Dubai Festival City ready to host another Dubai International Baja
Al-Futtaim Toyota reaffirms commitment to motorsports in the UAE with unrivalled logistics support for fourth year running
Dubai, UAE, 17th November 2025: Motorsport fans in the UAE are in for a thrilling spectacle as the Dubai International Baja returns to Dubai Festival City from 20-23 November.
As the climactic finale of the FIA World Baja Cup for cars and the FIM Bajas World Cup for bikes and quads, this year’s Dubai Baja brings world-class off-road action into the city.
The launch at Dubai Festival City offers an accessibility rarely seen in desert rallying, allowing fans to experience the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of off-road motorsport without venturing deep into the dunes.
Organised by the Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO), the ninth edition of the event, which traces its roots back over four decades to the original Dubai Rally in 1979, again brings the action into the heart of Dubai. It has become a fixture not only for competitors but for fans, media, and families who relish the dramatic spectacle of machine versus terrain.
For a fourth consecutive year, logistics and event venue support are provided by longstanding partner Al-Futtaim Toyota, the exclusive distributor of Toyota in the UAE. The brand’s vehicles – notably the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser – handle time-critical duties behind the scenes, supporting organisers and Senior Officials at the service park and the rally competitive stages through the challenging terrain of Hatta and the Al Qudra Desert.
In addition to its role as an official partner, Toyota again dominates the field, with eight of the 12 entries in the Ultimate class driving the Toyota Hilux. The roster comprises a mix of Middle Eastern and international talent, including the Argentinian Juan Cruz Yacopini who arrives in Dubai as leader of the 2025 FIA Baja World Cup and American driver Seth Quintero who shines in the W2RC series.
All eight crews underscore the Toyota brand’s dominance and commitment to rally-raid competition – while highlighting strong regional representation through drivers such as of Khalid Al Qassimi and Khaled Alferaihi.
Jacques Brent, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Toyota, said: “Motorsport is deeply embedded in the UAE’s DNA, just as innovation and performance are at the heart of Toyota. The Baja gives us a unique opportunity to push our vehicles to their limits in the most challenging conditions, while celebrating a partnership with EMSO that continues to inspire progress across the automotive industry. This year, we’re excited to take on the rugged terrain of the Hajar Mountains in Hatta and the unique challenges of the dunes in the Al Qudra Desert. It’s through challenges like these that we continue to refine our technology and apply what we learn to the vehicles our customers drive every day – ensuring that every Toyota is as capable, reliable, and durable as possible.”
Hayssam Hajjar, Executive Director of Asset Management at Al Futtaim, stated: “It’s a great honour to play host for a fourth year to one of the Middle East’s most important sporting events. The Dubai International Baja is both an immense sporting challenge and a wonderful festival occasion. Competitors love it because of its convenience and fans, too, welcome an opportunity to make a short commute to see the glittering assembly of extraordinary machines and perhaps mingle with the star competitors of the sport.”
EMSO PresidentH.E. Khalid Ben Sulayem commented: “We extend our sincere appreciation to the Al-Futtaim Group for their outstanding support. Together, we’ve elevated the Dubai International Baja to new heights, and their vision in bringing the event to the spectacular Dubai Festival City is a shining example of how a world-class motorsport event can be brought from the desert to the very heart of the city. We’re delighted to continue our close collaboration with Al-Futtaim Group and with Toyota, the trusted brand of choice for our race officials. In an event that truly tests both competitors and machines, having access to vehicles as robust and dependable as the Toyota Land Cruiser greatly enhances the experience for everyone involved.”
As this year’s Baja marks the finale of the FIA World Baja Cup for cars and the FIM Bajas World Cup for bikes and quads, the championship standings promise an exciting showdown.
Argentina’s Yacopini, Emirati Mohammed Al-Balooshi, and Hani Al-Noumesi from Saudi Arabia lead the car, bike, and quad categories of the FIA and FIM World Cups, respectively.
