Latest news with #Arenacross
The National
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- The National
UAE talent set to shine at Arenacross World Tour Finals, says Emirati legend Mohammed Al Balooshi
Emirati motocross legend Mohammed Al Balooshi believes this summer's Arenacross finals in Abu Dhabi will 'create that spark' to inspire the next generation of UAE motorcycling talent. Al Balooshi, 45, is a five-time Arab MX champion and three-time FIM Bajas world champion. He was also the first Emirati to compete in the Dakar Rally. While still an active competitor, he devotes much of his time to mentoring aspiring riders at his MX Academy in Dubai, where young racers hone their skills and dream of making their mark at major international events. Some of them will get the chance to do precisely that on July 5, when the Arenacross World Tour Finals come to Abu Dhabi for the first time. The UAE debut of Arenacross – like motocross on steroids and indoors – further cements Yas Island's status as a global motorsports hub. It also offers UAE talent the chance to shine, with a competition for local riders set to open the show at Etihad Arena. '[For local riders] to get a platform on such a big stage like this, I think this is the icing on the cake,' said Al Balooshi. 'And I think from here the future is bright for the upcoming riders and for the representatives of the UAE in future competitions.' Al Balooshi's academy was founded in 2011 for riders of all levels but with the ultimate aim to 'bring up world champions'. He feels the opportunity for his pupils to compete in front of a packed Etihad Arena amid the adrenalin-soaked glamour of Arenacross will provide the perfect incentive for those serious about a full-time career in the sport. I'm sure this will create that spark, that fire they need to pursue their career. Because we all need that moment. I believe this will be that moment, where they can take off Mohammed Al Balooshi 'We started the academy in 2011 to give back to the community, to introduce the sport and to reach as many people as possible,' he said. 'New clients and new members of the sport, to teach the basic foundations of riding. How to ride safe and how to be safe on the bike because this is such a beautiful sport... 'It's really a lot of hard work on the body and mind. So, yeah, we started this as our future plan to introduce [the sport] and hopefully to bring up world champions from this academy. 'This is the first time Arenacross is coming [to the UAE], our members are participating in the side event. So, this is their first introduction to this. I'm sure this will create that spark, that fire they need to pursue their career. Because we all need that moment. I believe this will be that moment, where they can take off.' Al Balooshi describes the UAE as a nation of 'petrolheads', and his career has spanned vast progress across many disciplines of motorsport. Racing in dirt cars and motorcycles through the open desert is deeply embedded in Emirati culture since the early 1970s which in turn helped establish the UAE as a hot spot for desert rallies such as the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and the Dubai International Baja. Etihad Arena was also the venue for the FIM World Supercross Championships in 2023 and 2024. 'The culture here, before motocross, is off-road. You see around, we have the most beautiful desert in the whole world,' Al Balooshi explained. 'So, to do any activity with the automotive industry is the best, because you bring the best of the best to come and race and put a good show where you can introduce a new event for people get to know what this sport is all about. 'The sport has been here since the early 1970s but now finally we see the big growth is coming in and a lot more. In the past 25 years of my career I've seen it growing every year, every five, ten, growing more and more. 'All of us here are petrolheads and we all love our bikes and cars … so it was a cultural thing and then soon we found, oh, you can race them. There is like a controlled environment where you can race and be safe and enjoy. 'The Arenacross is the next step, reaching the next level. I'm a very happy and proud Emirati to see the sport has grown to this point, and this is the best thing that happened to motorsports.' As a young man, Al Balooshi grew up trying to emulate Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the incumbent FIA president and one of the most successful rally drivers in the Middle East with 14 championship titles. 'For me and for many of us in the sport, he was our hero at the time,' Al Balooshi said of Ben Sulayem. 'Everyone at that time, including me, wanted to be like him. However, I didn't go towards the cars but took a liking to bikes. 'When I started the sport, we had only local races. Now we have two major international races – the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and the Dubai International Baja.' Matt Bates, CEO and founder of Arenacross, is excited to bring the event outside of the United Kingdom for the first time since it was launched in 2013. A former rider himself, Bates said to stage the season-ending championship race in Abu Dhabi was a breakthrough for the sport. 'Motocross is a sport that's been around a long time and we, many years ago, kind of perfected the art of putting motocross indoors and choreographing a performance and a show,' he said. 'What people can expect are some of the world's best motocross racers competing in an end of season championship, no different to any sport, any motorsport. 'But then what we wrap around that are the performances of freestyle motocross which is bikes backflipping and doing all sorts of tricks. 'We also then put the young kids that are the up and coming future of the sport, not just the sport of motocross but motorsports enthusiasts, and we train them to take part through an academy working with people like Mohammed Al Balooshi in putting the right riders forward and then they also compete in the event.' Lining up for the championship event are the UK's Dean Wilson, the current Arenacross championship leader, and compatriots Tommy Searle and Jack Brunell, the 2023 and 2024 Arenacross champions, respectively. Challenging them are French riders Cedric Soubeyras, Thomas Ramette and Adrien Escoffier, to name just a few.
