Mohammed Al Balooshi always knew he was destined for something great. His obsession with speed and racing began at the age of 20, sparking a career that would fundamentally rewrite the region’s motorsport history. His early dominance was absolute, highlighted by an unstoppable five-year streak as the Arabic motocross champion between 2009 and 2013.
But its 2009 that Al Balooshi points to as his definitive breakthrough year — the pivotal year that brought him within touching distance of his dream to compete alongside the world's elite. As he pushed his limits, he transitioned into gruelling longer-format bajas and rally-raids alongside his brother, Sultan, while simultaneously stepping into the role of mentor. During this formative era, he led the Red Bull Under My Wings project, guiding a new generation of talent through intensive 24-hour desert training camps.
But it was the legendary Dakar Rally that truly tested his resolve. Al Balooshi made history as the first Emirati rider to tackle the iconic race, and though a fractured hand and shoulder in the tenth stage cut his debut short before the finish line in Lima, the experience only solidified his obsession with the event. As he puts it: “The Dakar Rally is a one-off; there’s nothing like it. I’ve done small rallies before, but those can’t compare with the Dakar.”
That relentless drive eventually translated into global success. Al Balooshi broke boundaries yet again by becoming the first GCC rider to capture the FIM Bajas World Cup title. His momentum has only accelerated in recent years; after tackling the legendary terrain of Saudi Arabia for the 2022 Dakar Rally, he launched into a phenomenal winning streak—reclaiming the FIM Bajas World Cup crown on home soil in Dubai and successfully defending his world title in Saudi Arabia the following year. Today, when he isn't competing internationally, Al Balooshi focuses on grassroots development, training tomorrow's champions at his self-founded MX academy in the UAE.
My Travel Essentials
When it comes to Mohammed Al Balooshi's travel essentials, they're more unconventional than the average traveller. Taking into account his career and the travel that surrounds his work, Al Balooshi says: "Since 99% of my travel is race-related, my luggage is really a survival kit for the desert. Without my helmet, boots, knee protection, and airbag jacket, I honestly feel naked. Those four items are non-negotiable — everything else supports the mission, but those are what allow me to do what I love safely."
Kini Red Bull Mxc 1.0 Jersey Anthracite
My motocross jersey is one of my favourite items, especially as a Red Bull athlete. It's lightweight, comfortable, and designed for the extreme conditions we face during races. Every jersey carries memories from different events and adventures around the world.
From US$ 68
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Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Ear Plugs
This is something I've come to appreciate more over the years. When I first started riding, I loved hearing every sound the bike made. Now, after thousands of kilometres and countless races, I prefer to reduce the noise and protect my hearing. Ear plugs help me stay focused, reduce fatigue, and make long days on the bike much more comfortable.
From SAR 638
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Lululemon 3-in-1 Gym Duffle Bag 30 L
This is the kind of bag that works well for how I travel and train. It’s practical because I can use it as a duffle, backpack, or shoulder bag depending on the situation, which makes it easy to move between the gym, races, and airports without switching bags. The 30L size is enough to fit the essentials, training gear, recovery items, and small travel necessities, without being bulky. It keeps things organised and simple, especially when I’m constantly on the move between training sessions and events.
From SAR 800
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Sandisk Creator Phone Portable SSD
These days, content is a big part of what we do as athletes. Whether I'm documenting a rally, sharing behind-the-scenes moments from a race, or capturing experiences while travelling, I end up with a lot of footage on my phone. This SSD makes it easy to store and transfer content without worrying about running out of space. It's compact, durable, and simple to carry, which is important when you're constantly moving between races, airports, and remote locations. It's become a useful tool for keeping everything organised while I'm on the road.
From SAR 980
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Kini Red Bull Exc 1.0 Jacket Blue White
My rally jacket is another favourite. It's practical, durable, and built for the unique demands of rally racing. Whether I'm competing in the desert or traveling between stages, it's something I always keep close. As a Red Bull athlete, it's also a piece that represents the journey I've been fortunate enough to have in the sport.
From US$ 223
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Dainese Misano Air Bag Jacket
This is one piece of gear I never travel without. Rally racing can be unpredictable, and when you're riding at high speeds across challenging terrain, safety is everything. The airbag jacket is one of the most advanced pieces of protection available and can make a huge difference in the event of a major crash. It's an exclusive piece of equipment, but for me, it's worth every bit of protection it provides.
From SAR 2920
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Original Ducati Corse V6 Air Riding Boots
My riding boots are absolutely essential. They protect my feet and ankles from impacts, rocks, and the constant punishment that comes with long rally stages. When you're spending hours on the bike every day, proper protection isn't optional — it's critical.
From US$530
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Arai GP-6S Moto Helmet
If I had to choose one piece of gear, it would be my helmet. It's the most important item I travel with and the one thing I simply cannot ride without. Safety always comes first, and after all these years of racing, my helmet remains my favourite and most trusted piece of equipment.
From SAR 1558
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Red Bull Zero
You'll always find a case of Red Bull Zero travelling with me. Rally racing demands a huge amount of physical and mental energy, especially during long stages and race weeks. It's part of my routine before a race, during demanding days, and sometimes even afterward. For me, it's a travel essential that helps keep me sharp and focused wherever I'm competing.
Acerbis Gorilla Knee Protectors
A must-have for every ride. In rally racing, your knees take a lot of stress, whether you're standing on the bike for extended periods or navigating difficult terrain. Good knee protection gives me the confidence to ride aggressively while staying protected.
From SAR 530
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