Prepare for the thunderous roar of engines echoing through the desert dunes of Dubai as the United Arab Emirates’ most iconic motorsport event, the Dubai International Baja, is all set to make its thrilling return next month for the ultimate showdown in World Cup Rallying.
This year marks the seventh edition of the event under its current format, and it promises to be bigger and more exciting than ever before.
Scheduled to take place from November 10th to 12th, the Dubai International Baja enjoys the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai. 
The high-octane event is meticulously organized by the Emirates Motorsport Organisation (EMSO), the governing body responsible for overseeing more than 150 motorsport events held annually in the UAE. It continues to receive unwavering support from the Dubai Government and strategic partners like Dubai Festival City, Toyota Al Futtaim, and ENOC.
Following the recent cancellation of the Jordan Baja due to geopolitical instability, the Dubai International Baja once again becomes the grand finale of the season. It is expected to host electrifying competitions in various categories in both the World Cups.
Originally scheduled to be the penultimate event of the season, the Dubai International Baja features on the calendar for both the 2023 FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas and the 2022 FIM Bajas World Cup. With several categories closely contested in the points standings and one less event on the calendar, anticipation is high, and the competition in Dubai promises to be a thrilling race for glory as both World Cups reach their climactic conclusions.
Khalid Ben Sulayem, President of EMSO, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are thankful for the unwavering support from H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Today, the rally stands tall as a testament to Dubai’s commitment to the world of sport. His Highness’s patronage ensures a top-tier event that brings world-class rallying to Dubai and showcases the best of Dubai to the Bajas World Series.”
He added, “We’ve been working closely with government authorities, as well as the FIA and the FIM, to not only stage an epic show but also ensure the highest organizational and safety standards for everyone involved.”
With Dubai Festival City providing a stunning backdrop for the rally, and exciting new innovations being introduced, the Dubai Baja promises to be an exhilarating experience for all.
The event organizers have been collaborating closely with strategic partners Al Futtaim Toyota and Dubai Festival City. They are planning to unveil some exciting new features that aim to deliver a spectacle like never before in the heart of the city in the coming days.
The roots of today’s event can be traced back to the late 1970s when it was known as the Dubai International Rally, primarily tailored for cars. Since 1997, EMSO (formerly ATCUAE) has been responsible for delivering the country’s oldest motorsport event. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, former President of EMSO and the current FIA President, played a pivotal role in the event’s transformation. By adopting a Cross-Country Baja format, which suits the UAE’s natural desert terrain, the event became accessible to not only cars but also buggies, bikes, and quads. This transformation attracted participants from across the region and internationally.
The event will kick off in Festival City in Dubai on Friday, November 10th, with the Official Pre-Event Press Conference, along with documentation and technical formalities, taking place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.