Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge 2026: W2RC finale in Al Ain
The newsroomUpdated on October 10, 20263 minThe 35th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge closes the W2RC on 22-27 November 2026, starting and finishing in Al Ain with a bivouac at Madinat Zayed. The programme.
Key point
The 2026 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge runs on 22-27 November and, for the first time, closes the season of the world rally-raid championship.
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (ADDC) will hold its 35th edition on 22-27 November 2026. As the last round of the FIA-FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), it closes the season for the first time. The organisers outlined the finale on 28 September.
A first as season finale
Until now the ADDC was run shortly after the Dakar. According to Enduro21, Ramadan, which falls in February and March 2026, led the championship to move the event to the autumn. The 2026 calendar has five rounds: the Dakar, the bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal, the Desafío Ruta 40 in Argentina, the Rallye du Maroc (28 September to 3 October) and then Abu Dhabi. The championship therefore ends in the desert of the United Arab Emirates, and its end-of-season awards will be presented after the event.
Starting in Al Ain, bivouac at Madinat Zayed
The big geographical novelty: the rally starts and finishes in Al Ain, a first in its history. The organisers recall that the event first visited the city in 2025. The main bivouac will be at Madinat Zayed, in the Al Dhafra region, the operational hub of the week: teams, mechanics, officials and media return there after every stage.
The announced programme
- Sunday 22 November: prologue for the FIM class in Al Ain, followed by the ceremonial start.
- From Monday: the rally heads west towards Al Dhafra on a heavily reworked route.
- Friday 27 November: final stage, return to Al Ain, ceremonial finish and prize-giving.
The event is run by the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO) in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It has existed for more than three decades.
What is not known yet
The announcement gives neither the full route, nor the number of stages, nor the detailed classes. The organisers say the route, the leading entrants, the bivouac activities and the options for spectators will be revealed in the coming weeks. What exactly is at stake for the titles has not been detailed either.
Key points
- 35th edition, on 22-27 November 2026.
- Final round of the 2026 W2RC, a first for the ADDC.
- Start and finish in Al Ain, bivouac at Madinat Zayed.
- Route, entries and classes to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge?
On 22-27 November 2026, with a prologue for the FIM class on Sunday 22 November and a final stage on Friday 27 November.
Where is the 35th edition held?
The start and finish are in Al Ain, a first for the event; the main bivouac is at Madinat Zayed, in the Al Dhafra region.
Why is the event in November?
It used to follow the Dakar; it was moved because Ramadan falls in February and March 2026.
Sources
- Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge — 35th edition, final test of the world championship
- Enduro21 — 2026 W2RC calendar with five rounds
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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