The 34th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region, and organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and the Emirates Motorsports Organisation, will feature new routes highlighting the emirate’s natural beauty and cultural value, attracting amateur and professional racers from around the world.
The event, which is also supported by ADNOC Distribution, the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, among other entities, will feature five-stages first time in the rally’s history. The event will start from Al Ain instead of the usual Abu Dhabi. Following the first stage from Al Ain all the way to Mezeer'ah, the drivers and riders of the 34th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge will then head to the bivouac at Al Qua’a which, as part of a new approach, will be a marathon stage not just for bikes, but also cars.
The Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region, which plays a vital role in the development and economic growth of the region, continues to encourage the development of the Desert Challenge as a stand-out event in the off-road calendar and the second round of the FIA and FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).
His Excellency Nasser Al Mansoori, Undersecretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court Al Dhafra Region, said: “His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is pleased to extend his patronage of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge as the event enters its 34th year. His support for such events, with their global reach, play an important role in highlighting the Al Dhafra region’s cultural significance and outstanding natural beauty.
“A second consecutive visit to Mezeer’ah, as well as exciting firsts for the event in Al Ain and Al Qua’a, highlight the innovate nature of the Desert Challenge as it continues to shine as the second round of the W2RC. The region prides itself on embracing both tradition and progress, values that are mirrored in the nomadic nature and continued evolution of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.”
His Excellency Aref Al Awani, Secretary General of ADSC, said: “We are extremely grateful to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his continued and unwavering support of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. We would also like to congratulate EMSO on their outstanding contribution to the development of the sport in the UAE.
“The Desert Challenge has gone from strength to strength throughout its rich history and remains at the forefront of the rally-raid discipline after 34 years, thanks to a combination of hard work and a willingness to evolve, which has resulted in decades of well-deserved world championship status.”
The starting point for the 2025 Desert Challenge, the inland oasis of Al Ain, is equally steeped in history. Running from Al Ain all the way to Mezeer'ah in the heart of the Liwa oasis, the first stage aims to test this year’s competitors from the outset and could prove to be the toughest stage as the race approaches the gateway to the Rub’ Al Khali. The route heads out into intimidating 300-metre-high dunes in the Rub’ Al Khali.
