Celebrating its 33rd the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious international cross-country rallies. The event was founded in 1991 by Emirati motorsport legend and current FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and is organized by the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO). The 2024 edition will have an emphasis on sustainability, and with added racing thrills, 2024 will see the introduction of a second rally bivouac and the action reaching new areas of the Al Dhafra region, after a successful introduction last year.
33 years in, and thanks to the patronage of Abu Dhabi’s Government through the strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and energy partner ADNOC Distribution, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge has earned the reputation of being an event run to the highest safety and organizational standards, where participants can benefit from Abu Dhabi’s world-class infrastructure. Today, the Desert Challenge is considered by competitors to be the most technical race on the calendar.
ADDC is the second round of W2RC 2024, and will be valid for both FIM and FIA World Rally-Raid Championships.
This years edition of the ADDC will take place from the 23rd of February and finish on the 2nd of March with the following program:
| Dates | Location | Description |
| Feb 23rd (Friday) | Abu Dhabi – | • Teams and competitors allowed to arrive and setup in Service Park.** |
| Feb 24th (Saturday) | Abu Dhabi – Pre-Event Test Area |
Teams and competitors allowed to arrive and setup in Service Park.** Pre-Event Test location Tilal Swaihan* |
| Feb 25th (Sunday) | Abu Dhabi – Pre-Event Test Area |
Event Documentation, Scrutineering Press Conference Competitors Briefing Pre-Event Test Location Tilal Swaihan* |
| Feb 26th (Monday) | Abu Dhabi to | All competitors transfer from Abu Dhabi to Al Dhannah Ceremonial Start / Prologue at Al Dhannah Desert location Auto/Moto Start Order selection conducted at Al Dhannah Heritage Village*. |
| Feb 27th (Tuesday) | Al Dhannah | • Stage 1 |
| Feb 28th (Wednesday) |
Al Dhannah to | • Stage 2 |
| Feb 29th (Thursday) |
• Stage 3 | |
| Mar 1st (Friday) | • Stage 4 | |
| Mar 2nd (Saturday) |
to | Stage 5, Rally leaves Mzeer’ah and moves back to Abu Dhabi Energy Center Ceremony Finish Prize Giving Ceremony |
Source: ADDC Rally Guide / EMSO
