Elite riders set to compete in Dh1 million Dubai cycling showdown
Al Salam Championship expands with five thrilling races this edition
DUBAI – 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 HH The Ruler of Dubai Court Race for Elite Men will take place tomorrow, as part of the 10th edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship.
The race, organised by the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai, will see the strongest riders compete for a total prize fund of Dh1 million.
The Elite Men’s race marks the second consecutive year of collaboration with HH The Ruler’s Court of Dubai. Last year’s edition was widely celebrated for its unique route, which began in the heart of Dubai, passed through the emirate’s major cultural and urban landmarks, and concluded at the Al Marmoom Reserve in Saih Al Salam. Organisers have emphasised that the success of the event relies on close cooperation with government entities to deliver a seamless and high-profile sporting experience.
Championship expands
The 10th Al Salam Cycling Championship, running under the slogan ‘Ten Years of Achievements and Success’, commemorates a decade since the competition’s launch. Recognised as the largest championship of its kind in Dubai for diversity and inclusivity across racing categories, the milestone edition has already attracted strong participation and fierce competition.
The Championship began at the end of last month with the UAE Men’s Amateur Race, themed ‘Safety and Security’ and organised in cooperation with Dubai Police. The race started from the Dubai Police Academy headquarters, highlighting the importance of secure and safe sporting events.
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, said the 10th edition will feature five races, including a new women’s desert race on 31 January, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to promoting women’s sport.
Across its previous nine editions and the opening race of the current championship, the event has held 41 races, with 5,137 male and female riders covering a total of 4,881 kilometres across Dubai. A total of 2,685 riders finished first in their respective races and were awarded prize money.
The updated Championship schedule lists the Women’s Race on 25 January, the Women’s Desert Race on 31 January, and the Men’s Desert Race on 1 February 2026. The Elite Men’s race will start from His Highness the Ruler’s Court, a landmark symbolic of Dubai’s rich past and dynamic present.
Capturing the moment
In addition, the Championship Photography Competition is running for the second year in cooperation with the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award. Amateur and professional photographers are invited to register by 26 January to capture the action on the track and Dubai’s iconic cityscapes. First-place winners in each race will receive Dh12,000, second place Dh8,000, and third place Dh5,000.
The Championship is supported by multiple strategic partners, including Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Sports Council, the Government of Dubai Media Office, Dubai Sports Channel, the UAE Cycling Federation, and Dubai Film.