Hosted by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) in conjunction with the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE),
the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, or UAE Desert Challenge as it was formerly known, is one of the biggest events for motor sport enthusiasts the world over. With a growing reputation as one of the globe’s pr
emier cross-country rallies, it attracts scores of visitors to the sandy shores of Abu Dhabi to witness a sporting event like no other in the heart of the Emirates. Rebranded as the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in March ’09, the race comprises of a motor sport extravaganza that takes place within five action-packed days that tour the entirety of Abu Dhabi whose scenic landscape provide the perfect backdrop.

With a great majority of its race routes laid out amidst the desert terrains of Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge includes quad bike, motor bike, four wheel and truck races that see competitors from across the world battle it out in the Emirati desert, vying for that coveted first position. Up to 100 marshals also come in to man the checkpoints along the race route and work long hours on a voluntary basis to make sure the races run smoothly and without incident.
During the five-day period, the racers must go through two days of inspection and documentation which usually takes place on a Friday or Saturday, before entering the Super Special Stage on Sunday. This stage decides the starting order of the races and determines which competitors take on the harsh terrains of Moreeb in the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali) and the scorching Liwa Desert in the five days to follow.
The brainchild of 14-time Middle East Rally Champion, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who is the sitting president of the ATCUAE and VP for sport at the FIA, the Challenge has been sponsored by industry giants such as Adnoc, Nissan, Explorer Publishing, Oasis and Hertz in the past. With a history that spans nearly 18 years, the Desert Challenge is a decidedly more demanding race than the Dakkar Rally, according to veteran racers, due to its unique environmental conditions.

Those on the hunt for an Abu Dhabi luxury hotel with a difference will be more than satisfied with the elegant Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. Quietly nestled on a 1km-long private beachfront, this stylish rest with state-of-the-art facilities is also a one of the most conveniently situated Abu Dhabi hotels in the city, with the airport less than 15 minutes away.