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The second edition of the Shell Eco-marathon Qatar successfully concluded at the Lusail International Circuit, bringing together student teams to showcase their innovative, energy-efficient vehicles.Results in the 2026 edition highlighted both the scale and diversity of the competition, with student teams competing across Prototype and Urban Concept categories and multiple energy pathways, including battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell and internal combustion.**media[409884]**Teams from Indonesia emerged as standout performers, securing top positions across several categories, with multiple vehicles exceeding the 1,000km per litre efficiency milestone. The teams from Qatar put in a valiant effort – pushing the limits of their vehicles on and off the track.A major highlight of the awards ceremony was the announcement of four winning teams to advance to the 2027 Shell Eco-marathon Global Championship. Returning to Qatar, these teams will compete against the highest-performing student teams from Europe and the Americas, marking the launch of the first truly global championship in the programme’s history.Rob Maxwell, managing director of Shell Companies Qatar, said: “Shell Eco-marathon Qatar 2026 has been an incredible showcase of ingenuity and determination. The creativity and technical excellence demonstrated by these student teams reflect the bright future of sustainable mobility”.**media[409885]**Shell Eco-marathon Qatar highlighted the technical prowess of the student teams and emphasised the importance of sustainability and innovation in addressing future energy challenges. The event featured workshops, networking opportunities and technical inspections, providing a comprehensive learning experience for all participants.Dr Alkindi Aljawabra, director of Qatar Auto Museum said: “Shell Eco-marathon is a testament to how design thinking can solve our most pressing global challenges. While we celebrate the technical achievements on the track today, we are equally impressed by the creative spirit these students have shown.“Through the Qatar Auto Museum, we are proud to champion a generation that views the vehicle not just as a tool for transport, but as a canvas for sustainable innovation. These students and engineers are crafting the next chapter of our global mobility heritage, proving that the future is as much about human imagination as it is about energy efficiency.” 

Lusail International Circuit (LIC) hosted the 2026 edition of Shell Eco-marathon Qatar, reaffirming the country’s growing role as a regional hub for innovation, education and sustainable mobility.This year’s edition welcomed more than 70 student teams comprising almost 1,000 students from 15 countries, all showcasing their ingenuity and engineering excellence through the design and performance of ultra-energy-efficient vehicles.**media[409221]**Participating teams represented China (three), Egypt (10), India (seven), Indonesia (23), Kazakhstan (three), South Korea (one), Kyrgyzstan (one), Malaysia (two), Oman (two), Pakistan (four), Philippines (three), Qatar (seven), Saudi Arabia (10), Singapore (one), and Tunisia (two).As the home of Shell Eco-marathon Qatar 2026, the LIC transformed its premier motorsport venue into a stage for student innovation and energy efficiency.Against the backdrop of the world-class racing facility, teams tested their ultra-efficient vehicles on the same track used by professional drivers, turning the circuit into a showcase of engineering talent and sustainable mobility leadership.As teams perfected their vehicles and conducted test runs, the LIC’s facilities provided the ideal setting for hands-on learning and real-world engineering challenges.Its expansive paddocks, professional-grade track, and dynamic environment elevated Shell Eco-marathon Qatar 2026 into a truly immersive experience, reinforcing Qatar’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation, motorsport and sustainable mobility.“Shell Eco-marathon continues to demonstrate the power of youth, innovation and collaboration in shaping the future of sustainable mobility,” said LIC chief executive Abdulaziz Ali al-Mohannadi. “Hosting this programme at Lusail International Circuit allows young engineers to test their ideas in a world class motorsport environment, while inspiring the next generation to think boldly about energy efficiency and innovation.”“We are proud to support an initiative that aligns so closely with Qatar’s long-term vision for sustainability and education,” he said.As the second consecutive edition of Shell Eco-marathon hosted in Qatar, the 2026 event further strengthens the nation’s commitment to empowering young talent, advancing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, and accelerating the conversation around future energy solutions. 