Web Release
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Give Your Child a Chance of a Lifetime at The Arenacross World Tour Finals
Entertainment Web Release Selection By Editor_wr On May 8, 2025 Calling all kids aged between five to seven who love all things two wheels! The Arenacross World Tour presented by PKE is inviting young thrill-seekers to participate in My First Race Abu Dhabi – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to race in front of a roaring crowd at the Arenacross World Tour Finals on Saturday, 5th July at Etihad Arena. This thrilling new campaign is designed to give children ages 5-7 years old the chance to experience their very first Arenacross race in front of a live stadium crowd and international broadcast audience. Created especially for young riders who simply love being on two wheels – whether it's on a balance bike, BMX, scooter, or mini moto – My First Race Abu Dhabi offers selected participants the chance to line up on the same dirt track as global motocross superstars, riding under the lights and experiencing the action of a full-scale Arenacross show. Promising to create a powerful memory for young fans and their families alike, c hildren chosen for My First Race Abu Dhabi will receive a fully personalised Arenacross race kit, take part in an exclusive training, exciting media day, and enjoy their own podium moment as they become part of Arenacross history. And the best part? Every child who applies will receive a complimentary ticket to the Arenacross World Tour Finals, whether selected to take part or not, making sure the excitement is shared with all who step forward. All children must be accompanied by a fully paying adult. My First Race Abu Dhabi is made possible thanks to the support from ANB Motorsports, who are providing the bikes for young riders. 'Supporting Arenacross and powering the 'My First Race' in Abu Dhabi is an incredible opportunity for us to inspire the next generation of motocross riders in the UAE,' said Michael Grove, General Manager at ANB. 'There's a perfect synergy between Arenacross and what we stand for at ANB—introducing kids to the thrill of two wheels and creating moments that will fuel a lifelong passion for the sport. Watching these young riders compete under the lights, on the same track as their heroes, will be something truly special. It's going to be an unforgettable night—an epic show for the whole family, and we can't wait to be part of it.' The Arenacross World Tour has seen the fastest and most fearless indoor motocross athletes compete across Europe in a high-stakes race to the World Finals in Abu Dhabi. Delivering an unmissable three-hour live spectacle, the finals will combine competitive indoor motocross and freestyle tricks with flames, pyrotechnics, lasers and a heart-pounding soundtrack inside the state-of-the-art Etihad Arena. Entries for My First Race Abu Dhabi are now open. Register here before the 22nd of May to give your child the chance to start their Arenacross journey in unforgettable style. Tickets for the Arenacross World Tour Finals are available now at and with prices starting at AED 95 and group packages available. Give Your Child a Chance of a Lifetime at The Arenacross World Tour Finals Comments are closed.
