10th Al Salam Cycling Championship to commence on December 28 in Dubai

Under the patronage and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Supreme Organising Committee of the Al Salam Cycling Championship today announced the 10th edition of the event, the world’s largest community cycling race in terms of diversity and prize value.

The championship is organised by The Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai.

The announcement was made during a meeting of the Supreme Organising Committee, chaired by Omair Bin Juma Al Falasi, Director General of The Private Office of the Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the committee, in the presence of members Mohammed Abdullah Al Mousa, Majid Abdul Rahman Al Bastaki, and Rami Bassam Al Nablsi, along with working group members Ahmed Al Ketbi, Hasher Bin Subaih, Jassim Al Jasmi, Rashid Bin Mijrin, Abdullah Bin Aboud, Razzaz Ali, and Lama Shamshoum.

The committee announced that the upcoming edition will be held under the slogan ‘Ten Years of Achievements and Success’. Over the years, the event has become a key fixture in the community, celebrating Dubai’s cultural and natural landmarks while promoting sports as a lifestyle that enhances health, vitality, and well-being.

The committee approved four main races for the 10th edition: the UAE Nationals Amateur Race on 28 December, 2025, the Elite Race on 18 January, 2026, the Women’s Race on 25 January, 2026, and the Desert Race on 1 February, 2026.

The committee also reviewed the race routes, which will once again take place within Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, the largest nature reserve in the UAE.

Omair Bin Juma Al Falasi extended his gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his continuous support and vision, which have driven the championship’s success and established it as one of the largest community sporting events in Dubai and worldwide.

“As the championship celebrates its 10th anniversary, our responsibility grows to continue building on its legacy of success.

“Our mission extends beyond competition; it’s about inspiring society to embrace sports as a lifestyle that promotes health, activity, and happiness. Over the past decade, the championship has attracted thousands of participants from various nationalities.

“We have also ensured diversity in competition and dedicated races for both men and women, emphasising the empowerment and vital role of women in society,” he added.

The championship has evolved far beyond being merely a sporting event — it has become a powerful platform for women’s empowerment and inclusion across the region. Through the introduction of dedicated women’s races in both past and upcoming editions, the event has created meaningful opportunities for female athletes to showcase their talent, strength, and determination on an equal stage.

These races not only celebrate athletic excellence but also inspire a new generation of women and girls to pursue their sporting ambitions, breaking barriers and redefining perceptions of what they can achieve. By fostering visibility, participation, and recognition for women in sports, the championship continues to play a vital role in advancing gender equality and promoting a culture of empowerment within the broader community.

The championship has also partnered with leading national institutions, enriching its impact and expanding its community reach — including collaborations with The Ruler’s Court of Dubai and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre.

A special race was also organised to coincide with Expo 2020 Dubai, featuring routes that passed through the heart of the city and extended to the scenic area of Hatta.

Last year’s collaboration with the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award resulted in one of the largest sports photography competitions, attracting wide participation from photographers who captured striking images that celebrated both the intensity of the races and the beauty of Dubai’s landscapes.