Abu Dhabi gives new drive to UAE Desert Challenge

News of a new sponsorship boost for the final round of the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup was delivered today by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, driving force behind the event, as the powerful Mitsubishi works team confirmed that Peterhansel will spearhead their two-car challenge in the UAE.

"The backing of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority is an important step which can only help to ensure the event continues to develop in the years ahead," said Sulayem, chairman of the organising committee.

"The majority of the rally takes place in the Abu Dhabi Emirate and the nature of the event is that it shows off so much of our capital city, its modern facilities, and the unique desert landscape that surrounds it which combine to attract visitors."

This year's Desert Challenge is also sponsored by Nissan Middle East, with the Nissan Patrol the rally's official car, and by Dubai Waterfront, an 81 million square metre development by major developers Nakheel.

Dubai will stage the traditional curtain-raiser for the 2005 UAE Desert Challenge, with the Prologue super special stage taking place on 9th November before the action switches to Abu Dhabi for the official start of the event the following morning.

The next four days will see a powerful line-up of cars, bikes and trucks tackling some of the most demanding and spectacular desert terrain in the Middle East before the survivors reach the finish line at Dubai International Marine Club on 14th November.