Dubai gears up for 10th Al Salam Cycling Championship

Dubai readies for the 10th Al Salam Cycling Championship with AED3.5 million prizes and four major races celebrating a decade of sporting success

Bianca Qureshi• 11/4/2025• 619 Views

Dubai is gearing up to welcome cyclists from across the UAE, GCC, and beyond for the 10th edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship, recognised as the largest community cycling event of its kind. 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 event continues to promote fitness, unity, and a passion for cycling.

This year’s championship carries a total prize pool of AED 3.5 million, reaffirming its status as one of the most rewarding and prestigious events in the region’s cycling calendar.

The Supreme Organising Committee recently met with representatives from Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and the Dubai Sports Council to finalise preparations and logistics. The meeting focused on ensuring safety, smooth traffic flow, and optimal race conditions across Dubai’s scenic cycling routes.

The races will take riders through the Al Salam area within Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve—the UAE’s largest unfenced nature reserve—offering a blend of desert terrain and breathtaking natural views.

Key Race Dates

UAE Nationals Amateur Race: 28 December 2025
Elite Race: 18 January 2026
Women’s Race: 25 January 2026
Desert Race: 1 February 2026

Marking ‘Ten Years of Achievements and Success’, this edition celebrates a decade of promoting an active lifestyle, sportsmanship, and community spirit in Dubai. Over the years, the championship has become a symbol of endurance and inclusion, attracting both professionals and amateurs eager to test their limits in a world-class setting.

Continuing a popular tradition, the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) will once again host a photography competition alongside each race, capturing the energy, emotion, and elegance of cycling in Dubai.

As anticipation builds, cyclists and spectators alike look forward to another exhilarating season where athletic excellence meets the city’s vibrant sporting culture — a true celebration of Dubai’s commitment to health, community, and the spirit of competition.