Shell has announced its principal sponsorship of LNG2026, one of the world’s most influential gatherings for the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry. Taking place in Doha on February 2-5, LNG2026 will explore the current and future state of LNG under the theme: Leading LNG: Powering Today and Tomorrow. As a world-leading integrated gas and LNG business, Shell will use this platform to showcase its global expertise and technological leadership in LNG and gas-to-liquids (GTL). Shell’s participation underscores its long-standing partnership with Qatar and its alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030. “Shell’s principal sponsorship of LNG2026 highlights our strong global position in LNG and our commitment to supporting Qatar’s leadership in natural gas. Shell has a long and proud history of supporting Qatar’s vital role in the global gas value chain. “Through Pearl GTL — the world’s largest gas-to-liquids plant — and our local and global LNG partnerships with QatarEnergy, we transform natural gas into high-value products used worldwide. We are proud to work alongside QatarEnergy and other partners to deliver innovative solutions that meet the needs of customers worldwide,” said Rob Maxwell, managing director and chairperson of Shell Companies Qatar. Shell is involved globally at every stage of the LNG journey: extracting, liquefying, trading, shipping, regasifying, and distributing it to customers. This integration allows the company to match supply with demand, offering customers gas whenever and wherever required. In 2024, Shell sold 66mn tonnes of LNG – enough to heat the equivalent of 67mn average-sized European homes every year. Its diversified portfolio of plants and terminals helps withstand market shocks and capitalise on price volatility. Shell has also developed one of the world’s largest LNG refuelling networks, operating 26 bunkering locations in 12 countries, including the US, the Netherlands, Spain, and Singapore. In Qatar, Shell plays a pivotal role in supporting the country’s position as a global LNG leader. Through its partnership with QatarEnergy, Shell contributes to major projects such as the North Field expansion, which will integrate carbon capture and storage (CCS) to reduce emissions. Shell also operates Pearl GTL, the world’s largest gas-to-liquids plant, showcasing cutting-edge technology that converts natural gas into cleaner-burning fuels and high-value products. These initiatives reflect Shell’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and supporting Qatar’s long-term energy strategy. 

The countdown has begun as students from across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa prepare to arrive for the second edition of Shell Eco-marathon in Qatar.The event, hosted under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, in collaboration with Qatar Auto Museum, will take place from January 21-25 at Lusail International Circuit (LIC) and continues to mark a significant milestone in the region’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Rob Maxwell, managing director of Shell Companies Qatar, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Shell Eco-marathon back to Qatar for its 2026 edition. This event brings together some of the brightest young minds from around the world to showcase their ingenuity and passion for energy efficiency. “Lusail International Circuit will once again provide the perfect stage for these talented students to push the boundaries of innovation and demonstrate what is possible in sustainable mobility.” Shell Eco-marathon is a global academic programme that challenges student teams to design and build energy-efficient vehicles capable of travelling the farthest distance using the least amount of energy. The programme aims to inspire future scientists and engineers to develop solutions for a more sustainable energy future. Student teams will compete in two vehicle categories: Urban Concept and Prototype. Urban Concept vehicles resemble passenger vehicles with familiar road features, while Prototype vehicles are ultra-lightweight and designed for maximum efficiency.**media[405753]**The vehicles use one of three energy classes: internal combustion engine, battery electric, or hydrogen fuel cell. Teams employ advanced engineering techniques, aerodynamics, lightweight materials and innovative designs to maximise efficiency. Beyond technical excellence, Shell Eco-marathon fosters collaboration, teamwork and problem-solving, providing a platform for young innovators to showcase their creativity and commitment to sustainability. Through Shell Eco-marathon, Shell continues to inspire and support the next generation of engineers, scientists and innovators in their pursuit of sustainable solutions. Shell Eco-marathon Qatar 2026 is made possible through the valuable support of both local and international sponsors and partners. Locally, Qatar Museums, Qatar Auto Museum, Qatar Airways, Seashore, and Rayyan Water play a prominent role in supporting the students and the event, while Lusail International Circuit, Qatar’s premier motorsport and entertainment destination, will be hosting it. Key global technical partners, such as Southwest Research Institute and Schmid Elektronik, provide critical engineering expertise and technical systems that underpin the competition, while partners including Havas Media and Ansys, part of Synopsys, support the programme through communications, analysis and technology platforms. 

