The 2025 Dubai International Baja has attracted the world’s top off-road crews to Dubai Festival City Mall as excitement builds for the start of the event. The ninth edition of this rally-raid promises a weekend filled with speed, skill, and adrenaline as drivers and riders prepare for the Hatta Prologue and the main Baja competition. The Service Park is buzzing with activity as teams finalize their preparations, ensuring their vehicles are ready for the challenging desert and mountainous terrain ahead.
Established World Cup crews will face stiff competition from several one-off entries, making this year’s event unpredictable and thrilling. Fans can expect an action-packed weekend with high-speed racing, tactical maneuvering, and dramatic moments across every stage.
Top Competitors and Star Drivers
FIA Bajas World Cup leader Juan Cruz Yacopini arrives in Dubai aiming for his fifth win in seven events this season. Known for his speed and consistency, Yacopini will face competition from American sensation Seth Quintero and Australian motorcycle legend Toby Price. While not competing for World Cup points, these Dakar stars are participating in Toyota Hilux vehicles from Toyota Gazoo Racing and are expected to draw significant attention from fans and media alike.
Local talent is also at the forefront. Mohammed Al Balooshi leads the motorcycle category, starting his title campaign at his home event. After finishing as runner-up last year, Al Balooshi is determined to make a strong impact on his home tracks. In the quad category, UAE rider Abdulaziz Ahli seeks a third consecutive Dubai victory, having dominated the previous two seasons with impressive skill and precision.
Returning drivers such as Czech competitor Martin Prokop and Saudi Arabia’s Dania Akeel add depth to the field. Both have shown strong performances throughout the season and are expected to challenge for top positions, ensuring the competition remains fierce.
Hatta Prologue Sets the Stage
The Hatta Prologue is a key highlight of the Dubai International Baja, providing an exciting and spectator-friendly start to the weekend. The rugged mountains and gravel tracks of Hatta offer a challenging course that tests both driver skill and vehicle endurance. Spectators can witness dramatic maneuvers and high-speed action while enjoying the unique landscape of the region.
Following the prologue, a newly designed spectator zone in Al Marmoom allows fans to get close to the action on Saturday and Sunday. This area has been carefully planned to maximize visibility and engagement, providing an immersive experience for both casual visitors and off-road enthusiasts. The combination of accessibility, scenic desert views, and thrilling racing makes the event highly appealing to all audiences.
New Vehicles and Global Debuts
This year, the Dubai International Baja also features the global competition debut of the new Defender project. Two entries showcase this new development effort as part of preparations for the 2026 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship. The addition of these vehicles demonstrates the event’s role as a platform for innovation, attracting attention from teams, fans, and manufacturers alike.
The blend of returning veterans and new challengers creates a dynamic racing environment. Drivers must combine strategy, endurance, and speed to perform well across all stages. Fans can expect intense battles and surprising results, with every category offering its own storylines and memorable moments.
Local Heroes Take the Spotlight
Dubai International Baja continues to serve as a stage for local talent to shine. Mohammed Al Balooshi and Abdulaziz Ahli exemplify the dedication and skill of UAE competitors. Their performances are closely followed by fans, with hopes of seeing homegrown champions succeed on the international stage.
The UAE’s growing motorsport community has steadily produced new stars, and events like the Dubai International Baja allow them to compete against some of the world’s best off-road racers. The presence of international stars alongside local heroes makes the competition both challenging and inspiring, highlighting the global appeal of the event.
EMSO and Event Organization
Mahir Badri, CEO of EMSO, expressed pride in hosting such a diverse mix of talent at a press conference before the event. He highlighted the event’s growth into a world-class rally-raid, recognizing the commitment of teams, organizers, and media partners. Badri also acknowledged the role of broadcasters in delivering daily highlights to fans worldwide, enhancing the event’s reach and engagement.
The Dubai International Baja is not just a race; it represents a celebration of motorsport culture and collaboration. Teams, riders, organizers, and fans all contribute to the event’s success, creating an environment where both competition and community thrive.
Spectator Experience
Fans attending the 2025 Dubai International Baja can expect high-octane racing, dramatic stages, and thrilling challenges. From Hatta’s rugged mountains to the expansive desert tracks of Al Marmoom, every stage is designed to test driver skill and vehicle performance. Spectator zones have been thoughtfully created to offer the best possible viewing experiences, allowing fans to feel the intensity of the race while enjoying the desert environment.
The event caters to both motorsport enthusiasts and casual visitors, with opportunities to observe technical maneuvers, interact with drivers, and experience the excitement of off-road racing up close. The combination of accessibility and world-class competition makes the Dubai International Baja a standout event on the global motorsport calendar.
A Celebration of Off-Road Racing
The Dubai International Baja is a celebration of speed, skill, and endurance. It brings together elite drivers, rising stars, and local talent in a showcase of off-road excellence. With challenging tracks, thrilling battles, and innovative vehicles, the event highlights the best of rally-raid racing while offering fans an immersive and engaging experience.
As competitors prepare for the Hatta Prologue, anticipation is at its peak. From local champions aiming for victory to international stars pushing the limits of speed, the Dubai International Baja promises unforgettable moments, intense competition, and inspiring stories across all categories.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Dubai International Baja highlights the UAE’s growing importance in global motorsport. By combining challenging terrain, top-tier competition, and fan-friendly experiences, the event demonstrates the country’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
With elite teams ready, local talent eager to shine, and new vehicles making their debut, the 2025 Dubai International Baja is set to deliver excitement and high-level competition. Fans, teams, and organizers alike will leave the event with memories of thrilling races, outstanding performances, and a clear sense of why Dubai has become a premier destination for off-road racing.
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