When the world’s top cross country rally specialists tackle the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge this weekend, a major logistical operation will be underway in the Western Region of Al Gharbia.

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With 162 competitors from 36 countries taking on some of the most unforgiving desert terrain on earth, safety will be the major priority for the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE).

The nature of the event means that more than 10 per cent of competitors will require some form of medical assistance between the start at Yas Marina Circuit on March 28 and the finish there six days later, with dehydration and fatigue the biggest threats.

Abu Dhabi Aviation again provides the potentially life-saving aerial Search And Rescue support for the medical crews. Another crucial link in the safety and research operation is provided by ADNOC, which supplies more than 25,000 litres of fuel – aviation fuel for the helicopters and petrol and diesel for the cars, bikes and support vehicles.

To reduce flying time and speed rescue operations, ADNOC will set up mobile refuelling bases in the desert as well as fixed refuelling bases at the bivouac and in Madinat Zayed.

“The support of Abu Dhabi Aviation and ADNOC is crucial to the event,” said ATCUAE president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

“Safety of competitors, volunteers, and all others involved in the event is our No1 priority, and that’s why in recent years we have commissioned research to discover more about how dehydration and fatigue affects competitors.”

The 25th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge gets underway with a special spectator stage at Yas Marina Circuit on Saturday, March 28, with cars, buggies, bikes and quads negotiating a 2km time trial on the Grand Prix circuit. The rally ends on the afternoon of April 2.