Of special interest to home fans are entries from the UAE and Gulf region, including Emirati drivers Khalid Al Jafla and Mansour Belheli, Oman’s Hamed Al Wahaibi (OMA), and Khaled Al Feraihi (KSA/UAE), each partnered with experienced navigators and representing the region’s growing motorsport pedigree. Dania Akeel (KSA), one of three women competing in this year’s Ultimate class, adds further inspiration to the field. On the international front, seasoned drivers such as Toby Price, Martin Prokop, Henk Lategan and Seth Quintero will ensure the event delivers world-class racing and headline performances.
The ceremonial start, open to the public and free of charge, takes place on Friday 21 November at 20:00hs and marks a perfect moment for fans to witness the parade of machines before they head out into the desert for three full days of competition. The service park returns each evening to Dubai Festival City, allowing fans to gain close-up access to the crews, vehicles and atmosphere.
As the 2025 international off-road season draws to a close, the Dubai International Baja promises to deliver a thrilling finale against an accessible city-backdrop. Whether you’re drawn by high-speed desert drama, regional stars, or the roar of engines, this year’s edition is not to be missed.
The Dubai International Baja is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai and is expertly organised by the Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO).
The Baja is supported by the strategic collaboration of the Dubai Government and its entities, including the Dubai Police, Dubai Sports Council, Road and Transport Authority, and Dubai Municipality as well as the event’s Official Automotive Partner Al-Futtaim Toyota. The Dubai International Baja also counts with the support of Hydration Partner Al Ain Water and Dubai Sports TV.
Dubai star Mohammed Al Balooshi aims for fourth FIM World Cup title
Hotly anticipated first outing for Defender
World Cup leader Juan Crus Yacopini heads car entry list
FIA and FIM titles on the line in Baja World Cup final round
Dubai, UAE, 13th November 2025: Competitors from more than 30 nations – including 14 riders, drivers, and navigators from the UAE – constitute an impressive entry list of 94 vehicles for next week’s Dubai International Baja (20-23 November 2025).
World Cup leader Juan Cruz Yacopini and local hero Mohammed Al Balooshi head the car and bike entries, as the world’s top off-road crews prepare to take on the challenging Al Qudra desert dunes and serene beauty of Hatta.
Titles are still up for grabs in numerous categories as the FIA and FIM World Cup seasons reach a dramatic conclusion at the ninth edition of the Dubai International Baja, which continues to attract old talent and as well as newcomers taking their first rally-raid steps.
A standout name among the motorcycle entry list, Mohammed Al-Balooshi, is aiming for a fourth FIM Bajas World Cup title on his Yamaha YZF 450. The Dubai star won his home event in 2018 and 2023, but was bested by Poland’s Konrad Dabrowski last year.
Dabrowski was also imperious last time out in Qatar (6-8 November 2025) where Al-Balooshi’s steady progress after a difficult start was not enough to overhaul Dabrowski for the overall win.
Among the quads, Abdulaziz Ahli is aiming for a hat-trick of wins at his local World Cup event with his Yamaha Raptor 700, having topped the standings at the 2023 and 2024 editions.
At an event which has established itself as an important test bed for machinery and crews, Dubai International Baja will play host to the first appearance of the Defender machines which are lined up for a first full season of World Cup rally-raid in 2026.
French off-road legend and 14-time Dakar Rally winner Stephane Peterhansel is partnered by fellow countryman Michael Metge in one Defender, while Lithuania’s Rokas Baciuska can call on the services of Spanish co-driver Oriol Vidal Montijano of Spain in the second privately-entered machine.
The Defenders are sure to attract plenty of attention from fans at the Dubai Festival City Service Area, the Hatta Prologue, and the spectator viewing area at Al Marmoom, in what is effectively a full-blown factory dress rehearsal for next season.
Spectator entry is free for the Service Area, Hatta, and Al Marmoom, in what is set to be the best-attended edition of the Dubai International Baja – one of the most accessible in events in the baja World Cup.
