The 158-kilometer ‘Security and Safety’ race opens a decade-defining community cycling journey
The Al Salam Cycling Championship has officially launched its landmark 10th edition in Dubai, marking a powerful milestone for one of the region’s most celebrated community sporting events. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the championship continues to reflect Dubai’s long-standing commitment to sports, well-being, and community engagement.
The opening race, dedicated to Emirati men amateurs, sets the tone for this special edition under the theme “Security and Safety.” Covering a demanding 158-kilometer route, the race begins at the Dubai Police Academy and concludes at the iconic Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve in Saih Al Salam. The route blends athletic challenge with cultural symbolism, highlighting national institutions while showcasing Dubai’s unique desert landscape.
A Decade of Vision, Community, and Sporting Excellence
Organized by The Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai, the Al Salam Cycling Championship has grown steadily over the past decade into the largest community cycling race of its kind in the world, measured by diversity of participants and prize value. What began as a local initiative has evolved into an international platform that welcomes cyclists of varying abilities, backgrounds, and ambitions.
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, emphasized that the championship’s routes are carefully designed to align with the broader vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. Each edition celebrates national achievements, cultural heritage, and Dubai’s most recognizable landmarks, turning every race into a moving narrative of the city’s identity.
The ‘Security and Safety’ Race: More Than a Starting Line
The opening race carries symbolic weight beyond its physical demands. By adopting “Security and Safety” as its theme, the championship underscores the role of national institutions in safeguarding community life while encouraging responsible sporting participation. The journey from the Dubai Police Academy to Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve reflects a seamless connection between urban discipline and natural resilience.
Participants face a route that tests endurance, strategy, and teamwork, while also offering expansive views of Dubai’s desert environment. For many riders, the challenge lies not only in completing the distance but in pushing personal limits within a supportive and well-organized community framework.
Growing Competition, Rising Performance
One of the defining characteristics of the Al Salam Cycling Championship is its consistent rise in performance standards. The Emirati Men’s Amateur Race, in particular, has seen noticeable growth in competitiveness year after year. Cyclists now arrive better prepared, more technically skilled, and highly motivated to secure top positions.
This upward trajectory reflects the championship’s core mission: to inspire community members to integrate sport into their daily lives and to view cycling not merely as recreation, but as a disciplined and rewarding pursuit. The healthy rivalry among participants has elevated the overall quality of the race while fostering camaraderie and mutual respect.
Ten Years of Achievements and Success
The 10th edition is held under the slogan “Ten Years of Achievements and Success,” a tribute to the championship’s journey and impact. Over the years, Al Salam Cycling Championship has become a recognized community landmark, drawing attention from international cycling enthusiasts and media alike.
Past editions have featured meaningful collaborations with prominent national entities such as The Ruler’s Court of Dubai and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre. A dedicated race linked to Expo Dubai further demonstrated the championship’s ability to align with major national milestones. Routes have traversed central Dubai and extended to the mountainous Hatta region, offering participants diverse terrains and cultural experiences.
Each edition builds on the last, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for innovative, inclusive, and well-executed sporting events.
Four Signature Races Define the Milestone Edition
The Supreme Organizing Committee has approved four main races for this special edition, each designed to appeal to different segments of the cycling community. Among them is the Elite Race, themed The Ruler’s Court of Dubai Race, which spans an impressive 200 kilometers. For the second consecutive time, the race begins at The Ruler’s Court of Dubai and ends at Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve, reinforcing continuity and prestige.
The programme also includes a dedicated Women’s Race, reflecting the championship’s commitment to inclusivity and the growing participation of women in competitive cycling. The season concludes with the Desert Race, a demanding finale that celebrates endurance, resilience, and the raw beauty of Dubai’s landscape.
Celebrating Creativity Through the Lens
Beyond athletic competition, the Al Salam Cycling Championship embraces artistic expression through its photography competition, organized in collaboration with the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award. Building on strong participation in previous editions, the competition invites photographers to capture moments that reflect Dubai’s scenery, the intensity of competition, and the human stories behind each race.
This initiative adds a cultural dimension to the championship, preserving its legacy through powerful visual storytelling and offering creatives a platform to showcase their perspective on sport and community.
Strong Partnerships, Seamless Execution
The success of the Al Salam Cycling Championship is underpinned by cooperation with key strategic partners. These include Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Sports Council, Government of Dubai Media Office, Dubai Sports Channel, the UAE Cycling Federation as the general referee, and Dubai Film. Their collective efforts ensure high standards of safety, organization, and media coverage.
Such collaboration reflects Dubai’s integrated approach to event management, where government entities work together to deliver experiences that meet international benchmarks while remaining accessible to the community.
A Championship That Reflects Dubai’s Spirit
At its heart, the Al Salam Cycling Championship is more than a sporting event. It is a reflection of Dubai’s spirit: ambitious yet inclusive, competitive yet community-driven. By combining elite-level organization with grassroots participation, the championship continues to inspire individuals to embrace healthier lifestyles and to see sport as a unifying force.
As the 10th edition unfolds, it stands as a testament to what sustained vision, community engagement, and strategic planning can achieve. The roads, deserts, and landmarks of Dubai once again become the backdrop for stories of determination, achievement, and shared success.
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