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Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge opens October 17 with 113 racers
Fourth season features four categories across Sweihan dunes with 23 nationalities represented.
The Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge 2026–2027 opens on October 17, 2026, with 113 competitors from 23 nationalities registered across four racing categories. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in collaboration with the Emirates Motorsport Organization, the event takes place in the Sweihan dunes. The entry list comprises 71 motorcycle competitors, 13 quad bike riders, nine car drivers and 20 buggy crews, according to Gulf News.
Fourth season across multiple desert locations#
The fourth season consists of four rounds staged at desert locations across Abu Dhabi. Routes exceed 100 kilometres and test navigation, vehicle control and endurance on sand dunes and varied terrain. Competitors include professionals, amateurs and emerging talents. Emirati participants registered in the motorcycle category include Mohammed Al Balooshi, Hamdan Al Ali and Khalifa Al Rumaithi, while the car category includes Mansour Al Heli and Khalid Al Kindi, Gulf News reported.
Categories and competitive structure#
The motorcycle category accounts for the largest share of entries with 71 competitors. The quad bike category has 13 entries, the car category nine and the buggy category 20. Each discipline requires distinct technical skills in riding or driving, speed management and route selection on sandy terrain. The event is open to both male and female competitors across the categories, according to the published entry list.
Event location and terrain#
The Sweihan dunes provide the competitive environment for the opening round. The desert landscape combines sand dunes with varied terrain that requires technical preparation and compliance with safety regulations. The location is part of Abu Dhabi's desert rally racing calendar. The event is designed to test physical and technical abilities in navigation and vehicle control under competitive conditions, Gulf News stated.
Sporting calendar positioning#
The Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge forms part of the emirate's motorsport calendar. The event combines desert rally racing with opportunities for spectators to observe the discipline. The challenge is structured to allow participants to gain experience in competitive conditions and develop skills applicable to regional and international championships. The fourth season continues the format established in previous editions, with multiple rounds across the season.
Sources1 source across 1 domain
- gulfnews.comGulf News113 competitors from 23 nationalities registered, opening round October 17, 2026, category breakdown, Emirati participant names, four-round season structure, route distance exceeding 100km
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