Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge gears up for empty quarter rematch
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, founded in 1991 by 14-time Middle East Rally Champion and current FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, came along to shake up the world of cross-country rally. Since then, the event has grown to become a desert classic in rally-raid, revered by fans and competitors alike for its incredible landscapes, gruelling stages, and gripping action.
The growing success of rally-raid coupled with the spectacular nature of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge's towering dunes attracts a world-class international entry list. Ten different nationalities have won the Desert Challenge bike class to date, compared to eight in the cars.
The 2025 edition (21-27 February) will be no exception, with almost 165 competitors, including cars, bikes and quads, entered for this year's event, from nearly 30 different countries.
So many cars, bikes, teams, competitors, officials and freight in the remote wilderness of the Abu Dhabi desert is no easy task to manage, but event organisers the Emirates Motorsport Organisation (EMSO) is aided in the mammoth logistical challenge by Official Logistics Partner, DHL Global Forwarding.
The 34 th edition of the Desert Challenge is set to be one of the most spectacular ever. After a fog-curtailed penultimate stage denied many a satisfying finish at the season-opening Dakar Rally, the Desert Challenge's spectacular new route will see rematches between rivals deep in the daunting Rub' al Khali across ergs reaching as high as 300 metres.
Three factory teams – Toyota Gazoo Racing, the Dacia Sandriders, and Ford M-Sport – are full time entries in W2RC's top Ultimate car class and, accompanied by an incredible array of smaller classes and privateer entries, the 34 th Desert Challenge is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested in its long history.
Indeed, below the Ultimate car class, the Challenger (Lightweight Prototypes) and SSV (lightly modified production vehicle) car categories have not only succeeded in greatly boosting entry numbers, but they have also brought through a whole new generation of top talent.
The bike category also benefits from a healthy attendance. The reigning World Champions, Indian manufacturer Hero Motorsports, and the traditional desert kings, Redbull KTM Factory Racing and Team Monster Honda HRC, make up the three main factory teams amongst a growing number of additional regional competitors.
With the logistical challenges overcome and the event now well into final preparations, the stage is set for another epic adventure and what promises to be the most thrilling Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge yet.
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