Thrilling conclusion to the first round of the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge – 2025/2026 Season in Tilal Sweihan

The first round of the third edition of the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge 2025-2026, organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in collaboration with the Emirates Motorsports Organization, concluded in Tilal Sweihan of the Al Ain region with more than 100 competitors from 31 countries, including more than 25 Emirati drivers, in an event that brought together professionals and amateurs from across the globe. 
The opening round featured 62 motorcycles, 8 quads, 8 cars and 22 buggies, all competing on a desert-sand course spanning over 100 km through five laps among the soft sand dunes of the Al Ain desert, delivering a unique experience combining speed, skill and endurance. 
The results saw several champions shine, with British driver David Mapps and co-driver David McBride crowned winners of the Cars (T3) category and taking the overall top spot. Saudi driver Omar Al Lahm and co-driver Mohammed Al Maikel won the Cars (T1) category. Emirati driver Atif Al Zarouni and co-driver Patrick McMorn topped the T4 category. Emirati female driver Nora Al Jassasi and co-driver Hamad Al Zarouni also stood out in the same category. In the professional buggy category, Russian Sergey Kryakin finished first, followed by Lithuanian Emilia Gielazinkiene in second place, and Emirati Mansour Al Suwaidi was prominent among the quads category. 
The winners were crowned by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Sultan Al Nehyan, Director of International Events at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Maher Al Badri, CEO of the Emirates Motorsports Organization; Ayman Al Bijaoui, Executive Director of Marketing & Sales at Bin Hamouda Automobiles; and Awad Al Murr, Advisor to the Emirates Motorsports Organization. 
The second round of the challenge is scheduled for 13 December, with registration details and schedule to be announced soon.