Motorcycle Legends: Blushi Gears Up for Dubai Rally Title Triumph

UAE motorcycle racer Mohammed Al Balushi is set to make history at the Dubai International Rally, securing his fourth World Cup title in short desert rallies (Baja) and becoming the most decorated rider in the championship's history. Al Balushi has already clinched the 2025 title mathematically, holding an unassailable 25-point lead heading into the final round.

The ninth edition of Dubai International Rally kicked off yesterday from Dubai Festival City Mall, featuring 100 teams from 30 countries competing across cars, motorcycles, and quads. This event serves as the season finale for the 2025 World Cup calendar.

Al Balushi enters the rally with 87 points, well ahead of Lebanese rider Rafiq Eid who sits second with 62 points. This comfortable margin means the Emirati rider has already secured his third consecutive world title and fourth overall, adding to his previous championships in 2018, 2023, and 2024.

"I'm looking forward to finishing an exceptional season and climbing the podium in Dubai," Al Balushi told local media. "I want to give the UAE a new achievement and celebrate in the best way possible in front of this audience."

His fourth title breaks a tie with Italian rider Alessandro Ross, who won three championships in 2013, 2014, and 2017. Al Balushi will now stand alone as the most successful rider in Baja World Cup history.

This season saw Al Balushi deliver consistent performances across four rounds. He finished second in the opening round in Saudi Arabia in February, placed fifth in Portugal, then claimed victory in Jordan in April. He secured the title with a second-place finish in Qatar during the previous round.

"Winning in Dubai has a special flavor because it's the most prestigious rally in the region," Al Balushi said. "It successfully joined the World Cup championships in 2012 and represents the annual finale of Baja racing."

The Dubai rally has become a cornerstone event since joining the World Cup series over a decade ago. It attracts top drivers and riders from around the world, making it a fitting venue for Al Balushi's historic achievement. The event runs through tomorrow, giving the UAE champion one final chance to cap off his record-breaking season with a home victory.