Over 100 Competitors to Line Up for the Season Opener of the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge in Tilal Swaihan This Saturday

The third season of the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge kicks off this Saturday, October 25, in the Tilal Swaihan area of Al Ain. The event is organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) in collaboration with the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO). 
The opening round will feature around 100 competitors from 31 countries, including over 25 Emirati drivers and riders, bringing together a dynamic mix of professionals and amateurs. The event promises an atmosphere full of excitement, challenge, and adventure across the golden Tilal Swaihan —one of the UAE’s most iconic desert destinations for off-road enthusiasts. The area’s varying dune heights and terrain make it an ideal setting for endurance and cross-country rally competitions. 
The opening round will feature 62 motorcycles, 8 quads (ATVs), 8 cars, and 22 buggies, tackling a desert stage exceeding 100 kilometers, composed of five laps through the soft sands of Al Ain’s desert. The route offers a unique test of skill, speed, and endurance for all participants. 
Competitors hail from across the globe, representing countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Portugal, South Africa, Australia, the United States, India, Russia, China, Japan, Lebanon, Jordan, Canada, Uzbekistan, Switzerland, Poland, Brazil, and more. 
Talal Mustafa Al Hashemi, Executive Director of Events at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, emphasized the significance of the third season’s return, saying: “Once again, the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge unites professionals and amateurs in a thrilling yet safe competitive environment, conducted in line with the highest safety standards for the opening round of the season".
Al Hashemi added that the championship will feature four rounds, with overall titles decided based on cumulative points across all events, and champions to be crowned at the end of the fourth round. He highlighted the strong international participation as a testament to the event’s growing reputation as one of the region’s leading motorsport competitions. 
He continued: "Through organizing such events, we reaffirm the Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s commitment to developing local driver talent and encouraging their participation in major international championships both within and beyond the UAE. We also value our ongoing partnership with the Emirates Motorsports Organization, our strategic collaborator in this initiative, and look forward to an exciting and successful new season".
Schedule 
Friday, October 24 – Administrative and Technical Scrutineering: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM 
Saturday, October 25 – Race Day: 
o   Competitor registration: 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM 
o   Drivers’ briefing: following registration 
o   Official start (first batch): 8:30 AM 
o   Podium ceremony: 11:45 AM at the designated finish line awards area 
The organizing committee of the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge continues to strengthen efforts to develop local motorsport talent. Through its four-round calendar within Abu Dhabi Emirate, the third edition aims to give emerging drivers the opportunity to compete alongside seasoned regional and international professionals. The initiative further reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination for desert motorsport and off-road racing.