Organising Committee approves routes for 9th Al Salam Cycling Championship

The Supreme Organising Committee for the Al Salam Cycling Championship has approved the routes for the four races of the event’s ninth edition.

The 9th edition of the much-anticipated Al Salam Cycling Championship will be held under the guidance and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. Organized by the Private Office of His Highness, the championship is considered the largest community cycling event globally in terms of diversity and financial prizes, amounting to Dhs3.5 million.

Details of the routes were unveiled during a meeting held on Tuesday morning in the presence of members of the Supreme Organizing Committee: Mohammed Abdullah Al Mousa, Rami Bassam Al Nabulsi, and committee members: Hasher Bin Subaih, Rashid Bin Mejren, Abdullah bin Aboud, Jassem Al Jasmi, Razaz Ali, Lama Shamshoum, alongside representatives from strategic partners of the championship, including Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Sports Channel, the UAE Cycling Federation, and Dubai Film.

The Supreme Organizing Committee selected the four race routes to reflect the Dubai Government’s new logo, approved last by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, in March.

The logo embodies Dubai’s renewed identity and comprises five elements: The Falcon: A Visionary Symbol, The Dhow: A nod to Heritage, The Palm Tree: Genorisity and Hospitality, The Flag: A Shield of Safety, and The Ghaf Tree: Tolerance and Coexistence.

The committee emphasized showcasing these elements throughout the ninth edition’s races. Competitions will kick off with the UAE Amateur Race on December 29, covering 143 km through Al Marmoom Nature Reserve—the largest in the world—and Al-Salam area, featuring Ghaf trees, a symbol of tolerance integral to Dubai’s new logo. Details of the remaining race routes will follow, including the Elite Men’s Race on January 19, 2025, set to stretch from the heart of Dubai to Saih Al Salam and highlight the city’s landmarks and stunning nature. The Women’s Race will take place on February 2, 2025, and the championship will conclude with the Desert Race on February 9, 2025.

Omair Bin Jumaa Al Falasi, Director General of the Private Office of Sheikh Mohammed the Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee, emphasized that the ninth edition would continue to highlight Dubai’s landmarks, heritage, and aspirations for global city leadership in quality of life.

He stated, “We continue organizing the championship under the guidance, support, and patronage of Sheikh Mohammed. On this occasion, we extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Sheikh Mohammed for his support and encouragement of the participants, which has enhanced the championship’s stature and established it as one of the world’s top cycling races in terms of organization, valuable prizes, and record participation.”

He added, “We aim for the upcoming edition to be the most advanced yet, offering participants greater benefits, ensuring continued success, and solidifying its leading role in promoting and developing cycling in the UAE and the region, while showcasing Dubai’s captivating landmarks and nature.”

He revealed that the ninth edition’s four races will connect Saih Al Salam area in the Al Marmoom Reserve to various historical, natural, architectural, and economic landmarks. The routes intersect at key points, reflecting Dubai Government’s renewed identity.