Desert challenge celebrates 30th anniversary under the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed

If there’s one big event happening within the territories of the UAE, it’s the Desert Challenge happening near the Al Dhafra region which invites highly dexterous motorists to show their skills on uneven tarmac surface and execute their shenanigans as they fold their way through the tall and unforgiving sand dunes. This opportunity telltales the gusto which those domiciling in the UAE possess. 

The Middle East’s longest running rally contemporaneously celebrates its 30th anniversary and is proud to have stood the evolutions of time progressing with the change. It is indebted to H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra region.

Enormous participation is expected between the 5th and 11th November as the rally amicably welcomes some of the finest riders and drivers for this classic motoring fiesta. While it is the penultimate round for 2021 FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies for cars, it is also the concluding round of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship for bikes as the preceding rounds concluded in Kazakhstan, Russia, Brazil and Morocco. 

“While there have been many changes in motor sport since the event was introduced, it has stood the test of time,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO) and FIA Vice President for Sport. 

Ben Sulayem always eyed the event as it was his dream to raise the bar in cross country rallying thereby, bringing UAE into limelight for this revered motoring fest while providing a global podium for Emiratis and other local competitors with gainful opportunities. 

“This would not have been possible without the enormous support we have received from our strategic partners, the UAE authorities and we would like to thank HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region for his consistent backing and encouragement. We’re extremely grateful for this, and proud that the Desert Challenge still inspires so much interest and excitement 30 years on.”

The Desert challenge brings about the extremities of both, the desert surface and the engine’s mettle as the crude path can prove to be quite perfidious for the motorists if not judged effectively. 

People such as the rallying legend Ari Vetenen, off-roading specialists like Luc Alphand, Nani Roma, Nasser Al Attiyah and Stephane Peterhansel have carved a legacy to emulate by the new-age drivers. 

The 30th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance of Ruler’s Representative Court, Al Dhafra Region, UAE army, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Abu Dhabi Police, ADNOC, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi Municipality, Al Dhafra Region Municipality, Al Ain water and Tadweer. 

The event has begun in pure fashion at the Yas Marina Circuit where competitors arrived at the Headquarters on Friday, November 5 for briefing, documentation and inspection of their vehicles. The circuit also hosted a Super Special Stage for bikes and quads on part of the Grand Prix circuit to pump up the bikers as a prelude to the main event in Al Dhafra region. 

Such once-in-a-while events are the ones spectators and performers look forward to for fulfilling their penchant for euphoria and thrill. It’s heartening to see these making their way to the UAE and providing an equally competent and global platform to the participants who get to experience the nuances of big events and go head to head against some of the world’s leading racing stalwarts.