Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge seals FIA 2-star environmental accreditation

The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, organised by the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO) and supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, has become the first ever cross-country rally event to secure the prestigious 2-Star Environmental Accreditation from the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide.

The landmark achievement underscores the event’s dedication to safeguarding the spectacular desert environment in which the Challenge is held, while reaffirming a longstanding commitment to delivering a sustainable round of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).

The recognition also aligns with the FIA World Motor Sport Council’s December 2024 directive that all W2RC events must achieve a minimum 2-star rating by 2025, and 3-star accreditation by 2027.

Launched in 2013, the FIA’s Environmental Accreditation Programme (EAP) provides members, championships, promoters, teams, suppliers, and circuits with a framework against which to accredit their activities. EMSO’s drive to reach this 2-star milestone demonstrates exceptional environmental performance, ensuring that the Desert Challenge adheres to internationally developed environmental standards.

Achieving 2-Star accreditation signifies that the organisation has implemented a structured environmental management system, measures its key impacts - energy, waste, water, and transport - and operates in line with recognised best practices.

This latest milestone builds on Desert Challenge organiser EMSO’s long-standing commitment to sustainability. Earning its own 3-Star FIA Environmental Accreditation in 2015 under the leadership of former EMSO President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the organisation has now introduced a comprehensive environmental management system for the 2025 edition of the Challenge.

The new framework includes a dedicated environmental manual, impact assessments, waste and procurement protocols, legal compliance measures, and extensive training for teams. An official Environmental Plan was also distributed to all competitors ahead of the rally, reinforcing EMSO’s proactive approach to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

FIA President and Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge Founder, Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “What began over three decades ago as a bold dream in the dunes has become a global benchmark in cross-country rallying. The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge has always led from the front - in sporting standards, in safety, in innovation, and now in sustainability. To see it become the first W2RC round to earn FIA 2-Star Environmental Accreditation is not just gratifying, it is also a testament to vision, leadership, and the enduring legacy of the UAE in world motorsport. As the founder of this rally, I feel an immense sense of pride; not only for what we have achieved, but for how far we have come.”

Muhammad Khamis Al Muhairi, Vice President of EMSO’s Sports Executive Committee, stated: “Achieving the FIA’s 2-Star Environmental Accreditation is a proud moment for the Emirates Motorsports Organisation and for everyone involved in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. It reflects our belief that progress in motorsport must go hand in hand with respect for the environment. This accomplishment is not only a recognition of our efforts, but also a statement of our future objectives: to inspire positive change and set new benchmarks for sustainability, and ultimately to ensure that our desert remains as breathtaking as it is now for generations to come.”

Maximum excitement, minimal impact 

One of the world’s most iconic off-road motorsport events - and one of its toughest - the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge takes the world’s top cross-country riders and drivers on an epic journey through some of the planet’s most breathtaking terrain. Protecting and sustaining these incredible landscapes, monuments, and communities that play host to the annual event is central to EMSO’s vision for the future of the rally and the heritage of the region.

In 2025, the official press conference was held at Al Jahili Fort, one of the UAE’s largest and most historic landmarks. Built in the 1890s on the orders of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan (Zayed the First), the site required special care and respect. All staging and audiovisual installations were positioned at a safe distance from the fort’s walls, with controlled access and environmentally conscious catering arrangements to protect the venue’s integrity.

The ceremonial start of Stage 1 unfolded in the ancient city of Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its oases, ancient irrigation systems, and archaeological heritage. Dating back to 3000 BCE, Al Ain offered an unparalleled backdrop to the start, but one that also required extreme care. Competitors were limited to a maximum speed of 25 km/h while passing through the area, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

The Qualifying Stage at Jebel Hafit Desert Park demanded equal attention. Careful planning with local authorities ensured that the course avoided sensitive zones, including historic beehive tombs, green areas, and vulnerable sections of the mountain. Following the Qualifying Stage, EMSO restored the terrain to its original state, with inspections confirming full compliance with environmental protections.

Behind the scenes, EMSO’s detailed Environmental Manual, impact registers, and stringent legal compliance standards ensured that operations met both national and international requirements. Collaboration with government entities was key, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas, where access was only permitted following strict planning and mitigation.

Through these combined efforts, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge has reinforced its reputation not only as a world-class sporting event but also as a custodian of the UAE’s cultural and natural treasures.

While the 2-Star Accreditation marks a significant milestone, EMSO has already set its sights on 3-Star Accreditation for 2026. With new initiatives and deeper integration of sustainable practices on the horizon, the Challenge continues to combine the adventure of rally-raid with an enduring respect for the environment.

As one of the world’s most prestigious desert rallies, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge remains a shining example of how motorsport can champion sustainability while celebrating the beauty and heritage of the UAE.