A new report published by the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO) shows the big effect of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (ADDC) 2025 on the economy, culture, and environment. This report was created with help from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and FIA University. It explains why the race is important for the UAE and the world.
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is a famous cross-country rally race held every year in the desert of Abu Dhabi. It started in 1991 and was founded by the President of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), Mohammed Ben Sulayem. This race is one of the most challenging and longest-running desert races in the world.
In 2025, the ADDC brought together more than 450 international participants, including racers and team members from many countries. The race also attracted over 4,000 spectators who came to watch the exciting event live in the desert. This was a big help to the UAE’s hotels, restaurants, shops, and transportation services, especially because the race happens during a season when fewer tourists usually visit the country.
The report was made by Professor David Hassan from FIA University. It uses real facts and trusted ways to measure how the race affects many parts of the economy and society. It looked at things like:
-
How the race helps local businesses in hospitality, food, transport, and retail
-
How media from around the world covered the race, reaching people in more than 90 countries
-
How digital and social media made Abu Dhabi’s sports image stronger worldwide
-
How the race managed its environmental impact carefully to protect nature
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge also earned a 2-star FIA Environmental Accreditation in 2025. This award shows that the organizers planned the event with care for the environment, managing resources well and following international green standards.
The race’s economic impact covers many areas like the cost of moving people and equipment (logistics), media production, TV rights, team operations, and the work of volunteers and experts. This helps Abu Dhabi and the UAE by creating jobs, increasing tourism, and bringing money into the country.
FIA President and ADDC founder Mohammed Ben Sulayem said, “The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is growing stronger every year. It has become a world leader in cross-country rallying and helps the economy, culture, and society in a very positive way. We want other motorsport clubs to learn from this and build great events too.”
Professor David Hassan added, “This study shows how a well-organized motorsport event can bring real benefits. It creates money, media attention, and also cares for the environment.”
Mahir Badri, Chief Executive of EMSO, said, “This report proves how important it is to plan motorsport events carefully. The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is unique and shows how sport can help communities and the economy. We hope other clubs use this report to improve their own events and support their countries.”
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is a great example of how a sporting event can do more than just provide competition. It helps a country grow, supports many businesses, brings people from all over the world together, and protects the environment for the future.
