Al Salam Cycling Championship Unveils Eleventh Edition with Five Races and Substantial Prize Purse
The prestigious championship, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, announces an expanded 2026–2027 season featuring diverse competitions for cyclists across all categories and experience levels.
The eleventh edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship represents a remarkable milestone in the evolution of what has established itself as the world’s foremost competitive platform for amateur cyclists and one of the most significant community sporting endeavours in the region. Commencing on 27 December 2026 and extending through to 14 March 2027, this forthcoming season promises an exceptionally comprehensive programme of five distinct races, each carefully curated to encompass competitors of varying abilities and backgrounds.
The championship anticipates welcoming approximately 1,900 male and female cyclists, drawn from across the globe, to compete for a combined prize purse of AED3.695 million. This substantial financial commitment underscores the event’s commitment to recognising excellence and rewarding the dedication of its participants across every category, from emerging amateurs to accomplished professionals.
The competitive calendar opens with the Emirati Men’s Amateur Race on 27 December 2026, designed to celebrate and support domestic talent. This inaugural event will gather over 250 cyclists and offer AED1 million in prize money. The championship reaches a crescendo with the Elite Race on 17 January 2027, attracting more than 350 participants comprising UAE amateur cyclists, professionals, club riders, national teams, and representatives from across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. This marquee event carries a prize allocation of AED1 million.
The Women’s Race on 24 January 2027 underscores the championship’s commitment to fostering inclusive participation, welcoming over 200 amateur and professional cyclists from worldwide origins. With AED460,000 in prize money, this race celebrates the expanding presence and prominence of women within competitive cycling. The Open Desert Race on 31 January 2027 introduces four distinct categories and targets 500 male and female competitors, whilst offering AED535,000 in prize money.
The season concludes magnificently with the Arqoub Al Sadeera Race on 14 March 2027, anticipated to attract over 600 participants and representing the eleventh edition’s largest race by participant numbers. This final competition offers AED700,000 in prize money and brings together amateur and professional male and female cyclists from around the world.
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, emphasised the championship’s evolution beyond sporting competition into an integrated community platform. He noted that the event embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, serving as a catalyst for promoting active lifestyles and community engagement whilst reinforcing Dubai’s standing as a preeminent global destination for major sporting events.
The championship’s sustained growth reflects its success in combining unwavering support for Emirati cyclists with elite international competition, expanded opportunities for women participants, and open participation for cyclists worldwide. This multifaceted approach has solidified its position as a transformative sporting and community initiative that exemplifies Dubai’s approach to creating enduring, impactful experiences.
Source: WAM News Agency