22-02-2025
Competitors prepare for tough new route at Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
The 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge kicked off last night as a world class field of over 150 competitors from around the world gathered at the historic Al Jahili Fort in the start-line city of Al Ain for the event's official press conference and briefing.
One of the largest forts in the UAE, Al Jahili was built in the 1890s on the orders of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, also known as Zayed the First, as the home to members of the ruling Al Nahyan family.
It was sporting royalty that took centre stage, however, as Rally-Raid champions such as Dacia driver Nasser Al Attiyah and Hero Motorsport rider Ross Branch joined with rally legend Sébastien Loeb, as well as event regulars such as local legends Abdulaziz Ahli and Mansour Al Helei and newcomers to discuss their hopes for the gruelling 1920 km route that includes some of the UAE's toughest terrain and most remote regions.
The action got underway with an 11-kilometre Qualifying Stage on February 22 around the Jebel Hafit Desert Park, and runs through to February 27, with competitors powering through an opening stage Mezaira'a before toughing it out on a two-stage marathon camp and finally, a full-throttle Stage 5 blast to ultra-modern Abu Dhabi and the finish line.
The rally, one of the longest-running UAE sporting spectacles, is presented by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and organised by the Emirates Motorsport Organisation (EMSO).
