The 2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge entered its most demanding phase today as drivers and riders embarked on the first part of an epic two-stage marathon into some of the most remote areas of the UAE. And the gruelling e& Stage 3 was made even tougher by fierce winds, eventually leading Race Control to halt running due to safety concerns.
Usually only available to bike competitors, this year’s marathon stage included cars for the first time. The 2025 edition also introduced the incredible Al Qua’a area to the Desert Challenge for the first time.
Situated in the remote eastern region of Abu Dhabi, Al Qua’a is famed as the darkest place in the UAE. Known as the ‘Milky Way Spot,’ it’s a favourite haunt for stargazers seeking the lowest levels of light pollution. This isolated location forms the perfect backdrop for the excitement of the marathon camp.
Surrounded by endless red dunes, the drivers and riders had to make any necessary repairs at the bivouac without outside assistance overnight. Maintaining contact with the outside world in such a remote location is not easy, but with the support of e&, the event stays on track.
Fares Hamad Fares, Vice President of Digital Communications at e&, said: “The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is the ultimate test of endurance, skill, and determination—values that are at the heart of e&’s ‘Go for More’ brand ethos. This rally embodies the spirit of pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and delivering next-level performance, inspiring racers and fans alike to strive for more.
“Just as this rally pushes limits in the world’s toughest terrains, we’re taking connectivity a step ahead to power the future of extreme sports, ensuring that every moment of ambition and adventure is seamlessly connected.”
The third stage of the Desert Challenge, over 80% of which comprised sand and massive dunes, was made even more difficult by strong winds that stirred up clouds of fine sand and dust. Combined with pale, overcast skies that blurred the edges of the dunes and robbed the riders of any shade, the route to Al Qua’a proved a real test of endurance. With the severity of the gusts making helicopter support more difficult in the afternoon, Race Control took the decision to halt FIA competitors still on course. However, the stoppage did not affect the top Ultimate car class competitors, who had already completed the stage.
Al-Attiyah Seizes the Car Lead, Schareina Retakes the Top Spot in Bikes
Dacia’s Nasser Al-Attiyah powered through to win the stage, beating Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Seth Quintero by 3m 59s. Lucas Moraes, in another Toyota Hilux, finished half a minute further back in third. Al-Attiyah also moved into the overall lead, but a Dacia one-two was denied when Sébastien Loeb received a 2-minute penalty for speeding, dropping him to third overall, 1m 57s behind Moraes.
In the bikes category, Monster Energy Honda HRC rider Tosha Schareina roared back to the top of the standings in Stage 3, beating Red Bull KTM Factory Team’s Luciano Benavides by 2m 15s. Honda made it a double podium with Ricky Brabec securing third.
Schareina’s stage win vaults the Spaniard back to the overall lead, now 1m 19s ahead of Stage 2 winner Daniel Sanders and almost 2 minutes clear of third-placed Benavides. Red Bull KTM rider Sanders finished Stage 3 in sixth.
In Rally 2, Michael Docherty continued his dominant run, securing his fourth straight stage win. The unstoppable SRG Motorsports rider outpaced Duust Rally Team’s Konrad Dabrowski by 6m 27s, with SRG teammate Tobias Ebster two minutes further back in third. Docherty now holds a commanding 22m 18s lead over the Pole and 38m 17s over the Austrian.
With the later-running Challenger and SSV classes halted by the winds, and in accordance with FIA regulations, Race Control will allocate times to affected competitors, with results to be published later.
In Quads, Emirati racer Abdulaziz Ahli stormed to victory, finishing 11m 17s ahead of Poland’s Marcin Wilkołek and over 22 minutes clear of Marek Łój, who now leads the overall classification.
A Stage for the History Books
At the end of the first marathon stage, Emirates Motor Sports Organization (EMSO) President H.E. Khalid Ben Sulayem said: “The marathon stage is always one of the most intense phases of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, truly testing the resilience of competitors. For the first time in the 34-year history of the event, this challenge is faced by cars as well as bikes, and it will be fascinating to see the impact on the leaderboard.
“Another milestone this year is our first-ever visit to the incredible Al Qua’a area, where the marathon camp is based. ‘The Milky Way Spot’ is the darkest part of the UAE, and I am sure it will both inspire and challenge the competitors. Finally, staying connected in such a remote region requires remarkable technology, and I would like to thank e& for their invaluable support.”
Tomorrow’s Al-Futtaim Toyota Stage 4 will bring the marathon section of the Desert Challenge to a close, as competitors return to Mezaira’a on another voyage through the Empty Quarter. The 394 km route features a full 300 kilometres of special stage—another test of endurance and skill.
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region. The event is organised by the Emirates Motorsports Organization in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is hosted with the support of Energy partner ADNOC Distribution; the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi; Technology Partner e&; and Official Logistics Partner DHL. The event is also made possible thanks to Automotive Partner Al-Futtaim Toyota, as well as governmental support from the Ministry of Defence & UAE Armed Forces, Abu Dhabi Police, Civil Defence, Abu Dhabi Distribution Co, Al Dhafra Region Municipality, Tadweer, and media partner Abu Dhabi Sports TV.
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