The Dubai International Rally has produced some dramatic episodes over the last four decades, and the UAE’s longest running sports event promises another fascinating battle at the climax of the 2013 FIA Middle East Championship next week.
Taking place from 28-30 November, the 35th Dubai International Rally is endorsed by the office of H.H.Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
While Nasser Al Attiyah has already clinched the Middle East title, several of the Arab world’s other top rally drivers will be going all out to prevent the Qatari from rounding off the season with victory in the sixth and final round.
Al Attiyah tops the entry list of 22 drivers which was announced today by the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, the national motor sport authority and rally organisers. Among the other leading challengers will be the UAE’s Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi, twice a winner in Dubai and this time spearheading a five-car entry by Abu Dhabi Racing.
Also looking for a big finish to the season will be Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi, who has a WRC2 victory to his credit in the 2013 World Rally Championship, and Emirati driver Rashid Al Ketbi, who has also sharpened his approach on the world stage this season.
The rally officially gets under way with a ceremonial start at Dubai World Trade Centre at 7.30pm on Thursday, 28 November before the main rally action unfolds along the desert trails over the next two days.