H.E. Saeed Harib, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council: “It is a pleasure for us to continue our strategic collaboration with the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO) in support of an event of such pedigree and heritage within the Middle Eastern sporting landscape. The Dubai International Baja continues to showcase the Emirate’s natural beauty and sporting excellence to audiences around the world, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global sports destination.
“With more than four decades of history, the Dubai International Baja stands as a true symbol of courage, endurance, and commitment: qualities that reflect the spirit of Dubai and align closely with the values of the Dubai Government and the Dubai Sports Council. We wish all competitors the very best in their endeavours next week.”
H.E. Khalid Ben Sulayem, President and Board Member of the EMSO, stated: “Once again this event continues to attract an exciting array of talent. It’s a tribute to the challenging nature of the special stages and the unique atmosphere fostered by the proximity to the city. It is so accessible for spectators to see this free-to-view event, and the Dubai International Baja will once again present a wonderful collection of star competitors and machinery for a thrilling conclusion to the season.”
Heading the list among the car contingent is four-time winner in the 2025 FIA World Baja Cup, Juan Cruz Yacopini from Argentina, who will be co-driven by Dani Oliveras in their SVR run Toyota Hilux.
Fresh from another victory in the latest round of the FIA series in Qatar, Yacopini will face off against his closest rivals from that event as the top three finishers go head-to-head for a final time this year.
Yacopini was third in Dubai two years ago and will be determined to cap his successful ’25 world cup season with a maiden success in the Dubai International Baja. Czechia pairing Martin Prokop and Victor Chytka went closest to Yacopini in Qatar and are back for more in their Orlen Jipocar Ford Maverick.
Saudi native Dania Akeel and her French co-driver Sebastian Delaunay are another highly motivated crew following their third-place finish in Qatar. Equipped in an Overdrive Racing Toyota Hilux, the pair were ninth in the last two editions of the Dubai event and have the speed and experience to challenge for the top step of the podium this time round.
Two-time winners in the FIA World Baja Cup 2025, Mitchel Van Den Brink and Bart Van Heun from the Netherlands bring their South Racing BRP Maverick R to Dubai. The Dutch pairing will be looking to improve on their eighth place finish last year, and if their 2025 form continues they are certain to challenge for a place at the top of the order.
Other stars making the popular trek to Dubai include the American pairing of Seth Quintero and Andrew Shorts in an Overdrive Racing Toyota Hilux. Multi-Dakar Rally stage winner Quintero was 16th in Dubai 12 months ago – a finish not representative of his renowned pace on the dunes – and the Californian will be fired up to contend for glory next week.
The Dubai International Baja is held under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai, and expertly organised by the Emirates Motorsport Organisation (EMSO).
The Baja is supported by a strategic collaboration of the Dubai Government and its entities, including the Dubai Police, RTA and Dubai Municipality and the event Official Automotive Partner Al-Futtaim Toyota.
Under the patronage of Hamdan bin Mohammed
Dubai International Baja to be held from 20 to 23 November
Baja World Cup season set for epic curtain closer in DubaiKhalid Ben Sulayem: Hamdan Bin Mohammed’s vision and patronage have been instrumental in cementing the Dubai International Baja’s reputation as one of the premier events on the global motorsport calenda
Government of Dubai Media Office – 28 October 2025: Under thepatronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Dubai International Baja, organised by the Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO), will held from 20 to 23 November.
The event, which serves as the finale of both the FIA World Baja Cup for cars and the FIM Baja World Cup for bikes and quads, marks the conclusion of the Middle Eastern motorsports season. Over the years, the Dubai International Baja has developed an enviable reputation among fans and competitors as one of the toughest and most beautiful events on the international off-road calendar. Less than two weeks out from the close of registration, anticipation is mounting for the climax of the international off-road motorsports season.
This year’s Dubai International Baja is the ninth edition in its current Baja format, 46 years after it began as the Dubai Rally in 1979. As one of the UAE’s and the region’s oldest and most established motorsport events, the Baja is renowned for its diverse terrain and the unique challenges it offers to competitors from around the world.
