The Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge is returning for its fourth season
Ready to trade the tarmac for sand?
The Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge is returning for its fourth season, bringing a new run of high-octane desert racing to the emirate between October 2026 and April 2027.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in collaboration with the Emirates Motorsports Organization, the challenge is set to bring together professional racers, ambitious amateurs and rising motorsport talent for four rounds across some of Abu Dhabi’s most spectacular desert terrain.
The 2026–2027 season gets underway at Tilal Sweihan on 17 October, before heading to Liwa in the Al Dhafra Region for the second round on 12 and 13 December.
Liwa will host the third round on 23 January, 2027, before the championship heads to the Al Ain desert on April 10 for the season finale.
Each round will cover more than 100 kilometres, with individual laps stretching approximately 25 kilometres.
The fastest competitors are expected to complete the course in around two hours, meaning there will be little time for anyone to take their foot off the throttle.
One of the biggest attractions of the Baja Challenge is that you don’t have to be a professional racer to get involved.
The competition is open to both professional and amateur competitors, creating an opportunity for newcomers to test themselves alongside more experienced drivers and riders.
The focus on emerging talent is a key part of the championship, giving new competitors valuable experience of desert racing while allowing them to develop their skills in a competitive environment.
And there’s plenty of variety on the starting grid, with cars, buggies, motorcycles and quads all taking part under Emirates Motorsports Organization regulations.
With Abu Dhabi’s vast and varied desert landscapes providing the backdrop, the challenge offers competitors a serious test of speed, stamina, navigation and technical ability.
There’s also something to race for, with cash prizes awarded to the winners of each round.
The latest season follows a strong third edition, which attracted more than 380 entries across four rounds and competitors representing more than 20 nationalities.
With participation continuing to grow, the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge is becoming an increasingly important fixture on the UAE’s desert racing calendar, and another reason to keep an eye on Abu Dhabi’s already packed motorsport scene.
October 2026 to April 2027, various locations in Abu Dhabi emirate. For further information, visit abudhabibajachallenge.com
