AL AIN IN THE SPOTLIGHT, MADINAT ZAYED AND AL SILA LEADING THE WAY

Last year, for the first time in the history of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, the race started from Al Ain, the ancient city located 150 km east of the capital Abu Dhabi, which had previously hosted both the start and finish of the event. This year, Al Ain will take on both roles.

The second-largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built on the remains of prehistoric cultures dating back 8,000 years, this garden city, with its six oases and 1,200 hectares of palm groves, is considered one of the oldest settlements in the world.

After exploring new host cities such as Al Dhannah in 2023, Mezaira’a in 2024 and Al Ain last year, two new destinations will make their debut in 2026. First up is Madinat Zayed, the capital of Al Dhafra, the western region of the Emirate that accounts for more than 70% of its territory. This pivotal point on the route will serve as the main bivouac of this edition, hosting the finish of three of the five stages.

Then comes Al Sila. Located in the west of the Emirate, the town is renowned for its seaside camping environment. Competitors will be invited to enjoy this experience during the marathon bivouac. Last year, car crews experienced the concept alongside motorcycle riders for the first time. All competitors are once again expected to take part, and this year, a BBQ is on the menu.

A CHALLENGE WITH A WILD WEST TWIST

A FIM prologue and an FIA shakedown, followed by five stages, including four point-to-point stages and one loop stage: this is the outline of the 35^th edition of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. In figures, the route features “only” 23% dunes and 44% sandy tracks and off-piste terrain. Less sand means more variety! The terrain also includes 8% chotts, 12% dirt tracks and even 4% rocky sections.

A true rush to the West awaits competitors during the first two point-to-point stages (Al Ain–Madinat Zayed and Madinat Zayed–Al Sila). This unprecedented journey along the horizontal axis of the Tropic of Cancer will introduce completely new terrain and rocky landscapes to the event, particularly on the approach to the Al Sila peninsula. Faster tracks, sometimes with numerous possible routes, will create ideal conditions for navigation to play an increasingly important role, particularly during stages 2 and 3 on the round trip between Madinat Zayed and Al Sila.

But the script of this new Western does not forget the race’s fundamentals. Stage 4, a loop around Madinat Zayed, has been designed as a best-of selection of the most spectacular dune sections in the Liwa Desert. It will take competitors deep south towards the massive dunes of the famous Rub Al Khali.

Stage 5, which brings competitors back to Al Ain, will offer the chance to explore new areas, with a finish worthy of the sporting stakes on the horizon. The great dunes of Al Quaa are renowned for their spectacular views of the Milky Way. Far from inhabited areas, the night sky here is darker than almost anywhere else in the Emirates. For those hoping to step into the spotlight at the end of the championship, concentration will be essential right to the finish.

Al Ain, a cradle of nomadic civilisation, is a fitting destination to crown the new stars among the most outstanding travellers who have journeyed through the 2026 championship season.

THE PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME (*)

• Friday, November 6 midnight: Entries close
• Thursday, November 12 12/00 a.m.: Publication of the entry list
• Thursday, November 19 9:00 a.m.: Service park opens in Al Ain
• Saturday, November 21:
  • 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.: Administrative checks*
  • 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.: Technical scrutineering*

*Optional for FIA W2RC crews

• • 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.: Media Center opens, media accreditations
  • 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.: Pre-race press conference

• Sunday, November 22:
  • 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.: FIA W2RC administrative checks
  • 8:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m.: FIA W2RC technical scrutineering
  • 11:00 a.m.: FIM prologue (Total: 77 km / SS: 7 km)
  • 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: FIA shakedown

• Monday, November 23: Stage 1 (Al Ain – Madinat Zayed) / Total: 336 km / SS: 226 km
• Tuesday, November 24: Stage 2 (Madinat Zayed – Al Sila Marathon Camp) / Total: 389 km / SS: 330 km
• Wednesday, November 25: Stage 3 (Al Sila Marathon Camp – Madinat Zayed) / Total: 401 km / SS: 286 km
• Thursday, November 26: Stage 4 (Madinat Zayed – Madinat Zayed) / Total: 351 km / SS: 258 km
• Friday, November 27: Stage 5 (Madinat Zayed – Al Ain) / Total: 377 km / SS: 219 km
  • 6:00 p.m.: Post-race press conference
  • 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.: Prize-giving ceremony
  • 7:30 p.m.: W2RC season awards ceremony