Setting off from the event’s now familiar and popular base in Dubai Festival City, the competitors will explore the exotic natural beauty of Hatta in the Hajar Mountains in the Prologue, followed by two days in the unique desert dunes of Al Qudra.
The Baja is supported through strategic collaboration with Dubai Government and its entities, including the Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Municipality, as well as the event’s Official Automotive Partner Al-Futtaim Toyota.
Registration for the Dubai International Baja will close on 6 November, after which the list of contenders aiming to follow the footsteps of the 2024 champions Nasser Al Attiyah (cars), Konrad Dabrowski (motorcycles) and Abdulaziz Ahli (quads) will be announced.
His Excellency Khalid Ben Sulayem, President and Board Member of the EMSO, stated: “The Dubai International Baja has firmly established itself as the final round of the Bajas World Cup calendar, and it’s a pleasure to welcome the season finale back to the UAE once again. Each year, we have seen the event grow in stature, drawing an ever-stronger field of elite competitors from across the region and the world. We look forward to celebrating the crowning of the new 2025 champions here in Dubai.”
“We extend our sincere appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his continued and invaluable support. His vision and patronage have been instrumental in cementing the Dubai International Baja’s reputation as one of the premier events on the global motorsport calendar, while also reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading hub for international sport.
“Our ongoing partnership with the Dubai Government, together with the FIA and FIM, reflects our shared commitment to excellence — ensuring a world-class event that delivers both safety and spectacle. Returning once more to Dubai Festival City, this year’s edition repeats last year’s hugely popular Prologue in Hatta, offering competitors a distinctive and challenging terrain and spectators a beautiful backdrop to the event.
This addition showcases a side of Dubai that is both stunning and unique, providing a fresh experience for drivers and fans alike. With this combination of innovation and tradition, we anticipate a truly unforgettable 2025 Dubai International Baja.”
Yazeed Al Rajhi and Michael Orr in their Toyota Hilux Overdrive 
Yasir Seaidan and Aleksei Kuzmich in Mini John Cooper Works Rally 
Khalid Al Qassimi and Dirk Von Zitzewitz in their Peugeot 3008 DKR 
Aaron Mare on his Honda CRF 450 R 
Mark Ackerman on his Husqvarna FX 450 
Sam Smith on KTM SX – F 450
Rally roars into FIA cross country record books across Al Qudra desert
Dubai, UAE, 19 February, 2021: Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi dominated the opening leg of the Dubai International Baja with a stunning drive today while UAE-based South African rider Aaron Mare moved within reach of back-to-back bikes victories as the rally entered the motor sport record books.
Reunited with long-time British co-driver Michael Orr, Al Rajhi took his Toyota Hilux Overdrive into a lead of 21mins 31 secs over fellow-Saudi Yasir Seaidan, accompanied by Aleksei Kuzmich in a Mini John Cooper Works Rally
The UAE’s Khalid Al Qassimi and German Dirk Von Zitzewitz were just four seconds further adrift in third place in an Abu Dhabi Racing Peugeot 3008 DKR in the second round of the 2021 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas for cars.
Ruled out last year because of the coronavirus emergency, the rally is being staged in compliance with strict COVID-19 Protocol, and it made history today as the first FIA World Cup cross-country event to be run on solar power.
Based at DEWA’s Innovation Centre located at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the event provided a challenging first leg test for drivers and riders on a 192km passage through the dunes and plains of the Al Qudra desert.
With Al Rajhi taking charge of DEWA’s Innovation Centre Special Stage as he chases a first cars victory in the event, France’s Pierre Lachaume and Loic Minaudier in a PH Sport Zephyr, Pavel Lebedev and Kiril Shubin in a CAN AM Maverick and Claude Fournier with Szymon Gospodqrczyk, also in a CAN AM Maverick, completed the top six.
