The world’s top off-road crews have arrived at Dubai Festival City Mall as final preparations are completed in the Service Park ahead of tomorrow’s start of the 2025 Dubai International Baja.

The established World Cup crews will face significant opposition from a number of one-off entries set to spice up the action.

Runaway FIA Bajas World Cup winner Juan Cruz Yacopini is gunning for a fifth win in seven events this season but the Argentinian will have to fend off the challenge of, among others, Seth Quintero of the US and Australian motorcycle legend Toby Price who are sure to feature.

Although not registered for world cup points all eyes will be on the Dakar stars in a pair of Toyota Hilux machines from Toyota Gazoo Racing as Dubai International baja reinforces its reputation for attracting a diverse entry list.

After a sustained period of testing and a new Toyota Hilux at his disposal Quintero is looking forward to giving a proper account of himself at an event where he has not yet enjoyed a trouble free run.

“This is this is one that I haven't been able to do too well at yet, and, you know, with Toyota this year, we've built a new car and I'm excited to debut it here and hopefully put in a good result,” said the Californian.

“We've been doing a lot of work and a lot of testing and I think we're all very happy with the results that we've put together as a team. So hopefully we can, you know, have a good one in the next two days and get on top of the board.

“I think the competition that this race brings is spectacular and to win it would be something else. Hopefully this year we can go out and do that.

“I think just the level of the sport and enjoying the race and the atmosphere, and the people that put on this race are always amazing to see, and, you know, a joy to be around. It's just all those things put together that keep us coming back.”

The ninth edition of the event promises one of the most accessible and spectator-friendly weekends on the FIA and FIM World Cup calendars, with the Hatta Prologue to be followed by the newly designed spectator zone in Al Marmoom on Saturday and Sunday.

The special spectator zones for Friday’s action in Hatta have been designed to offer close, safe, and unobstructed views of the action, making it one of the most attractive off-road motorsport viewing opportunities in the region.

Hatta’s dramatic setting, with its rugged mountains, rocky outcrops and sweeping gravel tracks, will provide the backdrop for the spectacular event curtain-raiser as star FIA and FIM entrants from the list of nearly 100 crews from over 30 nations begin their campaigns from 14:00.

Local hero Mohammed Al Balooshi leads the motorcycle entry as he begins his title quest at his home event. The FIM World Cup frontrunner, twice a Dubai Baja winner and on course for a third FIM world title success, is determined to start strongly after placing runner-up in last year’s edition. Among the quads, UAE rider Abdulaziz Ahli will attempt to secure a third consecutive Dubai victory after dominating the previous two seasons.

For Al Balooshi the passing years only add to his hunger and competitiveness:-

“First of all, I'm very honoured to be on this panel with these amazing legends,” he said, speaking at the pre-event press conference in Dubai Police Officers Club “These are the legends of our sport, so I'm very honoured, first of all, to be sitting among them. And for me, I think passion is what drives us. Every year, I try to learn and I still feel strong. Still I feel getting better every year.”

Several experienced challengers return to Dubai this year, including Czech driver Martin Prokop and Saudi Arabia’s Dania Akeel, both of whom have shown strong form throughout the season.

As well as event honours in Dubai, Akeel is targeting overall success in the Middle Eastern Rally Championship this weekend.

One of the most anticipated storylines of this year’s edition is the global competition debut of the new Defender project. Two entries will appear in Dubai as part of an extensive development showcase ahead of the Defender’s full 2026 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, and the cars are expected to draw significant attention in the Service Park, at the Hatta Prologue, and in the Al Marmoom viewing area.