From Dunes to Victory: Mohammed Al Balooshi’s Desert Roots Fuel His Quest for a Third World Championship
From his childhood in the Dubai dunes to becoming a global rally champion, Mohammed Al Balooshi's journey is fueled by his deep-rooted love for the desert and the mentorship of motorsport legends.
UAE rally star and Dakar Rally pioneer Mohammed Al Balooshi credits his deep connection to the desert and guidance from mentors for his continued success in motorsports.
Mohammed Al Balooshi, one of the UAE’s most celebrated rally riders, has long been a force in the world of motorsports, but it’s his intimate bond with the desert that truly sets him apart. Known for his commanding presence on the dunes, Al Balooshi is gearing up for an exciting challenge: seeking his third world championship title at the Dubai International Baja.
A Childhood Surrounded by Sand
Growing up in Al Rashidiya, Dubai, Al Balooshi’s childhood was shaped by the vast expanse of desert surrounding his home. “I remember my father’s first house was in Al Rashidiya, and beyond that, all you could see was the desert,” he recalled. It’s this natural environment that has always sparked his passion for rally riding. His early days were spent playing in the sand, a playground that would later fuel his drive to become one of the best in the world.
For Al Balooshi, the desert has always felt like home. “We would play everything on the dunes. So, when I got the bike, it was easy to ride on the sand. For us, it’s second nature,” he said with pride. “Now, when Europeans and Americans come here, they ask us how we know which way to go. But we’ve grown up in these deserts. It’s part of who we are.”
Rally Roots and a Mentor’s Legacy
Al Balooshi’s love for the sport is intertwined with his motorsport heritage. His uncle, Hassan Bin Ali Al-Shadoor, was the co-pilot for UAE rally legend Mohammed Ben Sulayem. However, it was the guidance of the late Belgian motocross legend Georges Jobe that truly shaped Al Balooshi’s career. Under Jobe’s mentorship from 2003 until his death in 2012, Al Balooshi honed his skills and gained invaluable experience racing in Europe.
“I wouldn’t have made it to Dakar without Georges,” Al Balooshi admitted. “He was the one who pulled all the strings for me to be part of the factory team for Dakar 2012. I cannot thank him enough.”
The Dakar Rally: A Defining Moment
Al Balooshi made history in 2012 when he became the first Emirati to qualify for the Dakar Rally, one of the world’s toughest and most prestigious motorsport events. The experience still gives him goosebumps, particularly the opening ceremony in Argentina, where he was greeted by crowds of fans cheering him on. “It was surreal, there were waves of people lining the streets, cheering us on. I had never seen anything like that in my life,” he recalled.
That first Dakar remains a defining moment in his career, as it was not just a personal achievement but a triumph for the entire Arab world, who rallied behind him.
The Dubai International Baja: A Homecoming
Al Balooshi’s connection to the desert is never more evident than at the Dubai International Baja, a rally close to his heart and one he hopes to conquer once more. Celebrating its 45th year, the Dubai Baja is one of the longest-running and most prestigious rally events in the Middle East. “It’s incredible that an event can last for 45 years. It shows the right people and strategy are behind it,” said Al Balooshi. “For us, it’s important to take advantage of this opportunity since it’s in our home ground.”
Having already won the Dubai Baja twice, Al Balooshi aims for a third victory this weekend, a goal that holds great emotional significance. “Winning this event again would be very emotional for me,” he said. “It’s my home country, my home ground, and to win here would be the ultimate honor.”
A Legacy Built on the Desert
While Dubai continues to evolve with its iconic skyline and modern infrastructure, Al Balooshi remains steadfast in his love for the desert, a love that continues to drive him toward greater heights in his rally career. “I’m the desert guy from the day I was born,” he said. “The government has given us an amazing lifestyle, but they’ve also preserved the desert for us to enjoy and connect with our past while embracing the future.”
As he prepares for another thrilling chapter in his career, Al Balooshi remains a symbol of determination, pride, and the deep connection between man and desert — a connection that has helped him rise to the top of the rally world.
