History of the DC

The United Arab Emirates, founded in 1971, comprise seven Emirates; Ajman, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al Khaima, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain.

The terrain varies from the bare rock mountains of the north and east to the spectacular sand desert that runs south into Saudi Arabia and is the northern edge of the Rub al Khali - the "Empty Quarter".

The event was conceived by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, whose motorsport career goes back to the early ’80’s. Mohammed who has a record 14 FIA titles to his name, is the driving force behind the event is uniquely qualified in his role having very considerable experience as a competitor and an organiser together with unparalleled knowledge of the desert, local customs and protocol.

The event now spans six days, starting with the Prologue, a spectator "show" stage in Dubai which serves as a qualifying stage ie establishes the running order for the main event in the desert.

The event begins with a ceremonial Start in Abu Dhabi and heads south into the desert for the first of five hard days of stages. The desert base, the "Bivouac", is located at a new site, the Moreeb Hill, the sixty degree slipface of which is used as a hill climb in a unique and rapidly developing niche sport.

Although deep in the desert, communications are maintained for the Media thanks to the generous support and expertise of Inmarsat, whose support of the WRC is well known.

Organisation

The Desert Challenge is organised, annually, by a small core of volunteers many of whom have experience of the event since its inception, fourteen years ago. This group is supplemented during the event by many local and expatriate enthusiasts of the desert and the sport who offer their time and resource to ensure that the event is successful in every aspect.

The event also enjoys and appreciates the full support of the ruling families of the Emirates, the Government, the Municipalities, the Armed Forces, Civil Defence and most importantly, the Medical resource of the UAE.

This website is maintained by ANLONITS, a young and rapidly expanding company based at the Dubai Internet City. The Organisation is very aware of the importance of the event website which until recently has been a novelty, but which is now expected to be the first line of communication to the worldwide competitors and audience of Cross Country rallying.

The Desert Challenge takes this opportunity to thank ANLONITS and its enthusiastic and innovative management and staff, for their support, expertise and advice. We hope that others will consult and utilise their skills as a result of and in acknowledgement of the ANLONITS support for the Desert Challenge.

The UAE is no longer a developing country. It is situated at a crossroads between the East and Europe, Africa and Asia and is now a global travel and tourism hub. The available facilities can match and better those of any other country in the World.

Guests, Tours and Fans

The Desert Challenge presents an ideal opportunity, in exotic surroundings, to follow a major event in the motorsport calendar.

The rally is the final round of both the FIA and the FIM Cross Country Rally World Cups, which only adds to the excitement as the titles are decided.

Individuals, Tour Operators, Sponsors, Manufacturers and Groups who wish to watch the action and integrate with the event, may join the competitors at the Bivouac.

While travel arrangements and accommodation, before and following the rally, cannot be arranged by the Desert Challenge Organisation, tented accommodation and catering, at the Bivouac, as well as attendance at the Gala Dinner/Prizegiving, can be arranged by completing the form and submitting it, by E-Mail, to rallyuae@emirates.net.ae