This year’s Rally, to be held on December 8, will be a candidate event to the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies and the FIM Bajas World Cup for Cross Country Rallies.
This new move will enhance the size and quality of participation in the Dubai International Rally by attracting competitors from all around the world to compete in various racing categories.
Mohammed ben Sulayem, president of organisers the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) and president of the Emirates Motor Sport Federation (EMSF), said: “We would like to thank HH Sheikh Hamdan bin
“We are proud to take the Dubai International Rally to a new level that befits the name of Dubai. This move comes after sustained efforts over 37 years, during which the rally maintained its participation as a part of the Middle East Rally Championship.
“Today it moves to a world level to be a part of international championships including rallies of Russia, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Portugal and Egypt. The new move will add a new milestone achievement to the UAE Motorsport record.
“It is our responsibility as a rally organiser to develop the event in a way that ensures greater benefits for both Dubai and the UAE in terms of promoting the emirate and the country as a worldwide destination for tourism and sport. On the other hand, we had to search for new global partnerships that are interested in developing prestigious events like the Dubai International Rally and offer many advantages for the competitors.”
The Automobile and Touring Club has received FIA approval to organise the Dubai International Rally as a candidate event. The rally categories will feature cars, motorbikes, buggies and quads.
A specialised team from the FIA will assess the course of the rally and decide if it meets regulations to be a part of the World Championships.
This will enhance the size and quality of participation in the event by attracting competitors from around the world to compete.