Sheikh Yas crowns winners of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
Organised by the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO) in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the event took place from February 21–27, marking a historic first with its start in Al Ain. The rally then passed through Al Qua'a, Al Dhafra (Mezaira'a), before culminating in Abu Dhabi.
During the closing ceremony, held on Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Yas Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented the winners across various categories with their trophies.
The event was graced by the presence of Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Senior Project Manager at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Mahir Badri, Chief Executive of EMSO, and numerous leading sports figures. The ceremony also included a special tribute to the event's sponsors and key supporters.
Sheikh Yas Bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised the significance of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge as a testament to the UAE's leadership in hosting world-class sporting events. He commended the organisers and competitors for their outstanding efforts and stated: "We take great pride in having this global event as part of the UAE's major sports calendar, and we look forward to even greater achievements in the future."
This year's rally marked a milestone with a bold new route. For the first time in its 34 years, the event started in Al Ain and travelled through Al Dhafra, with the bivouac stationed in Mezaira'a, before concluding in Abu Dhabi. This innovative change saw 60% of the course redesigned, setting a new benchmark for the event's evolution.
The much-anticipated alteration not only enhanced the rally's dynamic nature but also preserved the thrill and challenges that have defined the Desert Challenge for over three decades.
Recognised as one of the most prestigious motorsport events in the region, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge attracts world-class drivers and riders who tackle the desert's demanding terrain, testing both their skill and endurance. The rally continues to reinforce its reputation as a premier long-distance desert rally on the global stage.
Since its inception 34 years ago, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge has been a cornerstone of the global rally-raid scene. Initially a bold vision conceived by Mohammed Ben Sulayem - current President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsports - the event has evolved into an international motorsport benchmark for skill, endurance, and determination.
Since its launch in 1991, the rally has welcomed some of the biggest names in the sport, including Jean-Louis Schlesser, Stéphane Peterhansel, Nasser Al-Attiyah and Yazeed Al-Rajhi, cementing its place as one of the most iconic events in the motorsport world.
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is hosted with the support of Energy partner ADNOC Distribution; the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi; Technology Partner e&; and Official Logistics Partner DHL. The event is also made possible thanks to Automotive Partner Al-Futtaim Toyota, as well as governmental support from the Ministry of Defence & UAE Armed Forces, Abu Dhabi Police, Civil Defence, Abu Dhabi Distribution Co, Al Dhafra Region Municipality, Tadweer, and media partner Abu Dhabi Sports TV.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
12 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Under the patronage of Nahyan bin Zayed, 31st Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival to take place from August 15-24
14 Aug 2025 10:16 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the 31st Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival will take place from August 15-24, by the Abu Dhabi Chess & Mind Games Club under the supervision of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the event will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche, with total prizes amounting to Dh 500, year's festival will have the largest number of participants in its history, with more than 3,000 players representing 82 countries – an increase of more than 500 participants compared to the previous edition – placing it among the world's leading chess festivals, surpassing many prestigious international festival will feature 27 tournaments covering various age groups and skill levels, led by the Masters Tournament, along with three new mind sports competitions: checkers, dominoes, and Chess960 (Fischer Random Chess) – a step that reflects the diversity and appeal of the activities to a broader audience of mind games Abdullah Al Khouri, Chairman of the Organising Committee, emphasised that the festival has become one of the most important events on the global chess calendar, attracting top-tier players from around the world. He stressed that this sustained success over more than three decades reflects the wise vision and continuous support of the UAE Khouri said: 'We are proud that the Abu Dhabi festival is a global platform that brings together chess champions from all continents, and we see it as an opportunity to enhance the UAE's reputation as a leading hub for sports and cultural events.'He also praised the support of Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the sponsorship of strategic partners, led by e& Group, Nirvana Holding, the Italian International School, Mohammed Rasool Khoory & Sons, Radisson Blu Hotel, and St. Regis Hotel, valuing their contributions to the success of the on the competition, Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, highlighted that the continuous organisation of the Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival for over three decades reaffirms its status as one of the world's most prominent chess and mind sports Awani said: 'The strong turnout of elite international players and participants from all over the world reflects the trust and prestige the festival enjoys, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's role as a key destination on the global sports map." He added: "This success is the result of the unlimited support of our wise leadership and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which have enabled the festival to grow into an exceptional platform for discovering talent, honing the skills of local players, and promoting cultural and sporting exchange among nations."'I am also pleased to take this opportunity to commend the great efforts of the Abu Dhabi Chess & Mind Games Club in developing the game of chess through a range of plans, programmes, courses, and hosting initiatives which have fulfilled the club's founding mission.'At the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, we