Dubai Hosts World’s Biggest Desert Cycling Races 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 Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai will organise the Desert Races for Women and Men this weekend at Al Marmoom Reserve, Saih Al Salam.

The races are part of the 10th season of the Al Salam Cycling Championship, held under the theme “Ten Years of Achievements and Success.”

The Women’s Desert Race will take place on Saturday, 31 January, covering a distance of 20 kilometres. It includes two categories: Emirati women and an open category for all nationalities.

The Men’s Desert Race will be held on Sunday, 1 February, with a challenging 52-kilometre route. The men’s race will also feature two special challenges, each offering dedicated cash prizes.

The Higher Organising Committee has designed a technically demanding desert course, requiring cyclists to compete on mountain bikes. Participants must wear helmets and cycling goggles and carry all necessary equipment. The course includes varied terrain and obstacles, demanding high physical endurance and smart decision-making.

The total prize money for both races stands at AED 455,000, making it the largest prize pool for desert cycling races worldwide.

His Excellency 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, said the championship reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum by promoting inclusivity and innovation in cycling.

He highlighted that desert cycling is very different from road racing, requiring stronger stamina and quicker decisions, which makes the competition more exciting each year. He also noted that the high number of participants shows the championship’s growing reputation among cyclists from the UAE and around the world.

These desert races mark the fourth and fifth events of the championship’s tenth season. Earlier races included the Security and Safety Race for Emirati cyclists in cooperation with Dubai Police, the Ruler of Dubai Court Race, and a recent women’s race featuring top international cyclists.

The event also includes the Al Salam Cycling Championship Photography Contest, organised with the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award. Winners will be announced at the end of the championship.

The championship is held in cooperation with several partners, including Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Sports Council, Government of Dubai Media Office, UAE Cycling Federation, Dubai Sports Channel, and Dubai Film.