Thrills and dunes await as Dubai gears up for 2025 International Baja
Hatta and Al Qudra to challenge elite drivers and riders
DUBAI – Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Dubai International Baja will be held from 20 to 23 November.
Organised by the Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO), the event will serve as the finale of the FIA World Baja Cup for cars and the FIM Baja World Cup for bikes and quads, closing the Middle Eastern motorsport season with high-octane excitement.
Now approaching the close of registration, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be one of the most exhilarating motorsport spectacles on the global calendar.
What makes the Baja special?
This year marks the ninth edition of the event in its current Baja format and 46 years since its inception as the Dubai Rally in 1979. Over the decades, the Dubai International Baja has become one of the UAE’s oldest and most celebrated motorsport events, gaining international recognition for its striking desert landscapes and challenging routes.
The Baja’s demanding terrain – ranging from rugged mountains to soft desert sands – has earned it a reputation among competitors as one of the most beautiful yet toughest stages in off-road racing. The 2025 edition will again feature the event’s signature mix of Hatta’s mountain trails and Al Qudra’s vast dunes, ensuring a blend of technical skill and endurance.
Where will it take place?
The rally will once again be based at Dubai Festival City, a now-familiar hub for competitors and fans alike. From there, the Prologue will take racers through the Hajar Mountains of Hatta, showcasing the region’s dramatic natural beauty before they navigate two days of challenging desert stages in Al Qudra.
Strategic collaboration with Dubai Government entities—including Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and Dubai Municipality—ensures smooth operations and top-tier safety standards throughout the event. The Baja also continues its partnership with Al-Futtaim Toyota, the event’s Official Automotive Partner.
When does registration close?
Entries for the Dubai International Baja 2025 will remain open until 6 November, after which the official list of contenders will be announced.
Racers will aim to follow in the footsteps of the 2024 champions – Nasser Al Attiyah (cars), Konrad Dabrowski (motorcycles), and Abdulaziz Ahli (quads).
How is Dubai leading the race?
Khalid Ben Sulayem, President and Board Member of the EMSO, highlighted the Baja’s pivotal role in the international off-road scene. “The Dubai International Baja has firmly established itself as the final round of the Bajas World Cup calendar, and it’s a pleasure to welcome the season finale back to the UAE once again,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan for his continued support, noting that the Crown Prince’s vision has been instrumental in strengthening Dubai’s global sporting reputation. “Our partnership with the Dubai Government, FIA and FIM reflects our shared commitment to excellence, ensuring a world-class event that delivers both safety and spectacle,” he added.
This year’s Prologue will once again spotlight Hatta’s stunning mountain scenery, giving spectators a captivating view of Dubai’s diverse terrain and offering competitors a course that tests both skill and stamina.