DUBAI, 8 February 2025 (WAM) – The Desert Race, marking the third stage of the ninth edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship, is set to take place on Sunday, 9 February, at Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve.
Held under the patronage and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, the race is part of what is considered the largest community cycling event in the world in terms of participant diversity and prize value.
Organised by the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai, the event will feature two primary race routes: the 52-kilometre Sarouq Al Hadid course and the 57-kilometre Al Ashoosh route. A timed sprint segment will also take place at Areeqib Brashi.
Omair bin Jumaa Al Falasi, Director General of the Private Office and Chairman of the Championship’s Supreme Organising Committee, confirmed that preparations for the race are complete. He noted that the course will challenge cyclists with stretches of sand dunes and rocky desert trails.
Participants—open to both UAE citizens and residents—must adhere to strict safety measures. Riders are required to wear helmets, protective eyewear, and hydration gear. All bicycles must be mountain bikes fitted with front and rear lights.
“The race routes have been carefully chosen to encourage competition and reward excellence,” said Al Falasi. “We have allocated 44 cash prizes for the top ten finishers in both distance categories. Additionally, sprint winners will be recognised, with six Emiratis and six residents—split evenly between those under and over 40—honoured in each sprint category.”
Al Falasi also highlighted the efforts of partnering agencies in ensuring safety and enforcing desert cycling rules. “This championship promotes fitness and well-being in our society and showcases Dubai’s advanced cycling infrastructure, reinforcing its status as a cycling-friendly city,” he said.
The 2025 Al Salam Cycling Championship will conclude with the Women’s Race on 16 February. The final event will be held at Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve and will include a 107-kilometre race for Emirati cyclists and a 136-kilometre elite race open to residents and GCC Cycling Federation members.
The championship began in December with the Sword of Honour race, held in celebration of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s graduation from the UK’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. That event was dedicated to Emirati amateur cyclists. It was followed by the Ruler’s Court Elite Men’s Race on 19 January, which spanned 193 kilometres and passed through some of Dubai’s most iconic locations, beginning in the Al Fahidi district.
The championship is supported by key partners including Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Sports Channel, the UAE Cycling Federation, and the Dubai Film Company.