The 10th edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship will begin on Sunday, 28 December, with the Emirati Men’s Amateur Race, held 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.
Organised by The Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai, the championship marks a decade of achievements under the slogan “Ten Years of Achievements and Success.”
The opening race, themed “Security and Safety,” will cover a distance of 158 kilometres, starting at the Dubai Police Academy and finishing at Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve in Saih Al Salam. The race has attracted strong registration, reflecting the championship’s status as one of the world’s largest community cycling events in terms of participant diversity and prize value.
His Excellency Omair bin Juma Al Falasi, Director General of The Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee, stated that the selected route reflects the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to celebrate national institutions while showcasing Dubai’s cultural, heritage, and natural landmarks. Previous editions featured routes passing through key locations across the emirate, including central Dubai, Hatta, and major national institutions.
Al Falasi highlighted the steady improvement in performance levels among participants, driven by growing competition and enthusiasm. He noted that the championship aims to encourage community participation in sports and promote healthy, active lifestyles, while reinforcing cycling as a widely accessible activity.
The 10th edition will feature four main races. Registration is currently open for the Elite Race, themed “The Ruler’s Court of Dubai Race,” scheduled for 18 January and covering 200 kilometres. The Women’s Race will take place on 25 January, followed by the Desert Race on 1 February 2026.
In addition, a photography competition, organised in collaboration with the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA), will return for a second edition. The championship is supported by multiple strategic partners, including Dubai Police, RTA, Dubai Municipality, and the Dubai Sports Council.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
