Dubai Baja brings back the rally World Cup

World Cup rallying makes a welcome return to the UAE later this month when the Dubai International Baja combines two series taking the sport back into action across the globe.

The fourth edition of the rally takes place on February 18-20 under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.

The Dubai Baja was launched in 2017 as the natural successor to the Dubai International Rally, the UAE’s first major motorsport event with a 37-year history.

Ben Sulayem, who won it 15 times, responded to the head of the national motor sport authority by introducing the Baja format. Better suited to desert regions, this shorter version of a cross-country rally opened up the event to buggies, bikes and quads in addition to cars, and the move was rewarded with an increase in entries.

The event was ruled out last year by the COVID-19 pandemic. This event assembles a strong international line-up of drivers and riders for the second round of the 2021 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas for cars, and the opening round of the FIM Bajas World Cup for bikes.

Mohammad Ben Sulayem, also President of the Emirates Motorsports Organization, confirmed today that government authorities have given the official go ahead for the event on approving stringent COVID-19 protocol put in place by the EMSO.

“We’re particularly thankful this year for the support and encouragement given to us by Sheikh Hamdan, which was vital to help us bring back top-class rallying,” he added.