The countdown is on for the highly anticipated Dubai International Baja, taking place from 28th November to 1st December 2024. This year marks the 8th edition of the event in its current format, celebrating an impressive 45 years of history since its inception as the Dubai Rally in 1979. Recognised as one of the oldest motorsport events in the UAE and the wider region, the Baja promises a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 international off-road racing calendar.
The event is held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and is expertly organized by the Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO). With strong backing from the Dubai Government and its various entities – including the Dubai Police, RTA, and Dubai Municipality, in colaboration with the Dubai Sports Council – the Baja is poised to deliver an exceptional experience for both competitors and spectators alike.
For the first time, the Dubai International Baja will span four days, providing even more of an experience for participants and attendees. Building on successful initiatives from previous years, aimed at bringing the event closer to the public, a new prologue will be held in Hatta. This addition complements the traditional showcase of the stunning Dubai skyline and beautiful desert, introducing a different landscape nestled among mountains and nature. Surrounded by the mesmerizing Hatta mountains, this year’s prologue will highlight spectacular scenery that will astound an international audience through global TV broadcasts. Details of this exciting prologue will be shared in a separate announcement, with the showdown on Friday 29th November anticipated to be free for the public to attend.
The FIA and FIM run separate championships that intersect only on five occasions throughout the year, with the Dubai International Baja being one of the established hosts, crowning the 2024 Bajas World Cup winners for both calendars. Registration for the Dubai International Baja will close on 15th November, with expectations high for the world’s best Baja specialists to converge in Dubai for this ultimate showdown.
As preparations ramp up, excitement is building among competitors who will be vying for glory in this prestigious rally. The Dubai International Baja will serve as the final round of both the FIA World Baja Cup for cars and the FIM Bajas World Cup for bikes and quads, ensuring a dramatic climax as competitors battle for championship titles.
Muhammad Khamis Al Muhairi, Vice President of the EMSO and of the UAE Sports Executive Committee, stated: “The Dubai International Baja has become a staple in the calendar of the Bajas World Cup, and we are excited to host yet another season finale in the UAE. I am delighted to see how the event continues to evolve, successfully attracting both regional and international top athletes. We look forward to crowning the new 2024 champions next month in Dubai.”
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his unwavering support, which plays a crucial role in positioning the Dubai International Baja as a premier event in the world of motorsport. His patronage not only enhances the event’s standing as a key player in the motorsport arena, but also underscores Dubai’s status as a global leader in sports.
“Our collaboration with the Dubai Government, alongside the FIA and FIM, reflects our commitment to delivering a remarkable experience that upholds the highest standards of organization and safety for all participants and spectators. This year, the event returns to Dubai Festival City, and we are excited to unveil the introduction of a prologue that will astonish our regular competitors with a new and fascinating terrain in the always welcoming city of Hatta. We are positive that this inclusion will enhance the rally’s appeal for competitors, showcasing a landscape of Dubai that is perhaps less known to the international audience, and providing a fantastic spectacle for the local community to enjoy. With this mix, we anticipate a thrilling event that captivates audiences and competitors alike.”
As preparations continue, the stage is set for an exhilarating showcase of talent, speed, and resilience on the sandy terrain of Dubai. The Dubai International Baja is not just a race; it is a celebration of motorsport heritage and community spirit.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and organized by the Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO) in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council. The Baja is supported by Official Automotive Partner Al-Futtaim Toyota, Energy Partner ENOC, and the strategic collaboration of the Dubai Government and its entities, including the Dubai Police, RTA and Dubai Municipality.
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