With a fourty-four-year history, Dubai International Baja has transitioned from the Dubai International Rally to its current seven editions as Dubai International Baja. In the latest event, the organisers successfully ensured a seamless execution with no notable injuries or incidents, solidifying the Baja's position in global motorsport.

Mohammed Al Balooshi's remarkable victory on his Yamaha MX450 at the Dubai International Baja secured him the 2023 FIM Bajas World Cup, making him the first Arab rider to achieve this distinction. 

In the Quads category, Abdulaziz Ahli (Yamaha) claimed a famous victory with wins in both special stages. Other notable winners include Nasser Al-Attiya with Mathieu Baumel in cars, Otavio Sousa Leite and João Ferreira in the T3 category, Aliyyah Koloc and Riann Greyling in the FIA Middle East Cup for Cross-Country Bajas, and Khalid Al-Feraihi and Sébastien Delaunay in the FIA Middle East Cup Drivers' Championship.

Reflecting on another successful edition of the Dubai International Baja and the end of another great season of off-road rallying in the Middle East, Khalid Ben Sulayem, President of the Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO), said:

“I look with pride at the way in which the event has blossomed in recent years. After all the wonderful competition and the hard work by the EMSO team and all the stakeholders we can celebrate the successful delivery of another great chapter in Dubai International Baja history.

“We can be proud of this achievement and grateful for all the wonderful support we have had from the government agencies and our commercial partners.  

“Today’s international Baja is a clear example of how adapting the sport to better suit a certain community or a natural type of terrain can be a benefit in so many positive ways. This transformation has allowed for the sport to grow in the region and seven editions after the first Dubai International Baja, the country now has a two-time World Cup winner. 

EMSO President highlighted the importance of grassroots development for a sustainable sport, acknowledging the strong performance of Emirati and GCC competitors in both FIA and FIM World Cups.

About the Dubai International Baja

The Dubai International Baja takes place under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of the Dubai Executive Council. 

The event is organised by the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO), in cooperation with Automotive partner Al Futtaim Toyota, Dubai Festival City, Energy Partner ENOC, and Al Ain Water. The rally is also supported by the Dubai Government and its entities Dubai Police, RTA, Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Customs, Dubai Civil Defence, Wild Affairs Region Department, Dubai Media and Dubai Sport TV.

The seventh edition of this desert classic event kicked off in Festival City in Dubai on Friday, November 10th, with the evening prologue stage offering spectators a chance to see all of the competitors in action ahead of Saturday and Sunday’s cross-country legs.