The 35th edition of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is scheduled to take place from November 22 to 27, 2026, marking a significant milestone as the rally will start and finish in the Al Ain Region for the first time in its history. Organised by the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO) in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the event will serve as the final round of the World Rally-Raid Championship, attracting top competitors from the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

The rally route will extend across the emirate, linking Al Ain in the east with Al Dhafra in the west. This expanded itinerary builds on the event’s initial foray into the Al Ain Region during the 2025 edition. That inaugural visit was made possible through the continued support of the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region, alongside close cooperation from various Abu Dhabi authorities.

In 2026, Madinat Zayed will serve as the rally’s primary operational base and the home of the international paddock throughout the week-long competition. Organisers aim to deepen the event’s longstanding association with Al Dhafra while further integrating the newly included eastern leg around Al Ain. This approach seeks to maintain the rally’s historical identity while broadening its geographic reach.

The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is recognized globally as a premier rally raid event, drawing elite drivers and riders to the challenging desert terrain of the United Arab Emirates. As the concluding round of the World Rally-Raid Championship, the 2026 edition is expected to showcase intense competition and strategic navigation across diverse desert landscapes, further solidifying the emirate's reputation as a key venue in international motorsports.