Mid East Info
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Mid East Info
WORLD-CLASS MOTOCROSS RIDERS ARE COMING TO ABU DHABI FOR ULTIMATE SHOWDOWN AT ETIHAD ARENA FOR ARENACROSS PRESENTED BY PKE
Abu Dhabi, UAE – April 2025: Abu Dhabi is soon to host one of the most thrilling nights of the year as the Arenacross World Tour Finals descend on Etihad Arena on Saturday, July 5. With the championship on the line, the world's best indoor motocross racers and freestyle riders will battle for glory in front of an electrified crowd. THE WORLD'S BEST RIDERS ARE HEADING TO ABU DHABI Representing the prestigious AX World Tour Championships, a powerhouse lineup of elite competitors is set to bring a fierce mix of speed, skill, and raw talent. Leading the charge is Dean Wilson, the current Arenacross championship front-runner. A former AMA motocross champion and one of the most respected riders on the global stage, the Scottish star, riding for Honda Wilson, has built a career on grit, resilience, and winning under pressure. Wilson's return promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Joining him is British talent Tommy Searle, a multi-time Motocross Grand Prix winner and the 2023 Arenacross champion, now riding for Triumph. Known for his technical brilliance and fearless edge, Searle commands both the racetrack and the respect of fans worldwide. From France, Cedric Soubeyras brings championship pedigree as the reigning French Supercross champion and a multiple-time Arenacross titleholder. Piloting his Kawasaki with relentless aggression and precision, Soubeyras is famous for keeping fans—and fellow racers—on their toes. Also lining up is Jack Brunell, the 2024 Arenacross Champion and a true innovator in the sport. Brunell made history as the first rider in the world to claim a professional motocross championship aboard an electric bike, solidifying his place as a forward-thinking force to be reckoned with. Also competing are some of the sport's most consistent and decorated riders: Thomas Ramette (France), a three-time UK Arenacross Champion; Adrien Escoffier (France), a two-time French Supercross Champion; Conrad Mewse (UK), the 2013 FIM Junior Motocross World Champion; Joan Cros (Spain), a multiple Spanish national champion and regular AMA Supercross contender; Adam Chatfield (UK), a former UK Arenacross and Brazilian Motocross Champion; and Matt Bayliss (UK), the 2022 AMCA 125 Champion and Weston Beach Race winner. Together, these athletes represent the very best of global motocross talent, each bringing their legacy, fire, and fight to the final round in Abu Dhabi. WHY YOU NEED TO BE THERE Arenacross World Tour isn't just a race. It's a show-stopping, high-octane experience. Three hours of edge-of-your-seat entertainment combine indoor motocross racing, gravity-defying Freestyle Motocross (FMX), pyro, lasers, and a heart-thumping soundtrack. Riders launch 40ft into the air, flipping their bikes over 100ft gaps in a breathtaking battle of stunts and bravery. The louder the crowd, the bigger they go. Your ticket includes trackside access, athlete meet-and-greets, and exclusive chances to grab selfies and autographs. For superfans, the Trackwalk Experience offers a rare behind-the-scenes look, complete with a private FMX demo just for you. And if that's not enough, every ticket holder is automatically entered into a lottery to win a 2025 Husqvarna TC 85 19/16, a high-performance motocross bike built for young riders with big dreams. One lucky fan will walk away with the ultimate prize. Expect live music, t-shirt cannons, a fan-fueled atmosphere, and a full-throttle night for families, thrill-seekers, and anyone who loves the roar of engines and the rush of competition. PRESENTED BY PKE – POWERING THE THRILL: The 2025 Arenacross World Tour Finals are proudly presented by PKE, a brand synonymous with innovation, power, and performance. Their partnership brings global motorsport excellence to the region, helping make this adrenaline-fueled spectacle possible. With PKE at the helm, the Abu Dhabi Finals promise world-class production and unforgettable energy. Tickets to the Arenacross World Tour Finals are available now at and and start at just AED 95, with Group of 4 packages also available. Fans can enhance their evening with a Pre-Show Track Walk and Meet & Greet Experience for an exclusive chance to get out on the track pre-show, hear about the track from our live show hosts, meet some of the riders and race teams at the start gate, and witness a private Freestyle Motocross show ahead of the main event. ABOUT ARENACROSS: Arenacross is indoor Motocross! It's a high-octane mix of indoor Motocross