Balooshi eyes fourth FIM World Cup title as Dubai Baja draws record entry

Competitors from more than 30 nations — including 14 riders, drivers, and navigators from the UAE — constitute an impressive entry list of 94 vehicles for next week’s Dubai International Baja (November 20-23, 2025).

World Cup leader Juan Cruz Yacopini and local hero Mohammed Al Balooshi head the car and bike entries, as the world’s top off-road crews prepare to take on the challenging Al Qudra desert dunes and serene beauty of Hatta.

Titles are still up for grabs in numerous categories as the FIA and FIM World Cup seasons reach a dramatic conclusion at the ninth edition of the Dubai International Baja, which continues to attract old talent and as well as newcomers taking their first rally-raid steps.

A standout name among the motorcycle entry list, Balooshi, is aiming for a fourth FIM Bajas World Cup title on his Yamaha YZF 450. The Dubai star won his home event in 2018 and 2023, but was bested by Poland’s Konrad Dabrowski last year.

Dabrowski was also imperious last time out in Qatar (6-8 November 2025) where Al-Balooshi’s steady progress after a difficult start was not enough to overhaul Dabrowski for the overall win.

Among the quads, Abdulaziz Ahli is aiming for a hat-trick of wins at his local World Cup event with his Yamaha Raptor 700, having topped the standings at the 2023 and 2024 editions.

At an event which has established itself as an important test bed for machinery and crews, Dubai International Baja will play host to the first appearance of the Defender machines which are lined up for a first full season of World Cup rally-raid in 2026.

French off-road legend and 14-time Dakar Rally winner Stephane Peterhansel is partnered by fellow countryman Michael Metge in one Defender, while Lithuania’s Rokas Baciuska can call on the services of Spanish co-driver Oriol Vidal Montijano of Spain in the second privately-entered machine.

The Defenders are sure to attract plenty of attention from fans at the Dubai Festival City Service Area, the Hatta Prologue, and the spectator viewing area at Al Marmoom, in what is effectively a full-blown factory dress rehearsal for next season.

Spectator entry is free for the Service Area, Hatta, and Al Marmoom, in what is set to be the best-attended edition of the Dubai International Baja – one of the most accessible in events in the baja World Cup.

Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council: “It is a pleasure for us to continue our strategic collaboration with the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO) in support of an event of such pedigree and heritage within the Middle Eastern sporting landscape. The Dubai International Baja continues to showcase the Emirate’s natural beauty and sporting excellence to audiences around the world, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global sports destination.

“With more than four decades of history, the Dubai International Baja stands as a true symbol of courage, endurance, and commitment: qualities that reflect the spirit of Dubai and align closely with the values of the Dubai Government and the Dubai Sports Council. We wish all competitors the very best in their endeavours next week.”

Khalid Ben Sulayem, President and Board Member of the EMSO, stated: “Once again this event continues to attract an exciting array of talent. It’s a tribute to the challenging nature of the special stages and the unique atmosphere fostered by the proximity to the city. It is so accessible for spectators to see this free-to-view event, and the Dubai International Baja will once again present a wonderful collection of star competitors and machinery for a thrilling conclusion to the season.”

Heading the list among the car contingent is four-time winner in the 2025 FIA World Baja Cup, Juan Cruz Yacopini from Argentina, who will be co-driven by Dani Oliveras in their SVR run Toyota Hilux.

Fresh from another victory in the latest round of the FIA series in Qatar, Yacopini will face off against his closest rivals from that event as the top three finishers go head-to-head for a final time this year.

Yacopini was third in Dubai two years ago and will be determined to cap his successful ’25 world cup season with a maiden success in the Dubai International Baja. Czechia pairing Martin Prokop and Victor Chytka went closest to Yacopini in Qatar and are back for more in their Orlen Jipocar Ford Maverick.

Saudi native Dania Akeel and her French co-driver Sebastian Delaunay are another highly motivated crew following their third-place finish in Qatar. Equipped in an Overdrive Racing Toyota Hilux, the pair were ninth in the last two editions of the Dubai event and have the speed and experience to challenge for the top step of the podium this time round.

Two-time winners in the FIA World Baja Cup 2025, Mitchel Van Den Brink and Bart Van Heun from the Netherlands bring their South Racing BRP Maverick R to Dubai. The Dutch pairing will be looking to improve on their eighth place finish last year, and if their 2025 form continues they are certain to challenge for a place at the top of the order.

Other stars making the popular trek to Dubai include the American pairing of Seth Quintero and Andrew Shorts in an Overdrive Racing Toyota Hilux. Multi-Dakar Rally stage winner Quintero was 16th in Dubai 12 months ago - a finish not representative of his renowned pace on the dunes - and the Californian will be fired up to contend for glory next week.

The Dubai International Baja is held under the generous patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai, and expertly organised by the Emirates Motorsport Organisation (EMSO).

The Baja is supported by a strategic collaboration of the Dubai Government and its entities, including the Dubai Police, RTA and Dubai Municipality and the event Official Automotive Partner Al-Futtaim Toyota.