11th Al Salam Cycling Championship offers over Dhs3.6m prize money, features 5 races

Under the patronage 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 has announced the launch of its 11th edition.

Signalling the start of its 2026–2027 season, the championship traces a remarkable path that has established it as the world’s largest event of its kind for amateur cyclists and one of the most prominent community sporting events in Dubai and the UAE.

Starting on December 27 and running through to March 14, 2027, the championship will feature five races for men and women across clearly-defined categories for amateurs, professionals, clubs, and national teams.

The upcoming edition is expected to draw extensive international participation in keeping with the championship’s exemplary level of organisation and consistently high standards of competition.

Beyond the spirit of sporting competition, the 11th edition of the championship builds on a clearly outlined vision to promote sport as an integral part of life, strengthen community engagement, and harness Dubai’s world-class infrastructure and comprehensive sports ecosystem. These efforts further strengthen the emirate’s position as a global destination for major sporting events and exceptional athletes.

The five races will offer Dhs3.695 million in prize money, with the championship anticipating the participation of approximately 1,900 male and female cyclists.

These figures reflect the event’s growing global popularity and the diversity of its competitive categories.

Omair Bin Juma Al Falasi, Director General of the Private Office of the Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Al Salam Cycling Championship, said that the scale and popularity of the championship as it marked its 11th edition reflects the inspirational vision of Sheikh Mohammed and his enduring support for sport as an enabler of community spirit and enhanced quality of life.

He said: “Since its inception, the Al Salam Cycling Championship has embodied the vision of the Ruler of Dubai. Going beyond the boundaries of sporting competition, it has emerged as a notable platform to promote a community sporting culture, inspiring people to stay fit and fulfil their potential, and providing Emiratis the competitive edge to enhance their sporting performances. Its reach continues to expand year after year, attracting participants from countries around the world.”

Falasi said: “As we announce the launch of the 11th edition, we are proud that the Al Salam Cycling Championship has established itself as the world’s largest championship of its kind for amateur cyclists and secured a distinctive place on the global cycling calendar. “ The new season will get underway on December 27 with the Emirati Men’s Amateur Race, one of the championship’s key events. Expected to bring together over 250 cyclists, the race will offer Dhs1 million in prize money.

All eyes will turn to the Elite Race on January 17, 2027 with the field comprising UAE amateur cyclists, professionals, club riders, national teams, and teams representing the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The race is expected to draw over 350 participants and will offer Dhs1 million in prize money, making it one of the season’s most prominent and fiercely contested events.

On 24 January, 2027, the championship will host the Women’s Race, pitting amateur and professional cyclists from around the world. Featuring over 200 participants and offering Dhs460,000 in prize money, the race highlights the growing presence of women in cycling and their important place in the championship’s overall programme.

The Open Desert Race on January 31, 2027 will feature four categories: men’s amateurs, men’s professionals, women’s amateurs, and women’s professionals. Open to participants from around the world, the race is targeting 500 male and female competitors and will offer Dhs535,000 in prize money.

The season will conclude on March, 14, 2027 with the Arqoub Al Sadeera Race, which will bring together amateur and professional male and female cyclists from around the world.