Emirati driver Amna Al-Qubaisi among Time’s 100 Most Influential People in Sport for 2026

DUBAI: Emirati racing driver Amna Al-Qubaisi has been named among Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports for 2026, earning a place alongside some of the biggest names in global sport.

The inaugural list, unveiled this week by Time, recognizes athletes, executives, innovators and leaders who are shaping the future of sport both on and off the field. Among those featured are basketball legends LeBron James and Stephen Curry, football superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, tennis champions Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark and Olympic champions from across the sporting world.

For Al-Qubaisi, the honor marks another milestone in a trailblazing career that has seen her become one of the Middle East’s most prominent motorsport figures and an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the region.

“I’m incredibly proud of this recognition by Time for being on the list of 100 most influential sports figures 2026,” Al-Qubaisi said.

“This has proved that 12 years of persistence has been noticed and I was so emotional when I heard about it. I hope this inspires many girls in the Middle East that if I can do it, so can they.”

Al-Qubaisi’s inclusion places her among a select group of motorsport figures featured on the list, alongside Formula One race winner Lando Norris, Mercedes rising star Kimi Antonelli and Formula One Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff.

Over the past decade, the Emirati driver has broken barriers in a sport traditionally dominated by men, becoming the first Emirati female racing driver and representing the UAE on some of the world’s most competitive racing stages.

Al-Qubaisi also expressed her gratitude to those who have supported her journey in