2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge to speed off from Al Ain
New course route in Empty Quarter
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (ADDC), one of the world’s most popular off-road events, will hold its 34th edition from February 21 to 27, 2025. The rally will debut a new route in Al Ain, marking a significant shift for the event, which has traditionally started in Abu Dhabi.
The introduction of Al Ain as the starting point represents a bold move for the rally. Al Ain, located over 150km from Abu Dhabi city, has a rich heritage. It holds special significance as the former home of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. Competitors will tackle a new course in the surrounding desert to test their skills and showcase the UAE’s deep cultural and natural heritage.
The new ADDC route for 2025 significantly alters the event’s traditional structure. Nearly 50% of the course will take competitors through uncharted terrain in the Empty Quarter or Rub Al Khali. This change promises to elevate the challenge, adding a new level of complexity and excitement for participants.
Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO), the rally organisers, are confident that this new step will attract international competitors eager to take on one of the most demanding events in the rally-raid calendar.
The ADDC is an integral part of the FIA & FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), and the 2025 edition will continue as the championship’s second round.
After Dakar Rally
Teams from around the globe are already preparing for the contest, even as some of them are competing in the Dakar Rally, which will run from January 3 to 17, 2025, in Saudi Arabia. These teams include seasoned professionals and emerging talents, all vying for victory in one of motorsport’s most challenging environments.
Al Ain’s rugged roads and golden dunes will provide a new challenge for the competitors, testing their endurance and allowing them to experience the UAE’s rich and diverse geography.
The opening stage will be held in Al Ain before moving to the Al Dhafra region. The rally bivouac will be set up in Mezaira near the Rub Al Khali entrance.
Muhammad Khamis Al Muhairi, Vice President of EMSO, discussed the significance of the changes for this year’s event: “The decision to start the rally in Al Ain reflects our commitment to evolve and improve the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge continually. We are excited to bring this challenging new route to life and are confident it will elevate the experience for all involved.”
The rally will be broadcast to viewers in 190 countries, showcasing the UAE’s unique desert landscapes to a global audience. The stunning terrain, coupled with the high stakes of the competition, will ensure that the 34th edition is one of the most memorable in the event’s history.
With a combination of history, culture, and adrenaline-filled racing, the 2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is set to be a remarkable chapter in the evolution of rally-raid racing. It will push the limits of man and machine in the heart of the UAE’s vast desert expanse.
The Abu Dhabi Sports Council presents the event and is patronised by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative for the Al Dhafra Region. As preparations continue for the event, expectations for a spectacular competition are higher than ever, with the world’s best rally-raid specialists set to converge on Al Ain for what promises to be a thrilling new chapter in motorsport history.
Hero image: The 2025 ADDC route is expected to add complexity and excitement for participants. Credit: EMSO
