Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge to start from Al Ain for first time

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (ADDC) for the first time will start from Al Ain. The 34th edition which will be held from February 21 to 27 will have a tasking route that will take competitors across a demanding five-stage course, featuring over 60 per cent new terrain. From the lush oasis of Al Ain, racers will journey through the towering dunes of Mezeer’ah before reaching the challenging marathon stage at Al Qua’a.

This year the organisers have also opened the marathon stage not only to bikes but also to cars. Competitors must navigate this stage without external mechanical assistance, underlining the endurance-based spirit of desert rally-raid racing. This gruelling challenge pays homage to the region’s historic reliance on skill, self-sufficiency, and adaptability — traits embedded in the UAE’s national identity.

Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO of Adnoc Distribution, commented: “The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is one of the toughest trials in motorsport. “We’re excited by the start this year in Al Ain City. We’re committed to helping make this year’s event the most spectacular one yet.”

A world-class line up of drivers and riders is set to take on the punishing dunes in the Round 2 of the FIA and FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). With 165 cars, bikes and, for the time this season, quads registered to compete, the truly international field represents 30 different countries, featuring icons of the sport, rising stars, and a brave band of privateers determined to take on one of motorsport’s most demanding events.

In the cars’ top-class, the “Ultimate” category, reigning World Rally-Raid champion Nasser Al Attiyah returns to defend his 2024 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge win behind the wheel of his Dacia Sandrider. Joining him is nine-time FIA World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb, also representing the Renault-owned Romanian squad.

They’ll face fierce competition from other manufacturers, with defending world champions Toyota Gazoo Racing arriving fresh from a spectacular Dakar win, courtesy of Yazeed Al Rajhi, who secured Round 1 victory on home soil. Meanwhile, World Rally-Raid newcomers Ford M-Sport continue their impressive start after Mattias Ekström took the new Raptor T1 to a remarkable third-place finish at Dakar 2025.

The X-Raid Minis return, featuring a strong line-up which includes Belgian star Guillaume De Mevius who will be looking for redemption after a heavy crash on Stage 2 last year. The “Challenger” class also features a strong turnout, led by a 2025 Dakar winner, Argentina’s Nicolas Cavigliasso.

A strong contingent of local and regional talent will also be in the spotlight, particularly in the SSV class, where the newly formed Liwa Team UAE fields Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi, and 2024 SSV class-winner Mansour Al Helei. This Emirati duo, competing in Can-Am Maverick cars, brings thousands of kilometres of desert racing experience. , Yahya Al Helei, Atif Al Zarouni, and Khalid Aljafla, the latter a runner-up in the Challenger class of the World Cup for Bajas 2024, are also expected to feature prominently.

Meanwhile, in the bikes category, reigning World Champion Ross Branch leads the way for India’s Hero MotoSports, which secured its first ever Rally-Raid victory at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. However, Hero is set to be pushed hard by 23-time Desert Challenge winners KTM Factory Racing, spearheaded by 2025 Dakar winner Daniel Sanders.

Emirati rider Mohammed Balooshi will also be joining the competition, adding to the strong local presence. A skilled and experienced competitor, Balooshi is certain to show well in the standings, further strengthening the Emirati lineup. Other UAE national candidates entered in the bike category include Marwan Alrahmani and Abdulla Lanjawi.

After missing last year’s event, Monster Energy Honda HRC is back in contention, determined to reclaim top honours with a strong line-up that includes Ricky Brabec and 2023 Desert Challenge winner Adrian Van Beveren.

Quads make their first appearance of the 2025 Rally-Raid Championship, with local legend Abdulaziz Ahli seeking his fifth consecutive Desert Challenge title.

After fog on the final stages of last month’s Dakar Rally resulted in tears of joy for some and cries of frustration for others, this year’s Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge — held in the same Empty Quarter desert — offers the perfect opportunity for a real rematch.

Aref Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is not only one of the most significant events in the UAE’s sporting calendar, but also a major event in the world of motorsport. That relevance is underlined by the incredibly strong entry list it attracts.”

Khalid Bin Sulayem, EMSO’s President, said: “With an incredible field of top competitors now confirmed, the UAE is ready to host a thrilling second round of the FIA and FIM World Rally-Raid Championship. This year’s route is one of the most demanding in the event’s history, with a marathon straddling two stages for both bikes and cars, and is sure to test the drivers and riders to the limit.”