Having celebrated its 25th anniversary event last year in 2015, the 2016 edition of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge returns bigger and better than ever. As the opening round of the 2016 FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship and the second round of the 2016 FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup, the event continues its role as one of Abu Dhabi’s most historic sporting events.

The legendary Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, one of the world’s most prestigious international cross country rallies, was founded by Emirati Motorsport legend and ATCUAE President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem back in 1991. Over the years it has seen many of the biggest names in international motorsport tackle the iconic dunes of the UAE, including Carlos Sainz, Colin McRae, Ari Vatenan, and Heinz Kinigadner. Following his victory in 2015, Marc Coma currently holds the record of eight ADDC titles, winning all but two rallies between 2006 and his retirement in 2015.

While previous Desert Challenges have seen motorbike, quad-bike, four wheel and truck competitors battle cross-emirate stages, the event in recent years has gradually migrated towards a majority routing through Abu Dhabi’s majestic desert areas.

During the Challenge, competitors face two days of documentation and scrutineering on a Thursday and Friday, before a Super Special Stage on a Saturday to decides the starting order. The rally then begins in earnest first thing Sunday morning when the competitors leave the initial Rally HQ at the famous Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi to begin five days in the Liwa Desert of the Empty Quarter.

Apr 01 to Apr 07, 2016

Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Al Gharbia