Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum The Third Edition of Al Salam Cycling Tournament Commences December 20

The organizing committee for Al Salam Cycling Tournament announced that the first race of its third edition will be held on 20 December, followed by January 17 and February 7 for the second and third races, respectively. The tournament is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and sponsored by Meraas and Dubai Holding. This year’s race will be the largest of its kind, where a total of AED 3 million will be awarded to race winners.

This was announced during a press conference led by His Excellency Omair Juma Al Falasi, Executive Director of the Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Purchase & Supply. The conference was also attended by Majid Al Bastaki, Head of the Media Committee; Rami Nabulsi, Head of the Technical and Financial Committee; and Mohamed Al Mousa, Head of the Logistics Committee.

During the press conference, Omair Juma Al Falasi, said: “I would like to thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for his continuous support of this race. This tournament continues to grow and evolve over the years and has become a key event for cycling enthusiasts in the UAE.

Al Falasi added: “I am pleased to announce that under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, we are welcoming participants from the wider GCC region this year, allowing devoted cyclists to compete with our local champions as well as expatriates. The wider participation will enable cycling enthusiasts to develop and enhance their skills, which will ultimately contribute to the prominence of this thrilling sport. In addition, the race organisers have developed a new 124 km route for participants, which runs through the beautiful Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve. 

He concluded: “I would like to thank Meraas and Dubai Holding for sponsoring this tournament and all the entities that are supporting a race which aims to develop our local sportsmanship and promote cycling among residents of the country.”

His Excellency Abdullah Al Habbai, Chairman of Meraas and Dubai Holding, said: “We are proud to support numerous local initiatives focused on wellbeing and the development of a positive community spirit through sport, as we continue to encourage residents to live a healthy and active lifestyle. As part of our ongoing commitment, we are delighted to be a part of the third edition of the ‘Al Salam Cycling Tournament.’ It is a great opportunity for cycling enthusiasts from all levels and across the whole region to participate. We look forward to supporting contestants from within the wider community over the course of the three races across our beautiful Emirate.”

The tournament will consist of 3 races, welcoming the participation of 200 competitors in total, who will tackle a route stretching 124 kilometers.

The first race will be held on December 20 and will be dedicated to the UAE Nationals category. The competitors will comprise the top 20 participants from last year’s race, in addition to the qualifying racers from last month’s qualification competition. The total number of racers will add up to 60 contestants who may compete as either individuals or groups.

The second race will be held on January 17, 2019 and will be dedicated to elite athletes and cycling professionals, including UAE nationals, expatriates and residents from other GCC countries.  The race comprises 10 contestants from the first race, 15 from the UAE National Team, 15 qualifying expatriates and 10 from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman combined – a total of 80 competitors in the race.

The third race will be held on February 7, 2019 and will be dedicated to the UAE amateur cyclists. All participants will be invited to the third round of the race and a registration period will be opened to select the first 60 finalists, within the individual and group categories.

The organizing committee has selected a special Emirati jury with exceptional experience in sporting events of this kind and scale. In addition, the race will be utilising the "Photo Finish" technique to capture competitors at the finish line and ensure all results are in line with the highest international standards.

The organisers are also offering special amenities to ensure the safety of all participants, including trained medics and ambulances for immediate assistance. There will be five water stations across the race track and a dedicated car to clean up the route after the race has been completed in Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve. 

The race is supported by: Dubai Police, Dubai Racing TV Channel, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Engineering Office, Al Tayer Motors - Ford, Valiant Clinic, and collaboration with cycling associations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.