Dubai Rally to a World Level 04.10.2016: Ben Sulayem Thanks His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed for the Great Support

Ben Sulayem Thanks His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed for the Great Support




The Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, organizer of Dubai International Rally, one of the oldest motorsport events in the United Arab Emirates, has announced today the organization of the event as a candidate event to the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies and the FIM Bajas World Cup for Cross Country Rallies on 8th of December 2016. 



The organizer aims to take the event to a world level after being a part of the Middle East Rally Championship over the past 37 years.  



This new move will enhance the size and quality of participation in Dubai International Rally by attracting competitors from all around the world to compete in various racing categories on a global scale.



“We would like to thank His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for the great support and trust in our capability to organize Dubai International Rally on a global level. We would also like to thank Dubai Sport Council for their continuous collaboration and support”. said Mohammed ben Sulayem, President of ATCUAE and President of Emirates Motor Sport Federation (EMSF).



Ben Sulayem also thanked Jean Todt for his continuous support and trust, and for allowing Dubai International Rally to take its position on the world motorsport calendar amongst other world leading events.



“We are proud to take Dubai International Rally to a new level that befits the name of Dubai, the emirate known by its prestigious achievements at all levels. This move comes after sustained efforts over 37 years, during which the rally maintained its participation as a part of the Middle East Rally Championship.



Today it moves to a world level to be a part of international championships including rallies of Russia, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Portugal and Egypt. The new move will add a new milestone achievement to the UAE Motorsport record”. added ben Sulayem.



“It is our responsibility as a rally organizer to develop the event in a way that ensures greater benefits for both Dubai and UAE in terms of promoting the emirate and the country as a worldwide destination for tourism and sport.


On the other hand, we had to search for new global partnerships that are interested in developing prestigious events like the Dubai International Rally and offer many advantages for the competitors.



Based on our long experience in organizing world level events over the last years, we aim to take DIR to the same level in terms of organization and participation. A new responsibility is now added on our shoulders, and the organization of the candidate event will be a new test for us”.  Concluded Ben Sulayem



The Automobile and Touring Club has received FIA approval to organize Dubai International Rally as a candidate event to the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies and FIM Bajas World Cup for Cross Country Rallies on the 8th of December 2016. The rally categories will feature cars, motorbikes, buggies and quads.



A specialized team from FIA will assess the course of the rally and will decide if it meets the required regulations to be a part of the World Championships.



This new move will enhance the size and quality of participation in Dubai International Rally by attracting competitors in cross country cars, motorcycles and buggies from around the world to compete.



Since its inception, Dubai International Rally received great support from the office of His Highness, Ruler of Dubai, which has had a great impact on the rally’s current leading position. The event has also had the support of many partners from the government and private sectors. 



Dubai International Rally continued its success over the years and became a major event on the international motorsport calendar. The event was associated with the Middle East Rally Championship since the MERC inception in 1984 and was present in all its editions.

Sura Manhal,  Automobile and Touring Club of UAE photo