All systems go for desert challenge as Cross Country rally spotlight falls on UAE

It requires firm determination, endurance, great aptitude and experience. This is the Cross Country rally championship which has gained a handsome ground over the past decades with an overwhelming increase in the number of participants in recent times as the events become well-planned, more exciting as they draw challenges to enthral the intrepid participants and an influx of vehicles which are suited to such harsh and scathing environments. 

The 30th edition of the Abu Dhabi Desert challenge dawns on the 6th November and the event clinches to its final stages. Some of the highly anticipated motoring enthusiasts and rally drivers will partake in the event. They will all meet and greet each other at the Yas Marina circuit, which would be the utopic location for such an event which is replete with frisson. The event is contemplated to bring hurdles in the desert and requires the most valiant riders who will be competing not only on four, but even two wheels flanking cars, bikes, buggies and quadbikes which will make their own path scudding through the uneven and wayward surface of the Al Dhafra Region.

Breaching the northern precincts of Rub’ al Khali, or Empty Quarter, desert landmass levels stretching 262km, 333km, 293km, 251km and 216km are concentrated around a built-up tent area which will be the sojourn for 800 people which enumerates competitors, technicians, officials, medical staff, volunteers and media which will be supplemented with full care and protection from Al Dhafra Municipality and Tadweer and provide concierge service for all the 5-nights which will witness drama and action after a brief hiatus. The efforts of 200 people who have worked all through the night to assist in the transformation of this infertile land to a momentary village deserves to be lauded.

Right from its contraption, operations and dismantling, the rally organisers who performed the feat with utmost dedication and created a convivial atmosphere have been held accountable for the same. The cohort features the rally organisers, the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO) and the UAE Government and local authorities who have justified their part in protecting the region’s desert backdrop in proximity to Qasar Al Sarab Resort.

“This is a huge priority, and we’re indebted to the government authorities and the UAE Armed Forces for their support to set up and equip the bivouac, and make our environmental policies work so effectively,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the EMSO and FIA Vice President for Sport.

Worth commemorating, is the effort of the UAE Armed Forces who were responsible for the provision of the bivouac’s infrastructure and power. To propagate sustainability, recycling of waste to prevent environmental degradation and oil leakages will be carried out by Al Dhafra Municipality and Tadweer.

To provide potable water, is Abu Dhabi Distribution Company which will not only facilitate clean drinking water, but even replenish those 20,000 gallons of water consumed on a diurnal basis at the site. The Liwa Valleys will test the driver’s skills as they dodge the tall dunes of the desert on 2nd stage. This will be followed by a novel racing event for the bikers along the same path. The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is the semi-final round of the 2021 FIA World Cup for the Cross-Country Rallies for cars and the ultimate one for the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship for two-wheeler races.

The Rally has received ingenuous support from the UAE’s top commanders and Government officials to make the event a runaway success.