from my motorsports career after spending the past 25 years in rally cars.”
As he steps away from the co-driver position, Al-Kuwari anticipates spending more quality time with his family following a demanding career on the circuit.
Recognized as one of the most accomplished co-drivers in the history of Middle Eastern rallying, Al-Kuwari leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, which includes 10 Qatar Rally Championship titles, six victories in the Kuwait Rally, and a multitude of regional and international honors.
His retirement signifies the conclusion of an impressive 25-year tenure in motorsport, during which he made a substantial impact on rally racing throughout the Middle East.
In his final year, 2025, he demonstrated his skills with a fourth-place finish in the Challenger class at the Dakar Rally and participated in the first round of the Baja Middle East Cup in Hail alongside his brother Abdulaziz.
Although his decision to retire was difficult, it appears to be motivated by a desire to prioritize family and his role at beIN Sports, marking a natural transition after such a distinguished career.
Initially, Al-Kuwari had intended to retire in 2024, but his enduring passion for the sport kept him engaged longer.
“My target was to stop last year, but it is not easy to leave rally racing,” he said.
His intention was to complete the current season alongside his cousin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, but Monday’s unexpected announcement brought those plans to an early halt.
The decision came as a shock to many in the rallying community, as Al-Kuwari is still widely regarded as one of the finest co-drivers in the sport.
“I always have to win races,” he added “It’s never just about participating. I compete to win.”
