Updated 10:15 PM,Oct 26,2023
Dubai Desert Rally is set to deliver an exciting experience as the Dubai Desert Rally kicks off, the oldest motorsport and motorcycle racing event in the United Arab Emirates. This year’s edition will mark the seventh iteration of the event in its new format, featuring top rally drivers from around the world.
The rally will be held under the gracious patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, from November 10 to 12. The event promises to be the most thrilling yet, building on the legacy of previous editions.
Backed by the Government of Dubai, the rally is organized under the supervision of the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO), which oversees more than 150 annual motorsport and motorcycle racing events across the UAE.
With the cancellation of the Jordan Baja Rally due to ongoing regional political instability, the Dubai Desert Rally will become the final round of the FIA World Baja Cup. This will intensify competition across all categories, as championship points and the ultimate title will be decided during this event.
A narrow point gap between leaders in several categories raises expectations for a highly competitive showdown, with intense battles expected to determine the final standings in the FIA World Baja Cup for both cars and motorcycles.
Khalid Bin Suleiman, President of the Emirates Motorsports Organization, said: “We are deeply grateful for the continuous support from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The success of this event reflects Dubai’s strong commitment to sports. His Highness’s generous patronage allows us to host a world-class event in Dubai and showcase the city’s beauty to all participants.”
“We are working closely with government entities, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) to ensure this edition stands out through exceptional competition, flawless organization, and the highest safety standards.”
The roots of this rally trace back to the 1970s, when it was known as the Dubai International Rally, originally a car-only event held annually. Since 1979, the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO) has been responsible for organizing every edition of the Dubai Desert Rally.
His Excellency Mohammed Bin Suleiman, former President of EMSO and current President of the FIA, played a key role in shaping the rally’s evolution. The event’s alignment with the UAE’s desert terrain and the inclusion of motorcycle categories transformed it from a car-focused race into a multi-category spectacle. This expansion brought remarkable success and significantly increased participation from across the Gulf region and beyond.
The event begins on Friday, November 10, at Dubai Festival City, where a press conference will officially launch the rally. Technical inspections, documentation, and administrative procedures will take place from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Then, inspection and documentation processes will begin from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
