Committee reviews preparations, routes of 10th Al Salam Cycling Championship

The Supreme Organising Committee of the Al Salam Cycling Championship reviewed the preparations and routes of the four races of the 10th edition of the event, held under the directives and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

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

Recognised globally as the largest community cycling event of its kind for its diversity and prize value, the championship offers a total prize pool of Dhs3.5 million and attracts both professional and amateur cyclists from the UAE, the GCC, and beyond.

During the meeting, which brought together representatives of the event’s strategic partners — Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and the Dubai Sports Council — the Committee reviewed comprehensive plans and logistics for its four main races. Members of the Supreme Committee including Mohammed Abdullah Al Mousa and Rami Bassam Al Nabulsi attended the meeting.

Discussions focused on ensuring participant safety and maintaining smooth traffic flow across key routes in the Al Salam area within the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, the largest unfenced nature reserve in the UAE, as well as other parts of Dubai. The routes have been carefully designed to promote competitiveness and optimal performance among participants.

The 10th edition of the event will feature four key races, starting with the UAE Nationals Amateur Race on December 28.

The competition will continue with the Elite Race on January 18, 2026, followed by the Women’s Race on January 25, 2026. The series will conclude with the highly anticipated Desert Race on February 1, 2026.

Mohammed Al Mousa conveyed to the partners the greetings of Omer Bin Jumaa Al Falasi, Director General of the Private Office of the Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee.

He expressed appreciation for their ongoing support in ensuring the success of the championship and advancing the sporting and community objectives set by Sheikh Mohammed.

He added that the 10th anniversary edition promises to be exceptional in every aspect, showcasing the event’s continued growth and its prominent place on Dubai’s sporting and community calendar.

Held under the theme ‘Ten Years of Achievements and Success’, this edition celebrates a decade of promoting cycling, encouraging healthy, active lifestyles, and highlighting Dubai’s unique natural and urban landscapes.

Continuing its successful partnership, the Committee confirmed that the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) will once again organise a special photography competition for each of the four races. Winners will be honoured at the conclusion of the championship.

The championship has become a highly anticipated annual event that draws both amateur and professional cyclists — men and women alike — from across the UAE and around the world.

Each year, it welcomes a diverse field of participants, including returning competitors from GCC countries who consider Dubai a favorite destination.

Beyond the thrill of competition, the event offers cyclists the chance to enhance their skills, test their endurance, and experience the spirit of sportsmanship in an atmosphere unlike any other.

Set against Dubai’s picturesque landscapes and the natural beauty of the Al Marmoom Reserve, the championship not only celebrates athletic excellence but also highlights the emirate’s growing reputation as a hub for top-class events.

The Supreme Organising Committee continues to work closely with a range of strategic partners, including Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, RTA, Dubai Sports Council, Government of Dubai Media Office, Dubai Sports, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, the UAE Cycling Federation, and Dubai Film.