Glittering prize giving rounds off Desert Challenge

Sulayem presents trophies as UAE’s world class rally reaches climax at Yas Marina Circuit

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 9 April, 2016:  The 26th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge POWERED by Nissan came to a climax with a glittering gala dinner and prize giving ceremony at Yas Marina Circuit.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, the rally organisers, Al Tarek Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit and Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Latif Al Mannai, Chairman of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, presented trophies to the winners in all categories at the conclusion of the event.

The winners included Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah, who captured the cars title for a second time, and Australia’s Toby Price, who secured the Desert Challenge bikes crown on his debut in the event.

Qatar’s Adel Hussain Abdulla with Egyptian Hakam Mohamed Rabeia in a Nissan Patrol clinched the T2 production class title while Poland’s reigning FIM World champion Rafal Sonik won the quads category.

Held under the patronage of H.H.Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western region, the Desert Challenge was the second round of this year’s FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies for cars and the opening round of the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship for bikes.

The Nissan Patrol, the “Hero of All terrain in Life”, was positioned for the 12th year as the official vehicle of the event.

The line-up of strategic sponsors and partners includes the Ruler’s Court in the Western Region, Western Region Municipality, Abu Dhabi Municipality, the UAE Army, Abu Dhabi Police, National Ambulance Service, Nissan, Yas Marina Circuit, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Tadweer (The Center of Waste Management – Abu Dhabi), Rotana and Centro Hotels - Yas Island, Qasr Al Sarab Resort, and DP World.