Lachaume and Minaudier finished the day heading the T3 buggies category while Lebedev and Shubin
were winning the race for the T4 title.
Top-seeded Honda rider Mare, returning to action after a 2019 Dakar Rally crash, produced another impressive display as he moved into a 2 mins 20 secs first leg bikes lead over fellow countryman and 2017 winner Mark Ackerman on a Husqvarna, with British KTM rider Sam Smith in third.
The UAE’s Sultan Al Balooshi on a Husqvarna, Jordanian Abdallah Abuaisheh riding a KTM and the UAE’s 2018 winner and World Cup champion Mohammed Al Balooshi on another Husqvarna completed the top six in the opening round of this year’s FIM Bajas World Cup.
Emirati Mansoor Al Suwaidi on a Yamaha YFZ 450 R was a runaway leader of the quads category with a huge lead of 1hr 38 mins 10 secs from Saudi Haitham Al Tuwayjiri on another Yamaha.
Taking place under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, the Dubai International Baja is sponsored by Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and Arabian Automobiles Nissan.
“It feels good to welcome back World Cup cross country rallying, especially as we’re setting an example for other events to follow in sustainable motor sport development,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Emirates Motorsports Organization and FIA Vice President for Sport.
Al Rajhi reached the end of the stage to say: “It was a good day and we drove fast, with Michael doing a good job. We had some technical issues at around 30km and later a puncture. But a good day. And good to have Michael back.”
Al Qassimi said: “The first 20km the car was hesitant on the dunes. We tried different ways but kept getting stuck. Because there has been no rain the sand is very soft so we tried to avoid the dunes as much as possible.”
Mare completed today’s leg to say: “It was good stage, pretty technical in places and some very fast straight flats. This has been my first since crashing in the 2019 Dakar. Since then I have had surgery and been focusing on getting fit.”
The event had started without the top-seeded driver and co-driver combination of Denis Krotov and Konstantin Zhiltsov who arrived in Dubai only for their Mini John Cooper Works Rally to be held up by customs formalities in Saudi Arabia following the Dakar Rally.
Among the early casualties were the UAE’s Yahya Al Helei and Khalid Al Kendi whose Nissan Pick Up went out of the rally with mechanical problems. The surviving drivers and riders next tackle Saturday’s 194 kms Arabian Automobiles Nissan Special Stage which leads to the podium and prizegiving at the Innovation Centre at 5.15pm.
Provisional leading positions after DEWA’s Innovation Centre Special Stage
Cars
1. Yazeed Al Rajhi/ Michael Orr (SAU / GBR) / Toyota Hilux Overdrive 2:40:57.0
2. Yasir Seaidan / Aleksei Kuzmich (SAU /RAF) / Mini John Cooper Works Rally 3:02:28.0
3. Khalid Al Qassimi / Dirk Von Zitzewitz (ARE / DEU) / Peugeot 3008 DKR 3:02:32.0
4. Pierre Lachaume / Loic Minaudier (FRA / FRA) / PH – Sport Zephyr 3:13.43.0
5. Pavel Lebedev / Kiril Shubin (RUS / RUS) / CAN AM Maverick / T4 3:23:51.0
6. Claude Fournier / Szymon Gospodqrczyk (FRA / POL) / CAN AM Maverick 3:28:57.0
7. Mshari Al Therifi / Ali Hassan Obaid (KWT / ARE) / CAN AM Maverick / T4 3:43:47.0
8. Khaled Al Feraihi / Omar Allahim (SAU / SAU) / Nissan Pick Up 4:04:34.0
9. Michael Fadel / Craig Tyson (ARE / ARE) / Polaris / T3 4:25:50.0
10. Laia Sanz / Lucas Cruz (SPA / SPA) / CAN AM Maverick / T4 4:40:58.0
Bikes
1. Aaron Mare (ZAF) / Honda CRF 450 R 2:37:14.0
2. Mark Ackerman (ZAF) / Husqvarna FX 450 2:39:34.0
3. Sam Smith (GBR) / KTM SX – F 450 2:41:08.0
4. Sultan Al Balooshi (ARE) / Husqvarna FC 450 2:41:36.0
5. Abdallah Abuaisheh (JOR) / KTM SX-F 450 2:45:50.0
6. Mohammed Al Balooshi (ARE) / Husqvarna FC 450 2:47:26.0
7. Martin Michek (CZE) / Husqvarna SX F450 2:52:30.0
8. Konrad Dabrowski (POL) / KTM SX-F 450 2:58:53.0
9. Darko Marasovic (CRO) / KTM SX – F 450 3:00:04.0
10. Abdulla Dakhan (ARE) / Yamaha YZ 450 F 3:03:34.0
MORE COMPETITOR COMMENTS FOLLOWING THE OPENING LEG
Bikes
9. Martin Michek (CZE)
He was thoroughly checked out by a doctor for his eyesight, balance and mobility along with a physical inspection to his head and upper body after a crash on the stage. He said: “It was a small crash but I bumped my head. After this rest at the finish I now feel good.”
