Ahead of the highly anticipated Arenacross World Tour Finals, 30 of the UAE’s most promising young motocross talents, aged between five and 18, were invited to Yas Marina Circuit for a day of excitement, learning, and mentorship.
The highlight of the day was an exclusive mentoring session led by Emirati motocross icon and Arenacross ambassador Mohammed Al Balooshi. Sharing his journey and experiences in the sport, Al Balooshi provided valuable advice and encouragement to the young riders, inspiring the next generation of homegrown talent.
“Motocross has had a big impact on my life. It taught me discipline, made me stronger, and showed me the value of hard work. It’s a tough sport, but it gives back just as much as you put in,” said Al Balooshi. “Having the Arenacross World Tour Finals in the UAE is a major moment for our sport. It puts a spotlight on motocross, which can help attract more young people to the sport. For some local riders racing on July 5, this could be the start of their journey. One day, one of them might represent the UAE in a pro motocross championship.”
These talented young riders will take to the track on 5 July at Etihad Arena, competing as part of the Arenacross World Tour Finals. Set on a custom-built dirt track, they’ll race alongside top-tier international professionals in a high-octane event that blends motocross competition, freestyle stunts, and an electrifying stadium atmosphere, merging youth, sport, and spectacle under one roof.
Matt Bates, CEO of ASL Active, the global rights holders of Arenacross, emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent: “This initiative is part of our broader mission to grow the sport from the grassroots up, giving the next generation a safe, professional environment to discover their potential, develop essential life skills, and most importantly, have fun. That same energy will be on full display at the upcoming World Tour Finals in Abu Dhabi, which promises to be more than just a motorsport event. It’s a family-friendly experience suitable for all ages and interests, whether you are a die-hard fan or a first-time spectator. Ultimately, our goal is to make motocross more accessible and exciting and to create the kind of unforgettable memories that keep people coming back year after year.”
Hosted in the Middle East for the first time, the Arenacross World Tour Finals will bring together 20 of the world’s top motocross athletes competing for the championship title, alongside freestyle motocross (FMX) stunt performers thrilling the crowd with gravity-defying tricks.
The Etihad Arena will be transformed into a full-scale dirt track, offering a three-hour spectacle of adrenaline and entertainment. Fans can enhance their experience with the AED 85 Pre-Show Track Walk & Meet and Greet—granting early access to the arena floor, a behind-the-scenes look at the track, meet-and-greets with riders at the start gate, and a private FMX demo before the main event.
Tickets for the Arenacross World Tour Finals are now available at etihadarena.ae and ticketmaster.ae, starting from AED 95. Special family and group packages are also on offer.
Organised by ASL Active in collaboration with Ethara, the region’s leading live events company, the event is set to be one of the standout moments on the UAE’s 2025 entertainment calendar—delivering high-energy sport, community spirit, and unforgettable family fun.
