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The tenth edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship concluded with the Urqoob Al Sudaira race, which took place 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 cycling championship event was organized by the Private Office of the Ruler of Dubai and witnessed significant participation from professional and amateur cyclists across multiple categories.
Jens Render from Dubai Police team won the professional men’s category, while Hilal Al Harbi from Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamid Al Nuaimi team claimed victory in the amateur men’s division. Petra Zsanko from Dubai Police team triumphed in the professional women’s category, and Ines Crasko, competing individually, won the amateur women’s category.
Record Participation in Al Salam Cycling Championship
The Urqoob Al Sudaira race represents the largest event of its kind, extending 100 kilometers from Al Samha area in Abu Dhabi to Seih Al Salam in Dubai. According to organizers, the race attracted 367 cyclists of both genders representing 48 different nationalities and 33 teams, demonstrating the growing international appeal of cycling events in the UAE.
The participation numbers were distributed across four categories, with 46 competitors from 35 nationalities and 6 teams in the professional men’s category. Additionally, the amateur men’s category saw the highest turnout with 256 participants from 18 nationalities representing 19 teams, highlighting the popularity of amateur cycling competition in the region.
Team Results and Prize Money
Dubai Police team secured first place in the professional men’s team category, followed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in second place. Abu Dhabi Cycling Club claimed third position in this competitive division.
In the amateur men’s team standings, Aerowic Bin Hadir team finished first, with Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamid Al Nuaimi team taking second place and the Ministry of Defence team earning third. Meanwhile, Dubai Police dominated the professional women’s team category, with Dubai Residency team placing second and Dubai Police Esaad team finishing third.
Increased Prize Pool for Cycling Event
Due to overwhelming demand for participation in the Al Salam Cycling Championship, the organizing committee increased the total prize money from 700,000 dirhams to 800,000 dirhams. The enhanced prize pool was distributed among winners across all four categories, reflecting the event’s growing prestige and competitive nature.
However, the women’s categories saw smaller but equally competitive fields, with 20 participants from 16 nationalities and 3 teams in the professional women’s category. The amateur women’s division featured 45 participants representing 14 nationalities and 5 teams, demonstrating increasing female participation in cycling sports across the Emirates.
Distinguished Attendees and Heritage Elements
The competitions were attended by Omair bin Jumaa Al Falasi, Director General of the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee. Other distinguished guests included Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, and Aref Al Awani, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
The event featured a distinctive cultural element with a camel caravan from Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Center. The caravan, led by participants from various nationalities, decorated the race route in the Seih Al Salam area of Dubai, blending traditional Emirati heritage with modern sporting achievement.
Al Falasi expressed gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his patronage and personal attendance at races throughout the season. He noted that the successful conclusion of this tenth season confirms the championship’s position as the world’s largest cycling competition for both amateurs and professionals, promoting healthier and more active lifestyles throughout the community.
The championship season also included specialized races such as the Security and Safety race for Emirati cyclists and the Diwan of the Ruler of Dubai race. The organizing committee has not announced dates for the eleventh edition, though continued growth and expansion of the championship appears likely based on this season’s success.