racing and Freestyle MX carefully choreographed into a three-hour live performance that includes flames, pyrotechnics, and unscripted competition, all performed to a heart-pumping soundtrack. Ever since we kicked off our explosive journey back in January 2013 at London's iconic The o2 Arena, Arenacross has played in dozens of international Arena and concert venues. And all 500,000+ live fans in that time have witnessed the most incredible actions-sports performances on the planet. ABOUT ETHARA: Ethara is shaping the future of entertainment, sport, culture, event services, and asset management regionally and internationally. Headquartered on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, and with offices in Dubai and Riyadh, the company employs over 300 professionals who offer an unrivalled wealth of expertise, experience, knowledge and skills. Ethara, meaning 'thrill' in Arabic, operates an impressive portfolio of assets, including Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Etihad Arena, Yas Conference Centre, Zayed Sports City, and the House of Sustainability. The company works with leading events companies, IP owners, and entertainment partners locally and internationally to deliver world-class, first-to-market events and experiences.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
The Arenacross finals are coming to Abu Dhabi this summer
Ready for a night of pure adrenaline? The Arenacross World Tour Finals are racing into Etihad Arena, Yas Island on Saturday July 5 – and it's set to be one of the wildest, high-octane events Abu Dhabi's ever seen. With the world's best motocross riders flying in to battle for the championship, expect three hours of explosive action, insane stunts and edge-of-your-seat thrills. Tickets are on sale now from just Dhs95 and honestly, you'll want to grab them fast. Leading the pack is Dean Wilson, the Scottish superstar and Arenacross front-runner, who's known for his fearless style and championship grit. He'll be lining up alongside heavyweights like 2023 Arenacross champion Tommy Searle, French freestyle sensation Cedric Soubeyras and history-making Jack Brunell – the first-ever pro motocross champ on an electric bike. The line-up is absolutely stacked, featuring legends like Thomas Ramette, Adrien Escoffier, Conrad Mewse, Joan Cros, Adam Chatfield and Matt Bayliss, making this a final you won't want to miss. Arenacross isn't just about the race – it's an all-out show. Think dirt bikes flying 40ft into the air, pyrotechnics, lasers, a heart-thumping soundtrack and freestyle motocross (FMX) stunts so jaw-dropping you'll be holding your breath between flips. The louder the crowd, the crazier the riders go, so bring your energy. Every ticket also unlocks access to athlete meet-and-greets, autograph sessions and for the superfans, an epic Pre-Show Track Walk where you can step onto the track, meet riders at the start gate and catch a private FMX show. Plus, every ticket holder is automatically entered to win a 2025 Husqvarna TC 85 19/16 motocross bike – a serious prize for budding racers. From Dhs95. Saturday July 5. More things to do in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi's best restaurants 2025: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted 12 fantastic road trips across the GCC Fill up the tank and go Old Abu Dhabi: 15 best spots to uncover the history of the capital Peel back the layers of time
Daily Tribune
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
Middle East welcomes Arenacross World Tour
TDT | Manama Abu Dhabi is set to reinforce the Middle East's growing reputation as a global hub for world-class sporting events when it hosts the high-octane Arenacross World Tour Finals at Etihad Arena on July 5th. Bringing together the world's best indoor motocross and freestyle riders, the championship showdown will showcase the Middle East's ability to stage large-scale, international motorsport spectacles that combine extreme sports, entertainment, and fan engagement. Leading the line-up is Scotland's Dean Wilson, a former AMA motocross champion and the current Arenacross front-runner. Joining him will be British star Tommy Searle, French champion Cedric Soubeyras, 2024 Arenacross title-holder Jack Brunell, and other elite riders from Europe and beyond, all vying for glory in Abu Dhabi. The Arenacross Finals offer more than just racing, with three hours of breathtaking action featuring freestyle motocross stunts, pyrotechnics, live music, and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. Spectators will also have access to exclusive trackside experiences, athlete meet-and-greets, and a behind-the-scenes Track Walk.
