- Excitements mounts ahead of ahead of tomorrow’s Dubai International Baja Prologue Stage in Hatta
- Local hero Mohammed Al Balooshi out to make history.
- Toyota duo Quintero and Price set to challenge World Cup regulars for event honours
- Defender makes global competition debut alongside leading FIA and FIM contenders
Dubai, UAE, 20th November 2025: Excitement continues to build as Dubai International Baja heads toward Friday’s Prologue Stage in Hatta, where the world’s top FIA and FIM international competitors will roar into action.
The world’s top off-road crews have arrived at Dubai Festival City Mall as final preparations are completed in the Service Park ahead of tomorrow’s start of the 2025 Dubai International Baja.
The established World Cup crews will face significant opposition from a number of one-off entries set to spice up the action.
Runaway FIA Bajas World Cup winner Juan Cruz Yacopini is gunning for a fifth win in seven events this season but the Argentinian will have to fend off the challenge of, among others, Seth Quintero of the US and Australian motorcycle legend Toby Price who are sure to feature.
Although not registered for world cup points all eyes will be on the Dakar stars in a pair of Toyota Hilux machines from Toyota Gazoo Racing as Dubai International baja reinforces its reputation for attracting a diverse entry list.
After a sustained period of testing and a new Toyota Hilux at his disposal Quintero is looking forward to giving a proper account of himself at an event where he has not yet enjoyed a trouble free run.
“This is this is one that I haven’t been able to do too well at yet, and, you know, with Toyota this year, we’ve built a new car and I’m excited to debut it here and hopefully put in a good result,” said the Californian.
“We’ve been doing a lot of work and a lot of testing and I think we’re all very happy with the results that we’ve put together as a team. So hopefully we can, you know, have a good one in the next two days and get on top of the board.
“I think the competition that this race brings is spectacular and to win it would be something else. Hopefully this year we can go out and do that.
“I think just the level of the sport and enjoying the race and the atmosphere, and the people that put on this race are always amazing to see, and, you know, a joy to be around. It’s just all those things put together that keep us coming back.”
The ninth edition of the event promises one of the most accessible and spectator-friendly weekends on the FIA and FIM World Cup calendars, with the Hatta Prologue to be followed by the newly designed spectator zone in Al Marmoom on Saturday and Sunday.
The special spectator zones for Friday’s action in Hatta have been designed to offer close, safe, and unobstructed views of the action, making it one of the most attractive off-road motorsport viewing opportunities in the region.
Hatta’s dramatic setting, with its rugged mountains, rocky outcrops and sweeping gravel tracks, will provide the backdrop for the spectacular event curtain-raiser as star FIA and FIM entrants from the list of nearly 100 crews from over 30 nations begin their campaigns from 14:00.
Local hero Mohammed Al Balooshi leads the motorcycle entry as he begins his title quest at his home event. The FIM World Cup frontrunner, twice a Dubai Baja winner and on course for a third FIM world title success, is determined to start strongly after placing runner-up in last year’s edition. Among the quads, UAE rider Abdulaziz Ahli will attempt to secure a third consecutive Dubai victory after dominating the previous two seasons.
For Al Balooshi the passing years only add to his hunger and competitiveness:–
“First of all, I’m very honoured to be on this panel with these amazing legends,” he said, speaking at the pre-event press conference in Dubai Police Officers Club “These are the legends of our sport, so I’m very honoured, first of all, to be sitting among them. And for me, I think passion is what drives us. Every year, I try to learn and I still feel strong. Still I feel getting better every year.”
Several experienced challengers return to Dubai this year, including Czech driver Martin Prokop and Saudi Arabia’s Dania Akeel, both of whom have shown strong form throughout the season.
As well as event honours in Dubai, Akeel is targeting overall success in the Middle Eastern Rally Championship this weekend.
One of the most anticipated storylines of this year’s edition is the global competition debut of the new Defender project. Two entries will appear in Dubai as part of an extensive development showcase ahead of the Defender’s full 2026 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, and the cars are expected to draw significant attention in the Service Park, at the Hatta Prologue, and in the Al Marmoom viewing area.
Speaking at the press conference ahead of the event, Mr Mahir BADRI, CEO of the EMSO welcomed competitors and spectators to the event:-
“Today, the Dubai International Baja has grown into a world-class event because of the collective commitment of everyone here This year’s entry list reflects an incredible mix of international, regional and local talent and we are proud to host all of you.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Dubai government and it entities, to our sponsors and partners. Your trust, your support, and your belief in this event are the driving force behind everything we achieve.
“I would also like to thank the media for showcasing Dubai International Baja to the world, thanks to ASO today we have a more than 100 TV channel agreement to broadcast the Dubai International Baja daily highlights.
“This year, we continue our mission to make motorsport more accessible, safer, and more sustainable. From innovations in our operations to improved competitor services, to stronger environmental commitments, it is a baja that welcomes everyone.
“To our competitors- drivers, riders, co- drivers, the teams and the new teams – you are the heart of this event. You push the limits of endurance and courage. You inspire us every year, and I want to thank you for choosing Dubai as your battleground.
“Finally, I would like to thank our team, volunteers, marshals, medical teams, rally management and safety crews-you deliver a rally that represents the UAE’s leadership and excellence in motorsport.
Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council said:-
H.E. Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police said:-
Jacques Brent, Managing Director Toyota & Lexus at Al Futtaim Automotive said:-
“I’d like to welcome to all the competitors. This is obviously a great opportunity for us to showcase some of the Al Futtaim properties and obviously Dubai Festival City features prominently in that, where we are located for the official start, and as well, the scrutineering, which occurs in our workshop facility.
“It’s a great opportunity to show the facilities that we have, and specifically, I know there’s a couple of Hiluxes in the field, and it’s always a proud moment when we see some Toyotas participating.
