Dubai: The 33rd Dubai International Rally will be held at the start of December to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the UAE National Day.
The rally, organised by the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, is one of the longest running annual sporting events in the Middle East, and the oldest motorsport event in the UAE.
It is held each year on a course on the outskirts of the city, with forays into the neighbouring emirates of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.
The stature and popularity of the rally has grown over the years, attracting scores of competitors from the region in their quest for ultimate glory.
ATCUAE president Mohammad Bin Sulayem, who has 15 Dubai International Rally wins under his belt, said: "The Dubai International Rally has a special place in my heart.
"It was my home event when I was a competitor, and now it is myself and my team at the ATCUAE who organise the event.
"Every year we try to make the rally bigger and better, and it's great to see what a fantastic event it has become."
Al Attiyah dominant
In recent years, Qatari driver Nasser Salah Al Attiyah has ruled at the event and he will hope to make it five wins in a row come December 1-3.
Among the competitors flying the flag for the UAE will be Rashid Al Ketbi and his co-driver Khalid Al Kendi, who will hope to end Al Attiyah's reign.
The event will have its ceremonial start and finish in the shade of the magnificent Burj Khalifa, where there will also be an exhibition on the history of the rally as well as the fourth Emirates Classic Car Show.
All events will take place along the Emaar Boulevard.
