At just six years old, Yousef Al Khayat from Ras Al Khaimah, now living in Abu Dhabi, is already making waves in the kart racing scene.
With a natural spirit for speed and adventure, this young Emirati racer’s passion for cars runs deep—fuelled by a family legacy of motorsports enthusiasm and a fierce determination to make his mark in the racing world.
Yousef’s love for cars is more than a hobby; it’s a family tradition. “I am a karting racer and grew up in a car-loving family. This passion started with my grandfather, then passed to my father and uncle, and now it’s my turn to continue the journey,” he proudly states.
It’s a sentiment echoed throughout his family, where motorsports and engineering form an inseparable bond. The roots of Yousef’s enthusiasm stretch back generations, his grandfather setting the foundation for a family culture deeply connected to cars and speed.
His father, Nawaf Yousef Al Ali, an engineer at Emirates Nuclear Energy Company, has played a pivotal role in nurturing this passion.
Nawaf recounts, “Yousef’s attachment to cars was clear… whether through his toys or by observing my cars and his grandfather’s cars. I could see his passion when he sat next to me in the car, asking about its parts, types, and mechanical details.”
Despite his demanding career, Nawaf ensures he provides both emotional and technical support to Yousef. He credits Yousef’s mother for being a pillar of support during his absence, ensuring the young racer stays balanced and motivated.
Blending Inspiration from Racing Legends
Yousef’s ambitions are fueled by a deep admiration for some of the greatest names in motorsports history. “I aspire to learn and take something unique from each one,” he explains.
His role models include Lewis Hamilton, whose determination inspires him; Max Verstappen, known for his bravery; Michael Schumacher, admired for leadership; and Ayrton Senna, revered for his passion. Yousef dreams of blending these legendary qualities to create his own unique racing style.
A particular source of pride and inspiration comes from his family’s Dodge Viper—a car owned by his father and the one that holds a special place in his heart.
“My favourite car is the Dodge Viper… the car my father owns,” he says with a smile. He jokes that he might “know it better than him” and admits his big goal is to race against his dad—and win, but “calmly… so he doesn’t get upset.”
Balancing School, Training, and Other Interests
While karting is demanding, Yousef’s parents are committed to providing a well-rounded childhood. They carefully organize his daily schedule to ensure he maintains a strong focus on school without compromising his training or racing commitments.
Beyond karting, Yousef enjoys swimming, fitness, and football—all activities that contribute to his physical fitness and mental focus. “Winning is not the only goal,” Nawaf stresses, highlighting the values behind the sport. For Yousef, racing has already taught lessons far beyond speed and competition.
He has encountered mechanical failures and unfair race scenarios but remains undeterred. His determination was on full display when he chose to finish a race despite suffering a broken arm, demonstrating resilience and commitment beyond his years.
Overcoming Challenges and Learning From Setbacks
The journey hasn’t always been smooth. Yousef’s father recalls his son’s first race, where despite finishing third—a commendable achievement for a beginner—Yousef was overcome with tears, unable to accept anything less than first place.
“That was the first real moment when I began teaching him that the first place doesn’t come easily and that hard work, persistence, and development are what lead to it,” Nawaf said.
This lesson in resilience has become a cornerstone of Yousef’s mindset. Each race is not just a contest but a learning experience, where setbacks are seen as opportunities to grow stronger. “Losing is a natural part of any path to success,” Nawaf explains, a lesson he continually imparts to his son.
Dreams Beyond the Kart Track
Yousef’s aspirations extend well beyond the local karting circuits. “When I grow up, I want to be a professional race car driver,” he says confidently. His dream is to represent the UAE on global platforms—whether that’s in Formula 1, endurance racing, or any form of motorsport that involves cars and speed.
His passion, combined with his family’s support and his growing experience, positions Yousef as one to watch in the future of Emirati motorsports. Every race, every challenge, and every moment on the track is a step toward that goal.
A Growing Motorsport Legacy
Yousef Al Khayat’s story is more than that of a young boy with a love for speed; it’s a testament to the power of family tradition, dedication, and the pursuit of dreams.
From the garages where his father and grandfather worked on cars, to the kart tracks of Abu Dhabi, Yousef is building a legacy that could inspire many young Emiratis to follow their passions.
With determination as fierce as his appetite for speed, and a support system that balances technical expertise and emotional encouragement, Yousef’s journey has just begun.
The kart racing circuits of the UAE might soon witness the rise of a new Emirati star, fueled by family heritage and driven by an unyielding desire to race, learn, and succeed.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members