Rally Raid Success: From DXB to RAK on 29th November 2025
- Karl.E
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
Record-breaking Rally Raid with 19 riders cross the UAE countryside to Ras Al Khaimah
The Rally Raid to RAK kicked off this season with a record-breaking start — and for me, a personal milestone. Leading 19 riders across the UAE, entirely off-road, was both an honour and a testament to how far this community has grown. Along the way we fixed two unexpected punctures right on the trail, welcomed two international guests, one pro yamaha rider who flew in and joined - one currently travelling the world and crossing over from Saudi Arabia but came all the way from Switzerland, and felt the collective buzz of every resident rider who had been counting down to the first raid since last year’s season. It was the perfect launch to a new year of adventure.
"If I don't see you on the next ride. I will most certainly see you in the next video"!
The RAK route has a reputation for saving its real test for the final stretch, and this year was no different. The desert is changing fast, more greenery pushing through the sand, more grass shoots forming those sneaky mounds that the wind shapes into humps, slaloms, ditches and, if you’re lucky, natural jump faces. Mixed into the landscape sits the traditional Arabian lookout tower that has become a hallmark of this raid, a reminder of how deep these routes run into the heritage of the region. From the flowy Sharjah dunes to rolling dunes of UAQ and the steep climbs as you enter RAK, we were hitting big slopes head-on, full send, camel grass everywhere and no easy way around it. It’s rides like this that make me tell everyone: get yourself an EXC-type bike if you plan on tackling cross-country rides - the terrain demands it.
What really stands out to me after every raid is how much this community is growing. These rides started as small cross-emirate missions with a few of us linking dunes for the love of it, and now they’ve become full-scale rally raids that riders talk about across borders. The fact that international guests are flying in - world travellers, pro riders, people hearing about our routes from halfway around the globe, tells me we’re building something meaningful here. It motivates me even more to organise these rides, bring riders together, and show what the UAE truly offers for off-road adventure. This region has everything from marathon-style dune crossings to technical mountain passes, and I want the world to see it as a destination in its own right. The more we ride, document, and share, the bigger this movement becomes.
At the end of the day, every rider who completed this raid earned it. Crossing the country off-road isn’t easy - mentally or physically - and I want to send a huge congratulations to everyone who made it from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah. Whether you were grinding up the big dunes, navigating the camel grass, lending a hand during the punctures, or simply pushing through those final kilometres, you were part of what made this ride unforgettable. I’m grateful to each of you for showing up, trusting the route, and adding your energy to this growing community.
If you enjoyed this blog about the Raid, the photos, or the highlights from the trail, share the blog post and help spread the word. The more people see what we’re building here, the more momentum these raids gain. You can also sign up for the What Adventures blog so you don’t miss future ride announcements, behind-the-scenes stories, and upcoming raid dates. More routes, more challenges, and more long-distance rides are on the way and I can’t wait to see you on the next one.
Supported by ANB Motorsports
A special thank you to ANB Motorsports for their continued support throughout the riding season. Having a solid team behind me has made doing what I do smoother, safer, and far more consistent - both on and off the bike.
Huge appreciation to Mike, who’s been managing all my bike-related needs, servicing, and logistics, allowing me to stay focused on what matters most: organising rally raids and building experiences for the riding community.
If you’re looking for a team that genuinely understands riders, machines, and desert riding conditions, I highly recommend checking them out.
👉 Visit the ANB Motorsports showroom 📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/WauHj6qymsn3ELts8
👉 Or explore their services online https://anbmotorsports.com/
Thanks again to the team for keeping the bike dialled and the wheels turning all season long 🤙
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