Dubai, 06 March, 2019: The stage is set for a classic cross country rally weekend as the Dubai International Baja powered by AW Rostamani and Nissan sends a powerful international force of drivers and riders into action in the Al Qudra desert.

Taking place under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, the third edition of the event is the second round of the 2019 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas for cars and buggies and the opening round of this years FIM Bajas World Cup for bikes and quads.

Based at Dubai Autodrome, the event is supported by the Government of Dubai, Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, the General Authority of Sports, Dubai Customs, Al Ain Water and Emarat petrol.

Top-seeded UAE driver Khalid Al Qassimi, partnered by French navigator Xavier Panseri in his Abu Dhabi Racing Peugeot 3008 DKR, will lead a 34 vehicle line-up away from the ceremonial start at Dubai Autodrome at 6pm tonight (Thursday).

With fellow Emirati Mohammed Al Balooshi, the defending FIM World Cup and Dubai Baja champion, seeded No.1 among 55 riders, the rally begins in earnest tomorrow morning among the Al Qudra desert dunes and salt flats.

Lying ahead in a route totalling 607.11km in length is a special stage of 201.6km which is extended to 204.93km on the following morning before the survivors return to Dubai Autodrome for the official finish at 5pm.
Were very grateful to the government for the consistent support it has given to rallying in Dubai over many years, said Mahir Badri, General Manager of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE at todays official press conference at Dubai Autodrome.