Sheikh Yas crowns winners of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge

Under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the 2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge – the second round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) – has concluded in thrilling fashion.

Organised by the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO) in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the event took place from February 21–27, marking a historic first with its start in Al Ain. The rally then passed through Al Qua’a, Al Dhafra (Mezaira’a), before culminating in Abu Dhabi.

During the closing ceremony, held on Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Yas Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented the winners across various categories with their trophies.

The event was graced by the presence of Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Senior Project Manager at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Mahir Badri, Chief Executive of EMSO, and numerous leading sports figures. The ceremony also included a special tribute to the event’s sponsors and key supporters.

Sheikh Yas Bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised the significance of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge as a testament to the UAE’s leadership in hosting world-class sporting events. He commended the organisers and competitors for their outstanding efforts and stated: "We take great pride in having this global event as part of the UAE’s major sports calendar, and we look forward to even greater achievements in the future."

This year’s rally marked a milestone with a bold new route. For the first time in its 34 years, the event started in Al Ain and travelled through Al Dhafra, with the bivouac stationed in Mezaira’a, before concluding in Abu Dhabi. This innovative change saw 60% of the course redesigned, setting a new benchmark for the event’s evolution.

The much-anticipated alteration not only enhanced the rally’s dynamic nature but also preserved the thrill and challenges that have defined the Desert Challenge for over three decades.

Recognised as one of the most prestigious motorsport events in the region, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge attracts world-class drivers and riders who tackle the desert’s demanding terrain, testing both their skill and endurance. The rally continues to reinforce its reputation as a premier long-distance desert rally on the global stage.

Since its inception 34 years ago, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge has been a cornerstone of the global rally-raid scene. Initially a bold vision conceived by Mohammed Ben Sulayem - current President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsports - the event has evolved into an international motorsport benchmark for skill, endurance, and determination.

Since its launch in 1991, the rally has welcomed some of the biggest names in the sport, including Jean-Louis Schlesser, Stéphane Peterhansel, Nasser Al-Attiyah and Yazeed Al-Rajhi, cementing its place as one of the most iconic events in the motorsport world.

The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is hosted with the support of Energy partner ADNOC Distribution; the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi; Technology Partner e&; and Official Logistics Partner DHL. The event is also made possible thanks to Automotive Partner Al-Futtaim Toyota, as well as governmental support from the Ministry of Defence & UAE Armed Forces, Abu Dhabi Police, Civil Defence, Abu Dhabi Distribution Co, Al Dhafra Region Municipality, Tadweer, and media partner Abu Dhabi Sports TV.