Al Salam Cycling Desert Race to Take Place on 9 Feb at Al Marmoom Reserve

Post by: Bandan Preet

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

Under the guidance and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Desert Race — the third stage of the ninth Al Salam Cycling Championship — is set to take place on Sunday, 9 February 2025.

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This prestigious event is being organized by the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai. The championship is widely recognized as the world's largest community cycling event, not only for the diversity of participants but also for its impressive prize offerings.

His Excellency Omair bin Jumaa Al Falasi, Director General of the Private Office and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the championship shared that all arrangements for the event have been finalized. The Desert Race will take cyclists on a challenging journey through the beautiful Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve, featuring dunes and rocky trails.

Cyclists, including UAE nationals and residents, can participate by choosing between two routes:

• Sarouq Al Hadid Route (52 km)
• Al Ashoosh Route (57 km)

Additionally, the race includes a timed sprint segment at Areeqib Brashi, offering an extra competitive challenge.

To ensure safety, strict rules have been implemented for participants. All cyclists must wear helmets, and protective eyewear, and carry hydration packs. They are also required to use mountain bikes fitted with both front and rear lights.

His Excellency Omair bin Jumaa Al Falasi emphasized the committee’s commitment to delivering a top-quality event. "Every race in this championship is carefully planned to encourage competition and reward outstanding performance. This year, the chosen routes are designed to test participants with difficult yet exciting terrain," he explained.

A total of 44 financial prizes will be awarded to the top ten finishers of both the 52 km and 57 km races. Winners of the sprint segment will also be recognized, with special awards for six Emiratis and six residents — three under 40 and three over 40 — in each sprint category.

The organizing committee has worked closely with partners to ensure the highest safety standards are met along the race routes. They have also taken steps to enforce desert cycling rules. "The Al Salam Cycling Championship aims to promote sports and encourage a healthier, more active lifestyle for everyone. This event highlights Dubai's world-class cycling infrastructure and helps position the city as a global hub for cycling," Al Falasi noted.

The championship will conclude on 16 February 2025 with the Women’s Race, also held at Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve. This final stage will feature two races:

• A 107 km race exclusively for Emirati cyclists
• A 136 km elite race open to resident female athletes and members of the GCC Cycling Federation

The ninth edition of the championship began in December with the Sword of Honour Race, held to celebrate the graduation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum from the UK’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. This event was dedicated to Emirati amateur cyclists.

On 19 January 2025, the championship continued with the Ruler’s Court Elite Men’s Cycling Race, which covered a 193 km route starting from the historic Al Fahidi district and passing by several of Dubai's iconic landmarks.

The Al Salam Cycling Championship is organized in collaboration with key strategic 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.

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