Dubai Showcases Sporting Excellence Through Landmark Cycling Event
Dubai once again reinforced its position as a global hub for elite sporting events as the Elite Race of the Al Salam Cycling Championship delivered a defining chapter in the competition’s tenth edition. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the prestigious race reflected the emirate’s deep commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles, community engagement, and world-class sports infrastructure.
The Elite Race, widely recognised as the HH The Ruler of Dubai Court Race, brought together top-tier cyclists from around the world to compete in one of the region’s most demanding and visually striking road races. The event formed a central highlight of the championship, drawing widespread attention from cycling professionals, sports enthusiasts, and the wider community.
A Race That Blends Performance and Prestige
The Elite Race unfolded over a challenging 200-kilometre course that tested endurance, tactical intelligence, and resilience. Italian cyclist Alessandro Borgo of the Omniyat Shabab Al Ahli 1 Team emerged as the champion after delivering an exceptional performance throughout the race. His victory secured him first place and a cash prize of AED 200,000, underscoring the high competitive stakes of the event.
The championship attracted the most accomplished riders competing across various categories, with total prize money reaching AED 1 million. This substantial reward pool further reinforced the championship’s status as one of the most significant cycling competitions in the region.
Julius Johansen of the MyWhoosh Team claimed second place and received AED 150,000, while Abdullah Jassim Al Ali of Dubai Residence Cycling Club A secured third place with a prize of AED 100,000. Their performances reflected the increasingly competitive nature of the championship, where margins between podium finishers were fiercely contested.
Landmark Route Through the Heart of Dubai
One of the defining features of the Elite Race was its iconic route, which began from HH the Ruler’s Court and passed through some of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks. Cyclists rode along Sheikh Zayed Road, offering dramatic views of Burj Khalifa and the Museum of the Future, symbolising the city’s blend of heritage, innovation, and modern ambition.
The race concluded at the Championship Village within Al Marmoom Reserve in the Seih Al Salam area. The striking desert landscape provided a powerful contrast to the urban skyline, highlighting Dubai’s unique ability to merge metropolitan development with natural beauty. Al Marmoom Reserve has steadily gained recognition as an international destination for sport, tourism, and sustainability-focused initiatives.
Strong Team Performances and Special Recognition
Beyond individual achievements, team competition played a central role in the Elite Race. Omniyat Shabab Al Ahli 1 Team secured first place in the team standings, followed by Dubai Residence Cycling Club A in second place and Omniyat Shabab Al Ahli 2 Team in third.
A notable highlight was Grega Bole of Omniyat Shabab Al Ahli 2 Team, who claimed the Best Rider award in the Over-40 category. His achievement underscored the inclusive nature of the championship, which celebrates excellence across age groups and competitive levels.
Distinguished حضور at the Official Start
The official start of the Elite Race was flagged off by Issa Al Mutaiwei, Deputy Director General of His Highness Dubai Ruler’s Court, in the presence of senior officials and members of the Supreme Organising Committee. Also attending were Omair bin Juma Al Falasi, Director General of the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai, Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, and Khalifa bin Aboud, representing the Ruler’s Court on the organising committee.
Their presence reflected the strong institutional support behind the championship and the collaborative effort that underpins its continued success.
Record Participation Reflects Growing Global Appeal
Omair bin Juma Al Falasi expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, noting that his guidance continues to inspire excellence across all aspects of the championship. He highlighted that the latest edition recorded unprecedented participation, confirming the race’s expanding reputation within the international cycling community.
A total of 289 cyclists representing 51 nationalities and 29 teams took part in the Elite Race. This remarkable turnout built on the strong community engagement achieved in previous editions and demonstrated the championship’s ability to attract talent from across the globe.
Al Falasi emphasised that the appeal of the race lies not only in the demanding 200-kilometre distance but also in the carefully designed route that showcases Dubai’s history, cultural identity, and modern development in a single journey.
Celebrating Ten Years of Achievement
Held under the slogan “Ten Years of Achievements and Success,” the tenth edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship began last month with the Emirati Men’s Amateur Race. Organised under the theme “Safety and Security,” that event was conducted in cooperation with Dubai Police, with the Dubai Police Academy headquarters serving as the starting point.
The championship calendar continues with several upcoming races. The Women’s Race is scheduled for January 25, followed by the Women’s Desert Race on January 31, and the Men’s Desert Race on February 1, 2026. Each event is designed to further expand participation and highlight different terrains and competitive formats.
A Platform for Sport, Community, and Vision
The Al Salam Cycling Championship is organised in cooperation with key strategic partners, including Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority, the Dubai Sports Council, the Government of Dubai Media Office, the UAE Cycling Federation, and Dubai Film. This multi-agency collaboration ensures the event meets international standards of safety, organisation, and media coverage.
As the Elite Race concludes, it leaves behind more than just winners and podium finishes. It reinforces Dubai’s long-term vision of positioning sport as a driver of community well-being, international engagement, and sustainable development. The championship stands as a testament to how sport, when thoughtfully curated, can reflect the values and ambitions of an entire city.
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