4. Sam Smith (GBR)
“It was really good, I enjoyed the course and I am feeling pretty fit and strong and was able to catch quite a few riders. Nobody passed me. Really good to be back racing in a high profile event like the Dubai Baja.”
8. Konrad Dabrowski (POL)
“It was a good stage with good organization. I did lose time, mostly on the fast flat sections, so I need to change the set-up of the bike for tomorrow. Today was the first time on this bike.”
3. Sultan Al Balooshi (ARE)
“A great day and really good riding again. I feel good and I am looking forward to tomorrow. This has been my first race since 2019 and it is great to be back racing.”
7. Mohammed Al Balooshi (ARE)
“It was a good stage. Nice terrain and fast – typical Dubai Baja. I lost some time at the refuelling and after that I was caught by Sam (Smith) and Arunas (Gelazninkas). We stayed together and made good time. Then at around 30km from the finish, Arunas had a big crash. I stopped to help him. I stayed with him until he felt better. I fixed his bike and when he was able to ride, albeit slowly, I was able to race on.”
27. Margot Llobera Farre (AND)
“The course was amazing and so much fun for my first rally on this type of bike. It is very heavy and it took me several Kms to get the feel of it and confidence on the sand.”
Cars
208. Yasir Seaidan / Aleksei Kuzmich (SAU / RUS)
“Not easy. We had problems at the start with the turbo, so no boost. Will need to fix this for tomorrow. Also the terrain was very soft and hard to travel across with very low torque.”
14. Pierre Lachaume / Loic Minaudier (FRA / FRA)
“A very good day. The dunes were good and Loic did a perfect job navigating. We had no problem with the soft sand, this car is perfect.”
215. Michael Fadel / Craig Tyson (ARE / ARE)
“It was good and fast in some sections. The soft sand made it difficult in places.”
211. Khaled Al Feraihi / Wleed Alfiuam (SAU / SAU)
“It was fast and difficult at times. The sand was soft and this made the dunes difficult. The car is running well.”
Ben Sulayem says new DEWA partnership can set sustainability trend in rallying
Kuwait’s Fahad Al Musallam, chasing a third quads success, and India’s Aishwarya Pissay, one of
four lady riders contesting the Dubai Baja
India’s Aishwarya Pissay, making her second appearance in Dubai. 
Kuwait’s Fahad Al Musallam – quads winner in 2017 and 2018. 
Khalid Al Qassimi aims to prevent another overseas victory after two runners-up finishes
Dubai, UAE, 18 February, 2021: The Dubai International Baja has a habit of showing what World Cup winners are made of, and expectations are high again this weekend as the fourth edition of the event unfolds in the Al Qudra desert.
The 2021 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas for cars is already up and running, and top-seed Denis Krotov arrived in Dubai from the sub zero temperatures of the Baja – Northern Forest, where his challenge in this season’s opener ended when he became stuck in a snowdrift.
