Second Round of Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge Launches in Liwa

Post by : Mara Rahim

This Saturday, the Al Dhafra region in Liwa will host the second round of the third season of the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in collaboration with the Emirates Motorsports Organisation, the event showcases 91 competitors hailing from 24 different countries, which includes a strong contingent of 22 Emirati drivers competing in both professional and amateur categories.

Participants will navigate a demanding 100-kilometre desert track over four laps, presenting challenges of soft sand dunes. The lineup consists of 58 motorcycles, 8 quads, 8 cars, and 17 buggies, pushing the limits of skill, speed, and endurance. Competitors are representing nations such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the UK, Germany, France, South Africa, USA, India, Russia, Lebanon, Canada, Switzerland, Ireland, Uzbekistan, China, Lithuania, Italy, Pakistan, Romania, Ukraine, Denmark, and Spain.

Female racers will also feature prominently, with talents like Healy Honour (Motorcycles, South Africa), Sone Schaffler (Motorcycles, South Africa), Tracy Pia Zgheib (Motorcycles, Lebanon), Emilija Gilaznienkė (Buggy, Lithuania), and Noura Al Jasasi (Cars, UAE) competing in various categories.

Talal Mustafa Al Hashimi, Executive Director of the Events Sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, emphasized the significance of this round as it unites both amateur and professional drivers in an exhilarating setting.

The organizing committee has scheduled technical inspections and administrative checks for Friday from 4:00 to 9:00 pm. Race-day registration will take place from 6:00 to 7:30 am, followed by a briefing for drivers. The first batch of racers is expected to commence at 8:30 am, with the award ceremony slated for 11:00 am at the finish line podium.