2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge set for an exciting start
Gruelling event runs from February 21 to 27
A world-class lineup of drivers and riders is set to take on the punishing dunes of Abu Dhabi in Round 2 of the FIA and FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). With the final entry lists for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (ADDC) confirmed rally raid, fans can anticipate a host of motorsport legends and emerging cross-country stars for a week-long showdown from February 21 to 27, 2025.
The 34th edition of the Desert Challenge classic is shaping to be a genuine clash of titans. With 165 cars, bikes, and, for the first time this season, quads registered to compete, the genuinely international field represents 30 different countries, featuring icons of the sport, rising stars, and a brave band of privateers determined to take on one of motorsport’s most demanding events.
The international field will gather in Al Ain City on February 21 for the start of the event, which is organised by the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO) with the support of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Al Ain City start
Following an inaugural start in Al Ain City, competitors will take on a gruelling 400km charge into the desert to stunning Mezaira’a before tackling marathon stages 3 and 4 in Al Qua’a, where cars will participate in a marathon stage for the first time. Those who survive the challenge will face the showdown in Abu Dhabi.
For the 34th edition of the five-stage event, the organisers are building new levels of spectator access. Starting on February 21, various VIP packages will include guided tours of the Desert Challenge bivouac and exclusive Rally HQ access for a behind-the-scenes rally raid experience. The packages will also include the official pre-event press conference and visits to local tourist sites.
The following day’s qualifying stage will also be open to the public for the first time in the event’s history. At Jebel Hafit Desert Park, fans will not only witness the top racers from the world of cross-country in action but also have the chance to camp out overnight, enjoying the outdoors and incredible views, as well as a variety of family entertainment.
In the cars’ top-class, the “Ultimate” category, reigning World Rally-Raid champion Nasser Al-Attiyah returns to defend his 2024 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge win behind the wheel of his Dacia Sandrider.
Joining him is nine-time FIA World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb, who also represents the Renault-owned Romanian squad. They will face fierce competition from other manufacturers, with defending world champions Toyota Gazoo Racing arriving fresh from a spectacular Dakar win courtesy of Yazeed Al Rajhi, who secured Round 1 victory on home soil.
Ford M-Sport
Meanwhile, world rally raid newcomers Ford M-Sport will continue their impressive start after Mattias Ekström took the new Raptor T1 to a remarkable third-place finish at Dakar 2025.
The X-Raid Minis return features a strong lineup, which includes Belgian star Guillaume De Mevius, who will be looking for redemption after a heavy crash on Stage 2 last year. The “Challenger” class also features a strong turnout, led by 2025 Dakar winner Argentina’s Nicolas Cavigliasso.
A strong contingent of UAE and regional talent will also be in the spotlight, particularly in the SSV class, where the newly formed Liwa Team UAE fields Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi and 2024 SSV class winner Mansour Al-Helei. This Emirati duo, competing in Can-Am Maverick cars, brings thousands of kilometres of desert racing experience. Yahya Al Helei, Atif Al Zarouni, and Khalid Aljafla, a runner-up in the Challenger class of the World Cup for Bajas 2024, are also expected to feature prominently.
Bikes category
Meanwhile, in the bikes category, reigning world champion Ross Branch leads the way for India’s Hero MotoSports, which secured its first-ever rally raid victory at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. However, Hero is set to be pushed hard by 23-time Desert Challenge winners KTM Factory Racing, spearheaded by 2025 Dakar winner Daniel Sanders.
Emirati rider Mohammed Balooshi will join the competition, adding to the strong UAE presence. A skilled and experienced competitor, Balooshi is sure to show well in the standings, further strengthening the Emirati lineup. Other UAE national candidates in the bike category include Marwan Alrahmani and Abdulla Lanjawi.
After missing last year’s event, Monster Energy Honda HRC is back in contention, determined to reclaim top honours with a strong line-up that includes Ricky Brabec and 2023 Desert Challenge winner Adrian Van Beveren. Quads make their first appearance of the 2025 Rally-Raid Championship, with local legend Abdulaziz Ahli seeking his fifth consecutive Desert Challenge title.
A team of seasoned Desert Challenge support corps, including Albert Mahesh (Weekends with Albert), has deployed to the Empty Quarter region of Abu Dhabi, ready to assist in the smooth and safe conduct of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.
After fog on the final stages of last month’s Dakar Rally resulted in tears of joy for some and cries of frustration for others, this year’s Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge – held in the same Empty Quarter desert – offers the perfect opportunity for a real rematch.
Hero image: The 34th edition of the Desert Challenge classic is shaping to be a genuine clash of the titans. Credit: ADDC
Last Updated on 1 day by Arnold Pinto
