Top Off-Road Crews Gather In Dubai For Exciting Hatta Prologue Ahead Of Baja Event

The world's top off-road teams have gathered at Dubai Festival City Mall, ready for the 2025 Dubai International Baja. As final touches are made in the Service Park, excitement builds for Saturday's start. Established World Cup crews will face tough competition from several one-off entries, promising an exciting event.

Runaway FIA Bajas World Cup leader Juan Cruz Yacopini aims for his fifth win in seven events this season. However, he faces challenges from Seth Quintero of the US and Australian motorcycle legend Toby Price. Although not competing for World Cup points, these Dakar stars in Toyota Hilux vehicles from Toyota Gazoo Racing are expected to draw significant attention.

The ninth edition of the event promises a weekend that is both accessible and spectator-friendly on the FIA and FIM World Cup calendars. The Hatta Prologue will be followed by a newly designed spectator zone in Al Marmoom on Saturday and Sunday. Hatta’s dramatic landscape of rugged mountains and gravel tracks sets the stage for this spectacular event.

Local hero Mohammed Al Balooshi leads the motorcycle entry as he begins his title quest at his home event. A frontrunner in the FIM World Cup, Al Balooshi is determined to start strongly after finishing runner-up last year. UAE rider Abdulaziz Ahli aims for a third consecutive Dubai victory among the quads, having dominated the previous two seasons.

This year's edition sees several experienced challengers returning to Dubai, including Czech driver Martin Prokop and Saudi Arabia’s Dania Akeel, both showing strong form throughout the season. A major highlight is the global competition debut of the new Defender project. Two entries will appear in Dubai as part of an extensive development showcase ahead of its full 2026 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship.

Mahir Badri, CEO of EMSO, expressed pride in hosting such a diverse mix of talent at a press conference before the event. "Today, the Dubai International Baja has grown into a world-class event because of the collective commitment of everyone here," he stated. He also thanked media partners for broadcasting daily highlights worldwide through over 100 TV channel agreements.

With inputs from WAM