DUBAI: Under the directives and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the 'Dubai Ruler's Court Race' for elite male cyclists is set to commence on 19 January. Organised by the Private Office of H.H. the Ruler of Dubai, the race forms a significant part of the 9th edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship, noted as the world's largest community cycling competition in terms of diversity and prize value.
According to Emirates News Agency, the 193-kilometre race will start at noon from His Highness the Ruler's Court located in the historic Al Fahidi District. The route will take cyclists through several of Dubai's iconic landmarks, including the Old Dubai Customs Building, the Ministry of Defence, and Dubai Creek. The course continues along Al Seef Street, Creek Park, and past the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, among others, before concluding at the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve.
The Supreme Organising Committee of the Al Salam Cycling Championship, led by His Excellency Omair bin Jumaa Al Falasi, Director General of the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai, has finalized all arrangements to ensure the race meets the highest organisational standards. The Committee has placed emphasis on ensuring participant safety and showcasing Dubai's historical and cultural heritage.
Al Falasi highlighted the symbolic significance of the starting point at H.H. the Ruler's Court, a key landmark in Dubai's development. He mentioned that the Supreme Committee consistently integrates important national landmarks into the race routes. Last year's race began at Al Shindagha, near Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's House, a site significant to Dubai's modern history. Previous races have occurred in Hatta and at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, among other notable locations.
On 17th January, the Supreme Organising Committee convened a briefing session for managers of participating cycling teams to discuss race details, rules, and procedures. The competition is exclusively open to elite cyclists from the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
The 9th edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship began in December with the 'Sword of Honour' Race, dedicated to Emirati amateur cyclists. The race celebrated the graduation of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK, where he was awarded the prestigious 'International Sword' and the International Award for his outstanding achievements.
The championship also includes the Desert Race on 9 February and the Women's Race on 16 February, organised in collaboration with strategic partners, including Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Sports TV channel, UAE Cycling Federation, and Dubai Film.