NISSAN Middle East is once again shifting into high gear as the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, powered by Nissan, fast approaches. This is the 14th consecutive year in which Nissan will be the principal sponsor of this iconic event, formerly known as the UAE Desert Challenge, which this year runs from April 1 to 6 and will form the third round of this year's FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies. Taking place under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler›s Representative in Al Dafrah Region, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is also the opening round of the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship for bikes and quads. Samir Cherfan, Nissan Middle East managing director, said: "Over the years Nissan has become synonymous with the Desert Challenge and our relationship with the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) the event organizer, has allowed a deep and mutual level of trust, respect and understanding to develop between us. This in turn has helped grow the reputation of the event to the extent that it's now recognized around the world as one of the toughest and yet most enjoyable challenges on the Cross Country Rallying calendar." "Nissan has become an invaluable partner in our work to promote and develop the Desert Challenge, and I'm pleased to extend this relationship so that we can increase the event's exposure in the future," said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of ATCUAE, the rally organizers, and President of Emirates Motor Sports Federation. "Nissan Middle East shares our enthusiasm for the Desert Challenge, as well as our commitment to its long-term success, and I'm confident this partnership will guarantee that the event continues to set the standard in the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies." Nissan's whole-hearted commitment to motorsport in the region also extends to its backing of individual Middle East-based competitors through factory-level sponsorship. It was this support which helped Qatari driver Adel Abdulla to become the current world champion in the FIA T2 off-road category at the wheel of a Nissan Patrol. This year, both Adel and fellow competitor in T2 category, the UAE-based Lebanese driver Emil Khneisser, are receiving a full support package from Nissan, naturally based around the "hero of all terrains" Nissan Patrol. While Adel is the current FIA T2 world champion, Emil is the reigning Emirates Desert Championship T2 champion. Nissan's sponsorship of the Desert Challenge means getting involved well before the event itself gets underway. A fleet of Nissan Patrols is supplied to the ATCUAE in order for officials to map out the course of the special stages in the months leading up to the race. The fleet will be also utilized during the event itself when the Patrols are indispensable for ferrying race officials, marshals, dignitaries and media representatives to control and vantage points on the special stages.
