Mohammed bin Rashid Leads Historic Dubai Court Cycling Race
Dubai hosted the world’s largest community cycling race, setting new standards for diversity and prize value. His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, attended the prestigious ‘Ruler’s Court Elite Men’s Cycling Race’. The ninth Al Salam Cycling Championship featured an impressive 193-kilometer route through Dubai’s iconic landmarks.
The championship provides evidence of Dubai’s steadfast dedication to healthy lifestyles and connects participants with the emirate’s heritage effectively. Cyclists began their journey at the historic Al Fahidi district and completed it at the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve. The race path showcased Dubai’s most important landmarks, including the Dubai Frame, Museum of the Future, and Dubai Creek, which beautifully blended the city’s traditional and modern elements.
Historic Race Launch by Dubai Ruler
The Private Office of The Ruler of Dubai arranged the official launch of the elite cycling race as distinguished dignitaries attended. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director-General of The Ruler’s Court, and Omair bin Jumaa Al Falasi, Director-General of the Private Office of The Ruler of Dubai, officially started the race.
The Supreme Organizing Committee, led by Al Falasi, made detailed preparations to meet premier standards. Team managers participated in a thorough briefing session on January 17th to understand race protocols and procedures.
The race began at the Ruler’s Court in Al Fahidi district, which held special meaning. Al Falasi highlighted this location’s role as the life-blood of Dubai’s development trip. The Supreme Committee’s choice lined up with their strategy to include national landmarks in race routes. Last year’s race started from Al Shindagha near Sheik Saeed Al Maktoum’s House.
Essa Al Mutaiwei, Deputy Director General of The Ruler’s Court, and Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council, also attended the launch ceremony. Elite cyclists from the UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council countries exclusively compete in this race, which marks the ninth edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship.
Dubai’s Iconic Route Showcase
The cycling route covered 193 kilometers through Dubai’s city streets. The race path linked the emirate’s rich history with its modern architectural wonders. Riders moved through the Old Dubai Customs Building, went past the Ministry of Defense and rode along Dubai Creek.
The route showed how Dubai has grown over time. Cyclists pedaled through Al Seef Street and Creek Park. The course featured some of the most important landmarks like the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Dubai Frame. Riders then made their way through Za’abeel Park and Future Street before passing the iconic Dubai World Trade Center.
The Roads and Transport Authority put detailed traffic management plans in place. Traffic stops lasted 10 minutes at each point as cyclists rode through, and normal flow resumed right after the last rider passed. The final leg took competitors through the Emirates Towers area and past the Museum of the Future. The race ended at the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve.
The championship’s route design matched Dubai’s new identity and included elements from the new Dubai Government logo that Sheik Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved. This design brought together five key symbols: the Falcon, the Dhow, the Palm Tree, the Flag, and the Ghaf Tree. Each symbol represents a unique part of Dubai’s cultural heritage.
Championship Winners and Achievements
Matevz Govekar from Shabab Al Ahli Umniah Cycling Team raced to victory in the individual category. Tim Wellens of MyWhoosh Cycling Team took second place, while Abdulla Jassim from General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Cycling Team 1 finished third.
Shabab Al Ahli Umniah team’s strong performance earned them the top spot in the team competition. General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs came in second, and MyWhoosh Cycling Team rounded out the podium in third place.
Tariq Al Blooshi from General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Cycling Team 2 won the over-40s category. His victory reflects the championship’s steadfast dedication to include riders of all age groups.
Earlier races brought exciting results too. Sheik Ahmed Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi’s team swept both individual and team titles in the ‘Sword of Honor’ Race for Emirati amateur cyclists. Abdulaziz Salah won the individual race, while his teammate Rashed Mohammed Al Baloushi took second place, showing their team’s depth of talent.
The championship drew 152 cyclists who competed as individuals or team members. Teams from Dubai Police, Dubai State Security Service, Al Ain Cycling Team, and cycling clubs of all types joined the competition, which shows the event’s popularity in UAE’s cycling community.
The prestigious cycling championship marks a milestone in Dubai’s sporting calendar. The 193-kilometer route beautifully combines heritage with modern elements. His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum‘s presence lifted the event’s significance, while the route through Dubai’s landmarks showed the emirate’s architectural rise.
Outstanding performances brought out the championship’s competitive spirit. Matevz Govekar claimed victory in the individual category, and Shabab Al Ahli Umniah team scored a soaring win that showed the high caliber of athletes. Local talents shined brightly, especially when they competed in the ‘Sword of Honor’ Race, which proves UAE’s cycling community’s growing strength.
The ninth Al Salam Cycling Championship succeeded in promoting athletic excellence and celebrating Dubai’s cultural identity. The event drew 152 cyclists from organizations of all types, which shows its broad appeal and community participation. This championship creates strong foundations for future cycling events and strengthens Dubai’s status as a prime destination for international sports competitions.
