The Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge opens its fourth season on October 17, 2026 bringing a stacked field of 113 racers and crews representing 23 nationalities to the challenging desert dunes of Tilal Sweihan
ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge begins its fourth season on October 17, 2026, bringing 113 competitors from 23 nationalities to Tilal Sweihan. The opening round features motorcycles, quads, cars and buggies racing across desert routes.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in cooperation with the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO), the championship brings together experienced racers, amateur drivers and emerging motorsport talent from the UAE and abroad.
How many racers are competing?
The opening round features 113 competitors and crews across four categories, highlighting the variety of vehicles participating in the desert racing event.
Motorcycles account for the largest category, with 71 entries, followed by 20 buggy crews, 13 quad bike competitors and nine car crews.
The event includes both professional and amateur participants, giving newcomers an opportunity to compete alongside established racers.
What makes the Tilal Sweihan race challenging?
Tilal Sweihan is known for its sandy terrain, challenging dunes and demanding desert tracks.
Each championship round covers more than 100km, with individual laps measuring approximately 25km.
Competitors must combine speed with navigation skills, vehicle control and endurance to successfully complete the course.
The fastest participants are expected to finish in approximately two hours, although actual times will depend on racing conditions.
The Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge also includes different racing classes to accommodate varying vehicle specifications and experience levels.
Also Read:
Dubai World Cup 2026: 100 horses, nine races and $30.5 million on the line tomorrow night
Which UAE racers are participating?
Several Emirati competitors are listed among the participants, including motorcycle riders Mohammed Al Balooshi, Hamdan Al Ali and Khalifa Al Rumaithi.
The car categories also feature Emirati competitors, including Mansour Balhili and Khalid Al Kindi.
Female competitors are participating across motorcycle, car and buggy categories, reflecting the event’s wider participation opportunities.
When are the next Abu Dhabi Baja races?
The championship features four rounds scheduled between October 2026 and April 2027.
Following the Tilal Sweihan opener, the second round takes place in Liwa, within the Al Dhafra Region, on December 12–13, 2026.
The third round returns to Liwa on January 23, 2027, before the championship concludes in the Al Ain desert on April 10, 2027.
Cash prizes will be awarded to winners at each round.
Impact to expect
The Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge is expected to strengthen the emirate’s position as a destination for desert motorsport while providing opportunities for emerging UAE racers. The championship also encourages international participation, supports competitive off-road racing and highlights Abu Dhabi’s distinctive desert landscapes.
