Dubai: Under the patronage and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the 10th edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship is set to begin with the Emirati Men's Amateur Race on Sunday, December 28. The event is organized by The Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai.

According to Emirates News Agency, the Emirati Men's Amateur Race, themed 'Security and Safety', will span 158 kilometers, starting at the Dubai Police Academy and concluding at the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve in Saih Al Salam. The race has seen a strong registration turnout, underscoring its status as the largest community cycling race globally in terms of diversity and prize value.

Omair bin Juma Al Falasi, Director General of The Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Al Salam Cycling Championship, highlighted that the race route reflects the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. The Championship was launched to celebrate national institutions and showcase Dubai's cultural and heritage landmarks. Routes are designed to allow cyclists to traverse various areas within the emirate.

Previous editions featured collaborations with prominent national institutions, such as The Ruler's Court of Dubai and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, and included a race in conjunction with Expo 2020 Dubai. Routes have also spanned the heart of Dubai and extended to the Hatta region.

Al Falasi also noted that the race continues to exhibit steady growth in performance levels each year, driven by participants' determination to secure top positions. This growth aligns with the Championship's objectives to encourage community involvement in sports for a healthy lifestyle and to increase participation in cycling.

The 10th edition is celebrated under the slogan 'Ten Years of Achievements and Success', marking a decade since the Championship's inception. It has become a recognized community landmark and a platform to highlight Dubai's sporting culture and landmarks to international audiences.

The Supreme Organising Committee has approved four main races for this edition. Registration is open for the Elite Race, themed 'The Ruler's Court of Dubai Race', scheduled for January 18, covering 200 kilometers. The Women's Race is slated for January 25, and the Desert Race will conclude the 10th edition on February 1, 2026.

Additionally, the Supreme Organising Committee announced the opening of registration for a photography competition, in collaboration with the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA). This initiative aims to encourage photographers to capture the championship and reflect Dubai's landscape and the competitive spirit of the races.

The Al Salam Cycling Championship partners with several strategic entities, including Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, Dubai Sports Council, Government of Dubai Media Office, Dubai Sports Channel, UAE Cycling Federation as general referee, and Dubai Film.