MOTORSPORT – A new report published by the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO), commissioned in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and supported by the FIA University, highlights the substantial international media reach and economic significance of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (ADDC).
The 2025 edition of the rally continues to strengthen the UAE’s reputation as a global destination for motorsport, aligning with national priorities in sport, tourism, and sustainability.
Commissioned as part of a broader commitment to data-driven decision-making and long-term planning, the 2025 ADDC Economic, Environmental and Media Impact Study was conducted with the support of FIA University and led by Professor David Hassan.
This reflects EMSO’s ongoing commitment to evidence-based planning and collaboration with leading academic institutions.
Set against the backdrop of the UAE’s spectacular desert landscape, the ADDC continues to position Abu Dhabi as a premier destination for international motorsport.
The report details the event’s multifaceted economic footprint, spanning logistics, hospitality, accommodation, food and beverage, transport, media production, international broadcast, commercial rights, team operations, volunteers, and specialist services.
This comprehensive analysis allows EMSO to benchmark the ADDC against other leading international sporting events, both regionally and globally – reinforcing its role as a model for how sport can generate strategic value across multiple sectors.
The study applies internationally recognised methodologies and independently verified data to quantify the total economic and media value of the 2025 ADDC, including extensive international coverage across 90 countries and strong engagement on digital platforms.
Key findings of the report include:
The rally attracted over 450 international participants including competitors and team members and welcomed more than 4,000 spectators, contributing significantly to tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors during the UAE’s low tourism season.
The event secured 2-star FIA Environmental Accreditation in recognition of its sustainability planning, resource management, and alignment with international environmental standards.
Global media coverage helped elevate Abu Dhabi’s global sporting profile, particularly through digital and social platforms.
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge – founded in 1991 by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and organised by the EMSO) – is among the world’s most enduring and technically demanding cross-country rally events.
The report reinforces how strategically delivered motorsport events can support national goals beyond competition, offering FIA member clubs a practical model for impact-led event planning.
Ben Sulayem said: “The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge continues to grow from strength to strength, and it has become a global benchmark in cross-country rallying for its positive economic, cultural, and social impact.
“At the FIA, we are committed to putting education at the heart of what we do, so I am delighted that this report will be used by FIA Member Clubs to support their work in delivering world-class motorsport events.”
Prof Hassan said: “This study exemplifies the FIA University’s commitment to delivering high-quality, data-led research that informs decision-making across the FIA network.
“Through our analysis of the ADDC, we provide insights into how professionally delivered motor sport events can yield measurable economic, media and environmental benefits.”
Mahir Badri, EMSO chief executive officer, said: “This report demonstrates the real value that well-planned motorsport events can deliver for our communities and economies.
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is a unique event, and its success reflects the hard work of everyone involved.
“We hope these findings will support other member clubs as they look to grow their own events in ways that contribute to national goals and showcase the wider impact of our sport.”
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