Mohammed Al Balooshi etched his name in history in 2012 by becoming the first Emirati to secure a spot in the Dakar Rally. — Supplied photos
More than three decades ago, Mohammed Al Balooshi’s home in Al Rashidiya, Dubai, provided a sweeping vista of the majestic desert dunes. “I recall my father’s first house in Al Rashidiya. It was the last house on that street, and beyond that, all you could see was the desert,” Al Balooshi reminisced when asked about the secret to his remarkable success as a desert rally driver. A young Al Balooshi was irresistibly drawn to the captivating desert landscape. Coupled with his motorsport lineage—his uncle Hassan Bin Ali Al-Shadoor was the co-pilot for Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the UAE rally icon and current FIA president—his deep connection with the desert fueled his championship-winning journeys across the globe. The Emirati rider is now aiming for his third world championship title this weekend at the Dubai International Baja.
Al Balooshi is the clear favorite to clinch a hat trick of world championships, but it’s his humble beginnings that fill his heart with pride. “If you ask me why I’ve succeeded as a desert rally rider, it’s because I know the desert intimately,” he said with a proud smile. “Growing up, we played on the dunes. So, when I got my bike, riding on sand was second nature.” He noted that many Europeans and Americans struggle with desert navigation, but for him, it’s instinctive. “It’s hard to explain because we’ve grown up in these deserts and know what to do. It’s natural for us to feel at home in the desert.”
Dubai has undergone a breathtaking transformation in less than three decades, with towering skyscrapers reshaping the skyline. Yet, for Al Balooshi, it’s the untouched sand that holds his fascination. “I’ve been a desert person since birth. All I know is the desert,” he said. “It’s wonderful to see the incredible buildings and roads the government has built, providing us with an amazing lifestyle. But they’ve also preserved the desert for us to enjoy, ride, and stay connected to our roots while embracing the future.”
Al Balooshi also credits a Belgian rally legend for his success. “I was fortunate that the late Georges Jobe took me under his wing in 2003. He was the five-time FIM motocross world champion,” he said. “He mentored me from 2003 until his passing in 2012. I lived in Belgium, racing in France, Germany, Luxembourg. He did so much for me, shaping me as a sportsman and making me who I am today.” Al Balooshi admitted that without Jobe’s guidance, he wouldn’t have made it to Dakar. “He had all these plans and orchestrated everything for me to compete in the Dakar in 2012. I can’t thank him enough.”
The first of his six Dakar Rally races remains a goosebump-inducing memory. “The Dakar Rally is the pinnacle of our sport. I was fortunate to qualify in 2012 as the first GCC rider, which came with great responsibility,” he said. “The entire Arab world was cheering for me. It lived up to its name in South America. I remember starting in Argentina with waves of people at the opening ceremony. It was surreal, with crowds cheering us on everywhere.” He described the experience as indescribable, with waves of people cheering and rooting for him.
The Dubai International Baja, celebrating its 45th year, holds a special place in Al Balooshi’s heart. “This event is incredible because sustaining an event for this long is rare. For example, I raced in the Pharaohs Rally in Egypt, but it’s no longer held. It was one of the top rallies,” said the seasoned rider. “Many events have faded, but the Dubai Rally has persisted for 45 years, showing it has the right people and strategy. It’s crucial for us to take advantage of this since it’s on our home ground. I feel fortunate to represent the UAE and am grateful to the organizers for bringing the world championship to my home country. I’ve won the Dubai Baja twice, and hopefully, this time, I can become the Baja world champion for the third time. That would be very emotional for me.”
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