At an event dedicated to innovation, mentorship and youth empowerment, Shell and Scuderia Ferrari HP hosted an exclusive trackside engagement with a select group of Shell Eco-marathon students from Qatari universities. The event, held at Lusail International Circuit ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, offered students a rare opportunity to meet Scuderia Ferrari HP drivers -- Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton -- and gain firsthand insight into the world of high-performance engineering.The initiative was part of Shell’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of energy innovators and engineers, and it highlighted the shared values between Shell and Scuderia Ferrari HP in championing education, sustainability and pursuit of technical excellence. Throughout the visit, the drivers took time to connect with the students, learn about their projects, and share insights from their own journeys in motorsport.The students, from the Qatar Technical Secondary School for Girls, were selected for their outstanding contributions to energy-efficient vehicle design and their passion for engineering excellence during the 2025 Shell Eco-marathon programme in Qatar. The engagement provided a unique opportunity for them to explore the parallels between their work and the cutting-edge technology used in Formula 1.The engagement began with informal introductions and light conversation about racing in Qatar, the drivers’ personal journeys and the students’ aspirations. The group then moved to Shell’s Trackside Laboratory, where a Shell Technical Analyst provided a behind-the-scenes look at how Shell’s race fuel and lubricant technologies support Scuderia Ferrari HP. The students were encouraged to ask questions and compare the lab’s operations with their own experiences in Shell Eco-marathon, sparking insightful discussions on chemistry, data analysis and performance optimisation. The final stage of the visit took place in the Scuderia Ferrari HP garage, where Charles and Lewis gave the students a personal tour of the F1 car and its engineering systems. The students were invited to explore the car’s aerodynamics, materials and telemetry, drawing parallels with their own ultra-efficient vehicles. The drivers took time to explain key components and answer technical questions, creating a truly immersive learning experience.Speaking about the event, Dennis de Munck, Head of University partnerships, Ferrari, said: “The long-standing partnership with Shell and the Shell Eco-marathon reflects Ferrari’s core principles: learning through real-world challenges that blend science, technology, and teamwork. Shell Eco-marathon gives participants the chance to test their skills in a competitive environment that builds both technical expertise and professional readiness. Congratulations to all Shell Eco-marathon participants — grazie!”The event also served as a prelude to the Shell Eco-marathon mileage challenge, which will welcome teams from all over Asia, Africa and the Middle East to Qatar. As Shell continues to invest in youth development and sustainable energy solutions, this engagement underscores the country’s growing role as a hub for innovation and education in the region.“This was far more than a meet-and-greet. It was a meaningful exchange of ideas, inspiration and technical insight,” said Abdulrahman Al Khawaga – Communications Manager at Qatar Shell. “Bringing together our students with the drivers and engineers from Scuderia Ferrari HP creates powerful learning moments that help shape the future of sustainable mobility and innovation.”About Shell Eco-marathonShell Eco-marathon is a global academic programme that challenges students to design, build and drive the most energy-efficient vehicles possible, where they compete to travel the furthest distance on a limited amount of energy. It encourages innovation in mobility and fosters practical engineering skills, teamwork and sustainability awareness among young people. 

