Dubai Desert Rally…an inspiring journey of development and achievements

DUBAI, 18 JANUARY / WAM / The Dubai Desert Rally is one of the most prominent annual sporting events in the Middle East, as it is the final round of the World Cup for Desert Rallies for Cars and Motorcycles (BAHA).
The rally has witnessed remarkable development since its first launch in 1979, and has contributed to strengthening Dubai’s position as a regional and international center for rally sports, attracting the attention of sports fans and professionals from different parts of the world.
The Dubai Desert Rally occupies a prominent position in the world of desert rallies, as it is one of the oldest car and motorcycle sports championships in the UAE.
The International Automobile Federation and the International Motorcycle Federation organize the car and motorcycle championships, with the Dubai Desert Rally being the final round of both championships, and at its conclusion, the world champions in the rally are crowned.
The rally witnessed prominent milestones throughout its history, the most notable of which was its inclusion in the World Cross-Country Rally Championship, under the supervision of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) in 2017, in an event distinguished by the participation of the most prominent international names in motorsport, and in which records were recorded such as the fastest time. For the final stage, in addition to new challenges introduced to raise the level of competitiveness.
The rally is distinguished by the remarkable presence of Emirati and Gulf drivers. The star of Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi shone as one of the most prominent racers who raised the UAE’s name high in international forums. He won the Dubai Rally title more than once, and the Emirati Mohammed Al Balushi succeeded in winning the “Baha” World Championship title for motorcycles for the third time, through his results in the Dubai Rally, Achieving a historic achievement as the first Arab to achieve this achievement. The name of Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah also emerged as one of the Gulf heroes who achieved distinguished achievements in this rally, which reflects the level of Great competition between participants.
Observers and officials praised the tight organization of the rally and its role in highlighting the civilized face of Dubai. A number of international drivers have previously described the event as “one of the most challenging and exciting rallies in the world,” while FIA ​​officials have confirmed that the Dubai Desert Rally represents a role model in organizing sporting events.
The Dubai Desert Rally demonstrates the emirate’s ability to host world-class sporting events, enhancing its position as a sports and tourism destination.

Thanks to its advanced infrastructure and professional organization, Dubai has been able to attract the best teams and competitors, which contributes to promoting desert sports in the region.
Mohammed Khamis Al Muhairi, Vice President of the Emirates Motor and Motorcycle Organization, stressed that the Dubai Desert Rally enjoys a distinguished place in the calendar of the World Cup for Desert Rally Championships, pointing to its success throughout all its editions, as a result of its continued development in attracting the giants of motor and motorcycle sports in the region and the world.
He added that the club’s cooperation with the Dubai government, along with the International Automobile Federation and the International Motorcycle Federation, comes within the framework of its commitment to providing a distinguished experience that guarantees the highest standards of organization and safety for all participants and fans.
In turn, Emirati star Mohammed Al Balushi said that the Dubai Desert Rally is one of the most prominent sporting events in the Middle East region, pointing out the great importance it has gained through its continuity for 45 years, thanks to the strategic vision of those in charge of organizing this rally.
In turn, Maher Badri, Executive Director of the Emirates Motorcycle and Motorcycle Organization, said that the Dubai International Desert Rally is keen in every edition to make new changes to maintain the required excellence.
He added that new modifications were made in the latest version, the most notable of which is the addition of a stage in Hatta, which is a beautiful city that offers difficult and rocky terrain for competitors.

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