Partnering Krotov in an X-raid MINI John Cooper Works Rally is Konstantin Zhiltsov, who has twice guided Vladimir Vasilyev, the first round winner, to victory in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.
The first three editions of the Dubai Baja brought wins for competitors who went on to take World Cup titles that year. The 2018 bikes champion, Emirati Mohammed Al Balooshi, is seeded seventh this time, such is the strength of the 43-rider line-up for the first round of this year’s FIM Bajas World Cup.
Taking place under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, the Dubai International Baja is sponsored by Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and Arabian Automobiles Nissan.
Based at DEWA’s Innovation Centre located at the Solar Park, the rally enters the record books as the first FIA World Cup cross-country event to be run on solar power.
“We’re very happy to be setting a trend towards sustainability in rallying, and we’re expecting another classic baja event,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Emirates Motorsports Organization and FIA Vice President for Sport.
Nissan’s sponsorship of the event for a fourth year extends a long standing partnership between the manufacturer and the EMSO, the national motor sport authority.
Michel Ayat, Chief Executive Officer – AWR Automotive, said: “The Dubai International Baja is another exemplary event that further consolidates the emirate’s leading global position in the world of sports. As the official automotive sponsor, AW Rostamani Group consistently supports events of this caliber and is grateful to Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his unwavering drive and ambition.
“2021 is a year of recovery and a return to life as we know it, and it gives us great honour and privilege at Arabian Automobiles to be once again sponsoring the rally. We are grateful for all the initiatives that our wise leadership introduce and for all the support they offer to international events of this nature that strengthen Dubai’s influence on a regional and global scale.”
Friday’s 192km DEWA’s Innovation Centre Special Stage, carving through the Al Qudra dunes, presents a big test of desert driving skill and mechanical muscle. After an overnight halt, the survivors tackle Saturday’s 194 kms Arabian Automobiles Nissan.Special Stage leading to the finish at the Innovation Centre.
Following successive Dubai victories by Poland’s Jakub Przygonski, two of the Arab world’s leading drivers aim to prevent a third successive overseas victory.
This could mean a big duel between the UAE’s Khalid Al Qassimi, twice a runner-up and partnered by German Dirk Von Zitzewitz in an Abu Dhabi Racing Peugeot 3008 DKR, and Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi, joined by British co-driver Michael Orr in a Toyota Hilux Overdrive.
Czech Miroslav Zapletal with Slovakian Marek Sykora in a Ford F150 Evo, the UAE’s Yahya Al Helei and Khalid Al Kendi in a Nissan Pick-up, and fellow Emiratis Khalid Al Jafla and Mirza Ali in a Toyota Hilux, complete the top six out of 29 car entries.
With 15 buggies on show, Britain’s Conrad Rautenbach in a Zephyr heads the T3 class. Top seed in T4, Saudi Saleh Alsaif in a Maverick X3, is up against France’s first round winner, Claude Fournier, and Spanish bikes star Laia Sainz, 13-time Trials World Champion, who moves from two wheels to four.
Two UAE-based South Africans lead the charge in the opening round of this year’s FIM Bajas World Cup for bikes. Last year’s winner Aaron Mare on a Honda and 2017 champion Mark Ackerman riding a Husqvarna, top the seeds ahead of the UAE’s Sultan Al Balooshi and British KTM rider Sam Smith.
Lithuanian Arunas Gelazninkas and Saudi Mishal Alghuneim complete the top six.
A quartet of Saudi riders, Haitham Altuwayjiri, Faisal Alsuwayh, Abdulmajeed Aakhulaifi and Hani Al Nomsi, are out to block a third Dubai Baja win for Kuwait’s Fahad Al Musallam whose hat-trick attempt in 2019 was halted by first leg mechanical failure. Another Kuwaiti, Sarah Khuraibet, is among four lady bike riders in action, along with Andorra’s Margot Llobera Farre, the Netherlands’ Mirjam Pol and India’s Aishwarya Pissay, making her second appearance in the event.
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