Fourth Season Kicks Off Across Four Categories
The golden dunes of Sweihan will roar to life on Saturday, October 17, as the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge begins. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Emirates Motorsport Organization, the series enters its fourth season. The opening round has attracted a diverse field of 113 competitors and crews representing 23 different nationalities. The event strengthens Abu Dhabi's position on the international motorsport map while celebrating the UAE's rich desert heritage. The starting grid features 71 riders in the motorcycle category, 20 buggy crews, 13 quad bikes, and nine rally cars. Motorcycle competitors will battle across specialized classes including 450cc, Marathon, Adventure, Veterans, Junior, and Women's divisions. Meanwhile, four-wheel drivers will compete in the T3 and T4 car classes alongside Pro quad and buggy categories.
Emirati Stars Join International Competitors
Prominent Emirati motorsport figures will line up alongside international professionals and ambitious amateur newcomers on Saturday morning. Veteran riders Mohammed Al Balooshi, Hamdan Al Ali, and Khalifa Al Rumaithi headline the competitive motorcycle entry list. In the car category, experienced Emirati drivers Mansour Al Heli and Khalid Al Kindi will tackle the shifting sands. Female racers are also competing across the motorcycle, car, and buggy divisions throughout the four-round championship series. Each round of the championship tests endurance and navigation skills across a demanding desert route exceeding 100 kilometers. Organizers divided the Sweihan course into 25-kilometer laps, with the fastest racers expected to finish in roughly two hours. All vehicles must pass strict technical and safety inspections before receiving final clearance to start the rally.
Four Rounds Showcasing UAE Desert Landscapes
Winning a Baja round requires far more than raw speed across open flats. Racers must read complex dune formations, manage engine temperatures, conserve physical energy, and choose safe lines over steep crests. Running through April 2027, the four-round series will visit Sweihan, Liwa, and Al Ain, offering cash prizes and vital rally experience. Keep up with the most exciting motorsport rallies and athletic tournaments in the Emirates. Check our sports section today at The WAU.
Share This Post