reaffirm our support for this major annual event on Abu Dhabi's sports calendar. We are proud of its global significance and its appeal to international players from across the globe, and we wish everyone success.'Faisal Ahmed Al Shihi, Festival Director, confirmed that the 31st edition of the Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival continues to shine by achieving record participation numbers, with more than 3,000 players from 82 countries already confirmed. The fact that the festival has been running for 31 consecutive years is a clear testament to its success and distinction as one of the world's top chess fans can look forward to the participation of the UAE's top players, led by Imran Al Hosani – West Asia Youth Champion, Arab Youth Champion, and UAE Men's Champion –and Roza Issa Al Serkal, alongside an elite lineup of world champions in various age categories, headed by Masters Tournament top seed Sanan Sjugirov and second seed Arkadij Naiditsch. Also representing the UAE in different age categories are national champion Ammar Al Sderani, Arab Girls Champion Ahlam Rashid, Abdulrahman Al Taher, and Hamad Al matches will be broadcast live on the websites of the International, Asian, and Arab Chess Federations, allowing fans worldwide to follow the action moment by panel of international arbiters is chaired by Saeed Ahmed Al Khouri, with the participation of arbiters from the UAE, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Romania, and the Philippines. The festival also serves as a cultural and tourism showcase for Abu Dhabi, offering participating delegations the opportunity to explore the UAE capital's landmarks and cultural heritage through accompanying tourism programmes, further enhancing its status as a global destination for both sport and tourism. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival to kick off its biggest edition on August 15
13 Aug 2025 00:24 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival is set to return for its biggest edition on Friday, organisers 31st edition of the highly anticipated event will take place from August 15 to 24 at Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi – by the Abu Dhabi Chess Club and Mind Games in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the festival brings together players of all ages and skill levels for a series of FIDE-regulated Dhabi International Chess Festival has expanded its scope from 27 tournaments in the previous editions to 29 this year — including the International Masters Tournament, the Open Championship, the Family Chess Championship, children's tournaments, and competitions for seniors aged 55 and over, among others. 'This reflects a trend toward intensifying focus on quality events and equipment for each category. A large group of international players are participating,' Saeed Ahmed Al Khouri, Executive Director at the Abu Dhabi Chess Club and Mind Games, told Aletihad . The total prize pool stands at over $126,500, with $55,000 allocated to the International Masters alone, marking an increase of $25,000 from last year, he tournament is open to players rated above 2300, except club members.'The organisers are providing free accommodation for players with an international rating of 2600 and above (men) and ≥2400 (women). Fifteen low-value invitation cards (2300) are also being awarded to provide an opportunity for emerging international stars,' Al Khouri part of its mission to nurture Emirati talent, the festival includes competitions for youth aged 16 and under, with categories for players as young as five, he said. There are also special tournaments for girls under the age of 16 and for the club's private are exempted from fees, thanks to the support of Abu Dhabi Chess Academy, Al Khouri women's participation is another priority for the festival's organisers.'We organise tournaments specifically for women, allocate cash prizes for the 'best player' in each category, and hold more than one competition for young women. We are also studying the possibility of establishing parallel academic programmes; cultural and educational — to balance the competitive and educational aspects of the festival,' Al Khouri will be broadcast live on the FIDE website and Asian and Arab platforms, with live analysis supported by artificial intelligence and comprehensive coverage, Al Khouri Dhabi International Chess Festival pulls in thousands of participants and visitors from as many as 82 countries — but more are expected this year. 'Last year, there were 2,200 players, and we expect to exceed that this year,' Al Khouri said. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Arabian Business
31-07-2025
- Arabian Business
Spartan Race announces new Trifecta Weekend at Al Ain Zoo
Spartan Middle East will host a Trifecta Weekend at Al Ain Zoo, the obstacle course racing brand announced today. To be held from October 11-12, 2025, the event will feature all three signature race formats across the weekend, allowing competitors to earn the Trifecta medal at one venue. Both open and competitive heats will run for the Sprint, Beast, and Kids races. Spartan Middle East brings obstacle course racing to Al Ain Zoo The race schedule includes the Sprint 5K, featuring a 5km course with 20 obstacles. The Super 10K presents a 10km course with 25 obstacles, whilst the Beast 21K covers 21km with 30 obstacles. Kids races will offer courses of 1km for ages 4-6, 1.5km for ages 7-9, and 3km for ages 9-14. Participants can earn a Spartan Trifecta by completing the Sprint, Super, and Beast within a calendar year. The weekend format allows racers to complete all three races over two days, earning a commemorative Trifecta medal alongside individual race wedges. The course will run through Al Ain Zoo's grounds, positioning obstacles amongst elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife. This marks the first time a Spartan race has taken place within a zoo environment. The Abu Dhabi Sports Council supports the event, continuing a partnership that has promoted obstacle course racing across the emirate. Abu Dhabi hosts the annual Spartan World Championship, which attracts over 6,000 participants and has contributed to the sport's growth in the region. Isla Watt, Director of Spartan Middle East, said in a statement: 'We are incredibly excited to bring a full Trifecta Weekend to a venue as spectacular as Al Ain Zoo. The combination of our challenging races and this stunning natural environment creates a truly memorable event. We encourage participants and their families to make a weekend of it, explore the garden city of Al Ain, and experience a Spartan event like no other.' Registration has opened, with organisers encouraging early sign-ups to secure places. Further information and registration details are available at
