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Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge

Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafrah Region.

The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious international cross-country rallies.

The event was founded in 1991 by Emirati motorsport legend and current FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and is organized by the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO).

The event rapidly gained global fame with all the biggest names in international motorsport attempting to conquer the dunes of the UAE’s unforgiving Rub’Al Khali Desert, the world’s largest sand ocean.

Press Conference at ADNOC’s Energy Business Center
Press Conference at ADNOC’s Energy Business Center
Overall 2023 winners, Yazeed AL RAJHI – Timo GOTTSCHALK
Overall 2023 winners, Yazeed AL RAJHI – Timo GOTTSCHALK
2023 Prologue in Al Dhannah
2023 Prologue in Al Dhannah
Mohammed BEN SULAYEM, FIA President & Founder of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
Mohammed BEN SULAYEM, FIA President & Founder of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
ADDC 2023 Award
ADDC 2023 Award

Today

34 years in, and thanks to the patronage of Abu Dhabi’s Government through the strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and energy partner ADNOC Distribution, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge has earned the reputation of being an event run to the highest safety and organizational standards, where participants can benefit from Abu Dhabi’s world-class infrastructure. Today, the Desert Challenge is considered by competitors to be the most technical race on the calendar.

Celebrating its 34th edition the event returns with an emphasis on sustainability, and with added racing thrills, 2024 will see the introduction of a second rally bivouac and the action reaching new areas of the Al Dhafra region, after a successful introduction in 2023.

ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE
21 Feb – 27 Feb 2025