Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge Launches Third Season to Nurture Motorsport Talent and Attract Regional Competitors

Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in collaboration with the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO), has officially unveiled the third season of the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge 2025–2026. Set to unfold over four rounds from 25 October 2025 to 4 April 2026, this championship will see both car and motorcycle competitions, welcoming racers of different skill levels from across the region. The organising committee is intensifying efforts to discover and nurture new talent in motorsports. The focus for the upcoming season is to encourage beginners by allowing them to compete shoulder-to-shoulder with experienced and professional drivers, helping to shape the future of this dynamic sport in the UAE and beyond. The event will encompass four challenging rounds: The first round on 25 October 2025 at Sweihan Dunes, Al Ain Region The second round on 13 December 2025 in Al Dhafra Region The third round on 24 January 2026 in Al Ain Region The final round on 4 April 2026 in Al Ain Region Both professional and amateur racers are invited to participate, traversing courses exceeding 100km each round, with the fastest contenders anticipated to finish stages in approximately two hours. Cash prizes await the victors of each round, further raising the level of competition and excitement. For the third season, the championship will feature categories for Cars, Buggies, Motorcycles, and Quads (ATVs), all adhering to the rigorous safety and technical standards set by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), and EMSO’s local regulations. According to Aref Hamad Al Awani:”Building on the successes of the second season of the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge, and thanks to our strategic partnership with the Emirates Motorsports Organization, we look forward to consolidating these achievements in the third edition. Our aim is to further develop the skills of local drivers and prepare them to compete at the highest levels of international motorsport, both within the UAE and abroad. This challenge represents an important milestone that reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to developing motorsport and reinforcing its position as a leading global destination for major sporting events. It strengthens our international presence and attracts more sports enthusiasts from around the world to take part in its competitions.” Khalid Bin Sulayem also remarked:”We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in organising the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge, and we look forward to further growth and success in its third season. Abu Dhabi has a rich motorsport heritage, combined with its stunning natural landscapes and unique desert terrain, which provide an ideal setting for rally raid competitions. We believe that hosting local series such as the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge is a vital step in supporting Emirati competitors and sharpening their skills, preparing a new generation capable of competing both regionally and internationally. This was demonstrated in the participation of Emirati drivers in the last edition of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, one of the rounds of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship.” Launched as a community-focused sporting initiative, the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge is in line with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s mission to enhance the sports scene in the emirate. In a short span, it has attracted a diverse array of professional racers from across the GCC, eager to take part in this exciting new series. Team V.4-EM-UAE