Abu Dhabi Sports Council sets stage for Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge in Tilal Swaihan

Scrutineering is underway for the newly formed Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge, presented by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and organised by the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO).

The first event of the four round championship is set to take place this Saturday (14 October) in Tilal Swaihan. Situated in the Swaihan Hill area, this hub for motorsports in Abu Dhabi is capable of hosting a wide range of desert events and sports in the region due to its unique terrain that enhances the competitive element.

The first round will witness the participation of 8 cars, 49 motorcycles, 10 quads, and 10 buggies, the competition having attracted the interest of contestants from several countries, especially from the Gulf Cooperation Council bloc.

Tilal Swaihan, with its strong community presence and role in the development of sport in the region, provides the perfect backdrop for the first event of the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge.

Also focussing on talent development, Abu Dhabi Baja will provide a platform for small teams and private individuals to compete, with career-building prize money on offer as well as an opportunity to hone the skills needed to participate in international forums.

Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “The Abu Dhabi Sports Council is proud to be working with the EMSO on the inaugural season of the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge. Having previously worked together on prestigious events such as the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, the EMSO now lends itself to an exciting new venture. We also look forward to bringing the first round of the series to Tilal Swaihan.

“The Council aims to realise their vision with this new community championship, providing the opportunity for fans and lovers of motorsport to compete in a safe environment, following the highest safety standards. I wish all participants the greatest success and safety.”

Ali Khalifa Al Qamzi, General Manager of the Al Ain Municipality and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Swaihan Desert Festival, said: “We are excited that the Swaihan Hills will host the launch of the first stage of the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge and welcome its selection as the starting point for the opening of the community challenge in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

“The Al Ain Municipality has worked hard over the past six years to prepare the area with the appropriate infrastructure and facilities to become an additional tourist destination in Al Ain that can host championships and competitions in various categories of desert sports, most notably the organization of the Swaihan Festival since 2017.”

Khalid Bin Sulayem, the EMSO’s President, commented: “We have had the privilege of hosting the elite in the rally-raid discipline in the UAE and through our work with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, we hope to take things a step further to support the progress of the championship and raise it to the highest standards.

“We would also like to thank Tilal Swaihan for their support in hosting the event. Their assistance will certainly help to encourage people of all abilities across Abu Dhabi to get active and develop the sporting community in the region.”The Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge is held under the umbrella of Abu Dhabi 360, the initiative that encourages all segments of society to make sports part of a daily lifestyle. The Challenge’s first and second stages will be held before the end of 2023, while the third and fourth will kick-start in early 2024 before the expected date of the Abu Dhabi Desert Rally.

The top three overall winners in the first round of the car and motorcycle categories will be awarded cups and medals, in addition to financial prizes.