ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE DRIVEN BY 29 YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH ADNOC DISTRIBUTION
– A rally honouring nearly three decades of collaboration between ADNOC Distribution and the EMSO
– 34th Desert Challenge embodies the UAE’s heritage and national identity
– ADNOC Distribution fuels the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge’s enduring legacy
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 16th February, 2025: As the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (ADDC) gears up for its 34th edition (21-27 February), the event celebrates a remarkable milestone – 29 years of partnership between the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO) and The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).This enduring collaboration has been instrumental in shaping one of the world’s most challenging and prestigious off-road endurance events. The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is not only a motorsport spectacle, but also a testament to the UAE’s deep-rooted desert traditions, national identity, and passion for adventure.
Since its inception 34 years ago, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge has been a stage where human resilience and cutting-edge technology meet the vast and unforgiving landscape of the Empty Quarter.
With ADNOC Distribution’s continued support, the event remains a cornerstone of the country’s sporting calendar and of the FIA/FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), attracting top international competitors while preserving its local essence with a host of regional drivers and riders.
Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO of ADNOC Distribution, commented: “The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is one of the toughest trials in motorsport, putting the resilience of ADNOC Distribution’s mobile fuelling infrastructure to the ultimate test.
“We’re excited by the start this year in Al Ain City, Abu Dhabi’s oasis gateway to the vast desert beyond. We’re committed to helping make this year’s event the most spectacular one yet – a fitting tribute to 29 years of partnership with EMSO that reinforces the UAE’s position as a global hub for motorsports.”
EMSO President Khalid Bin Sulayem said: “The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge continues to make history with ADNOC Distribution. That long-standing partnership, generously supporting the work of the EMSO, has been crucial to the progress of the Desert Challenge.
“Collaborating with one of the UAE’s leading companies has helped this event to keep its place as one of the most challenging rallies in the world. This 34th edition promises to appeal more than ever to the hearts of the people of the UAE and the world of off-road racing, as the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge continues to grow as the second round of the W2RC.”
For the first time in its extensive history, the Desert Challenge will start from Al Ain, a city steeped in history and heritage. The route will take competitors across a demanding five-stage course, featuring over 60% new terrain. From the lush oasis of Al Ain, racers will journey through the towering dunes of Mezeer’ah before reaching the challenging marathon stage at Al Qua’a.
As part of a bold evolution, this year’s marathon stage is open not only to bikes but also to cars. Competitors must navigate this stage without external mechanical assistance, underlining the endurance-based spirit of desert rally-raid racing. This gruelling challenge pays homage to the region’s historic reliance on skill, self-sufficiency, and adaptability – traits embedded in the UAE’s national identity.
The rally’s connection to Emirati heritage is reflected in its ever-evolving route, designed to traverse historic landscapes while pushing the limits of modern rally-raid competition. The Empty Quarter’s towering dunes and vast expanses have long played a role in shaping the locals’ way of life, and this spirit of resilience and exploration is mirrored in the Desert Challenge.
The Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region continues to play a key role in supporting the event, fostering economic growth, and promoting Abu Dhabi’s standing as a premier motorsport destination. The Desert Challenge bridges the gap between the UAE’s past and present, uniting the traditions of desert navigation with state-of-the-art motorsport innovation, while challenging competitors to battle the elements in one of the most demanding rally-raid events on the planet.
From Mezeer’ah to Al Qua’a and back towards Abu Dhabi, the final leg of the challenge will push competitors to their limits as they race toward the city’s iconic skyline. Whether they are professionals vying for critical W2RC points or amateurs seeking to conquer the legendary sands, all who cross the finish line will have triumphed over one of the most formidable rally routes in the world.
As competitors ready themselves for the exhilarating Abu Dhabi event, find out more about the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge at http://www.abudhabidesertchallenge.com)
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region. The event is organised by the Emirates Motorsports Organization in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge counts with the support of Energy partner ADNOC Distribution; the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, Technology Partner E&, and Official Logistics Partner DHL. The event is also made possible thanks to the support of Automotive partner Al-Futtaim Toyota and Governmental support from the Ministry of Defence & UAE Armed Forces, Abu Dhabi Police, media partner Abu Dhabi Media Office Abu Dhabi Distribution Co, Al Dhafra Region Municipality, Tadweer, and our official broadcaster Abu Dhabi Sports TV.
