Dubai Al Salam Cycling Championship: Desert Races and Record Prize Money
Dubai’s vibrant cycling scene is once again in the spotlight as the Al Salam Cycling Championship continues its tenth season with high-stakes desert races, attracting top cyclists, elite competitors and enthusiastic spectators to the iconic Al Marmoom Reserve in the Saih Al Salam area this weekend. 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, the championship has evolved into one of the most exciting and inclusive sporting events in the region.The weekend’s action kicked off on Saturday, January 31, 2025, with the Desert Race for Women, covering a challenging 20 km course designed to test endurance, strategy and resilience across a rugged desert terrain. The event featured two categories, one for Emirati women and another open to all nationalities, highlighting the inclusive spirit of the championship and providing a platform for female cyclists to shine on one of Dubai’s most demanding outdoor stages.On Sunday, February 1, the focus shifts to the men’s desert race, a 52 km showdown that includes special cash-prize challenges for standout performances. This staging marks the fourth and fifth rounds of the Al Salam Championship’s tenth edition, following earlier highlights such as the Security and Safety Race, organised in cooperation with Dubai Police and tailored for Emirati cyclists and the Ruler of Dubai Court Race, a high-profile event that drew elite professional riders from around the world.
Record prize money for Al Salam Cycling Championship in Dubai
A significant talking point this year is the AED 455,000 total prize pool for the desert races, the largest ever for desert cycling competitions in the region. This exceptional prize money underscores the event’s growing prestige and its ability to attract a high calibre of participants from both local and international cycling circuits. Riders are urged to equip themselves fully. Helmets, goggles and essential gear are mandatory, given the demanding nature of the desert course, which features varied terrain and environmental challenges that test physical stamina and technical skill.
Omair bin Juma Al Falasi, Director General of the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, confirmed that the Al Salam Championship has consistently prioritised inclusivity by organising a wide range of cycling… pic.twitter.com/18kOpg2L63
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 30, 2026
The prominence of the desert races follows a series of competitive encounters that have already taken place in the championship calendar. Earlier this month, the championship staged a women’s race at Al Marmoom Reserve that drew some of the world’s top female cyclists, delivering thrilling head-to-head competition and showcasing world-class athleticism on UAE soil.
Expanding cycling culture in the UAE
The Al Salam Cycling Championship, now in its tenth edition, began in late 2025 and has since become a fixture in the UAE’s sports calendar, blending elite competition with community engagement. The season kicked off with the Emirati Men’s Amateur Race in December 2025, followed by the Elite Ruler’s Court Race in January 2026, both of which were organised with strong backing from local authorities and cycling federations.Earlier rounds also saw leading professional cyclists compete under the watchful eyes of dignitaries, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who has consistently emphasised the role of sport in fostering healthy lifestyles, unity, and global sporting excellence. At the Elite Race, held in January, His Highness was present to witness key competitive moments, reinforcing the event’s significance as a platform for both elite sport and community participation.The Al Salam Championship is more than a series of races; it is part of a broader movement to embed cycling as a popular, accessible sport across the UAE. Over the past decade, the event has helped inspire thousands of residents and visitors to embrace cycling, whether as competitive athletes or recreational enthusiasts exploring Dubai’s scenic routes and desert landscapes. Initiatives linked to the championship, such as community rides, photography contests (in partnership with the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award), and inclusive race categories for different age groups and skill levels, reflect a strategic push to broaden the sport’s appeal.Cycling aficionados and athletes alike view Al Marmoom Reserve as a natural hub for endurance sports, with its varied terrain and expansive desert setting offering an ideal backdrop for both competitive and recreational cycling. Local authorities have also leveraged this interest to expand cycling infrastructure, promote safe riding culture, and position Dubai as a global cycling-friendly destination.
UAE traffic and public engagement in cycling
With the championship’s popular appeal comes practical considerations for city residents and visitors. In past years, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has issued special advisories ahead of major races, including temporary road closures and traffic adjustments to ensure safety and smooth conduct of events linked to the Al Salam Cycling Championship and related cycling festivals. These measures reflect the high profile of cycling events in Dubai and their impact on urban mobility planning during peak weekends.Athletes competing in the desert races this weekend are not just racing for prize money; they are contributing to a larger narrative of sporting excellence, outdoor adventure and community pride that reflects the UAE’s broader ambitions in health, sports participation and international sports tourism. Public engagement has been strong, with large numbers of spectators and supporters attending the races, sharing social media content from the event sites, and following live updates that celebrate athletic achievement, community spirit, and cultural vibrancy. The championship’s blend of elite competition and inclusive participation continues to resonate with audiences across the UAE and internationally.As the tenth season progresses, attention will soon turn to future stages of the Al Salam Cycling Championship, including any additional invitational races, community challenges and potential year-end events that cap off Dubai’s rich calendar of cycling activities. With strong support from national and local institutions (including the Dubai Sports Council, UAE Cycling Federation and other strategic partners) the championship is poised to maintain its momentum and grow its legacy as a premier cycling event in the Middle East. Go to Source
