Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – January 2026 — Drone Champions League (DCL) has successfully staged the DCL 2026 Season Opener & Falcon Cup Seeding Race Final in Riyadh, marking DCL’s first-ever real-life drone race in the Saudi capital and a major milestone for the league’s growth in the Middle East.
The event also reflects the momentum of DCL’s long-term strategic partnership with Tuwaiq Academy, aimed at advancing drone innovation, education, and next-gen drone racing in Saudi Arabia.
The live race took place as part of the official inauguration of the Tuwaiq Drones Hub, operated by Tuwaiq Academy, a new national center focused on drone technology, training, and innovation.
The Seeding Race Final determined the official starting order for the season’s first DCL Cup: the Falcon Cup.
After the virtual opener, DCL moved from simulator to reality: live FPV racing, real pressure, real crowds, and a track designed for intensity. Riyadh became the stage where mixed-reality competition turns into a real-world spectacle.
The event welcomed the Saudi FPV and drone racing community, including 966 Race Team, giving local pilots and enthusiasts a first-hand look at DCL’s real-life racing format.
Beyond the heats, the weekend created direct access to DCL pilots, teams, and technology, strengthening ties between DCL and the region’s fast-growing drone ecosystem.
The Riyadh Season Opener delivered a powerful combination of elite sport, next-level technology, innovation, and international collaboration, reinforcing DCL’s position as the leading global mixed-reality and real-world drone racing league. With the Tuwaiq Drones Hub now inaugurated, DCL and Tuwaiq Academy can move into the next phase of their collaboration – expanding access, training pathways, and opportunities for Saudi FPV talent.
With a successful first live milestone in Riyadh and deep engagement across the local ecosystem, DCL’s 2026 season begins with momentum and with clear potential for future expansion in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
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