As part of Qatar Shell’s Tafawoq programme, a group of energetic students from Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and Education City campuses came together to experience the transformative journey of the Shell NXplorers Pro programme.NXplorers Pro is Shell’s advanced educational programme to equip future leaders with practical tools for solving complex global challenges. It blends systems thinking, scenario planning and theory of change, collectively known as NXthinking, to help participants explore problems, envision sustainable futures and develop actionable solutions.Hosted at HBKU, the NXplorers Pro programme challenged students to tackle global issues, imagine bold futures and develop actionable solutions for sustainable impact. Their energy and creativity highlighted the power of experiential learning to shape future changemakers.Dr Ala al-Fuqaha, associate provost, Teaching and Learning from HBKU, said: “At HBKU, we are proud to continue our well-established collaboration with Qatar Shell and its Tafawoq programme, of which we are a founding partner. NXplorers Pro aligns with our commitment to empowering the next generation of problem-solvers as they prepare to address critical challenges of our times. The enthusiasm and creativity demonstrated by our students reaffirm the importance of such experiential learning opportunities.”Bader al-Jaidah, director of Tafawoq, said: “By engaging with universities, we are building a bridge that helps students gain a clearer understanding of how industry operates before they begin their professional journeys. Our enduring partnership with HBKU in Qatar highlights the transformative power of collaboration in shaping a resilient and sustainable future.”Pia Ceasar, a graduate student at HBKU, who participated in the programme shared: “What I found most impressive about the programme was how seamlessly it combined deep insight with practical application. The experience sharpened my critical thinking and equipped me with powerful frameworks and tools to structure ideas and navigate complex challenges in both professional and personal contexts.”Tafawoq is a centre of excellence in project management, dedicated to developing professionals in Qatar and the wider region for major investment projects that support the Qatar National Vision 2030.

QatarEnergy has entered into an agreement with Shell to acquire a 27% participating interest in the North Cleopatra block offshore Egypt.Under the terms of the agreement, which is subject to approval by the Egyptian government, Shell will retain a 36% participating interest as operator. The other participating interest holders are Chevron (27%) and Tharwa Petroleum Company (10%).Commenting on this agreement, HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida al-Kaabi,the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, said: “We are pleased to secure this additional exploration acreage, which further expands our upstream exploration activities in the Arab Republic of Egypt.”Minister al-Kaabi added, “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and our partners in the block for their valued support and cooperation. We look forward to working together and delivering our exploration objectives.”The North Cleopatra block is located offshore Egypt in the frontier Herodotus basin and is north and adjacent to the North El-Dabaa block, where QatarEnergy holds a 23% participating Interest. The North Cleopatra block covers an area of over 3,400 square kilometers in water depths of up to 2,600 meters.

Following the success of the 2025 Shell Eco-marathon Asia-Pacific and Middle East Regional Competition, Shell is proud to announce that it will once again host the event in Qatar in 2026, followed by the first-ever Shell Eco-marathon Global Championship in 2027.The 2025 edition, held at the Lusail International Circuit, marked the first time in the programme’s 40-year history that the event was hosted in the Middle East. The competition brought together over 60 student teams from 12 countries, showcasing cutting-edge innovations in energy-efficient vehicle design and reinforcing Qatar’s role as a regional hub for sustainability and STEM excellence.“Hosting the Shell Eco-marathon is more than a competition. It’s a platform for innovation, education, and global collaboration,” said Rob Maxwell – Managing Director and Chairperson of Shell Companies Qatar. “We are honoured to continue this journey in Qatar, where the spirit of ingenuity and sustainability thrives.”Both the 2026 and 2027 events will continue be held under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, and in collaboration with the Qatar Auto Museum. This continued partnership reflects Qatar’s deep commitment to empowering youth, advancing sustainable mobility, and supporting the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. “At Qatar Museums, we are committed to nurturing creativity and innovation, especially among the next generation,” said Mohammed Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Museums. “The Qatar Auto Museum Vehicle Design Award, first launched at the 2025 Shell Eco-marathon, embodies this mission by celebrating sustainable design and providing young people in Qatar with a platform to become future innovators and leaders. Through our collaboration with Shell, we are inspiring youth to think boldly about mobility, sustainability, and design excellence. This initiative also forms part of Evolution Nation, our 18-months long campaign of Qatar’s cultural journey, where creativity and innovation serve as powerful drivers of progress and a vision for the future.”The 2027 Shell Eco-marathon Global Championship will bring together top-performing teams from across the world, competing in multidisciplinary challenges that test not only engineering prowess but also creativity, collaboration, and environmental stewardship. Shell Eco-marathon continues to inspire the next generation of energy leaders by challenging students to design, build, and drive the most energy-efficient vehicles possible. With Qatar as host, the programme enters a new era of global impact and regional pride.