Dubai’s desert is back in the spotlight as the Al Salam Cycling Championship Desert Races return to Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve this weekend. Part of the championship’s 10th season, the event brings together elite riders, demanding terrain, and one of the largest prize pools ever seen in desert cycling.
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, the races reflect how far cycling has come in the city over the past decade. What began as a niche sport has grown into a serious competitive discipline, drawing attention from riders well beyond the UAE.
This weekend’s races also reinforce why the Al Salam Cycling Championship desert race Dubai is now a fixed date in the region’s sports calendar.
Dubai’s Desert Sets the Stage for a High-Stakes Cycling Weekend
The races take place at Saih Al Salam, inside the Al Marmoom Desert Reserve. For cyclists, this location needs little introduction. Open stretches, loose sand, and constant exposure make it one of the toughest riding environments in Dubai.
This is not road cycling. There are no smooth surfaces or shaded recovery points. Riders face long stretches where pacing, balance, and mental focus matter as much as physical strength. Wind direction alone can change race outcomes.
Al Marmoom has hosted endurance events for years, and it continues to be the preferred venue for desert races that demand respect from even seasoned athletes.
Two Days of Racing Across Al Marmoom’s Toughest Tracks
The championship unfolds across two days, with separate races for women and men.
The women’s desert race takes place on Saturday, covering a 20-kilometre course. The men’s race follows on Sunday, stretching over a more demanding 52 kilometres. Both events are restricted to mountain bikes, which are essential for handling the terrain.
Participants must wear helmets, protective eyewear, and carry their own equipment. Preparation is key. Once the race begins, there is little margin for error.
The desert does not forgive poor planning.
Women’s Desert Race Reflects Steady Growth in the Sport
Saturday’s race is split into two categories: Emirati riders and an open category for cyclists of all nationalities. The format balances fair competition with wider inclusion, something the championship has consistently supported.
Over recent seasons, women’s participation in cycling events across Dubai has increased steadily. Training groups, weekend rides at Al Qudra, and competitive races have all contributed to a stronger pipeline of female riders.
Previous desert races at Al Marmoom have already attracted international competitors, raising the level of competition and visibility for women’s cycling in the UAE.
Men’s Race Adds Tactical Edge With Cash Challenges
Sunday’s men’s race introduces an extra layer of strategy. Along the 52-kilometre route, organisers have added two special challenge segments, each linked to separate cash prizes.
These sections are expected to influence race tactics. Some riders may hold back energy for a late push. Others may attack early and hope to maintain momentum across the desert.
In long-distance desert racing, decision-making can be just as important as speed. The challenge segments reward riders who understand when to take risks.
Record Prize Pool Raises Competition Levels
The combined prize pool for the weekend stands at AED455,000, making it the largest prize fund for any desert cycling race worldwide.
Such stakes naturally attract serious talent. Local riders see it as an opportunity to compete at an international level without leaving the UAE. Overseas cyclists, meanwhile, recognise Dubai as a testing ground unlike any other.
The prize fund also reflects the championship’s evolution over ten seasons, moving from a local initiative to a globally recognised competition.
It Continues to Test Even the Best Riders
Al Marmoom Desert Reserve is more than a scenic backdrop. Its wide, exposed terrain demands constant focus. Riders must read the surface ahead, manage fatigue, and react quickly to changing conditions.
The Higher Organising Committee has designed the course to test endurance, technical bike handling, and mental resilience. It is a setting that strips racing back to its basics.
For spectators, the event highlights a different side of Dubai. One that blends nature, sport, and discipline rather than spectacle alone.
A Strong Addition to Dubai’s Winter Sports Calendar
As Dubai hosts marathons, triathlons, and outdoor fitness events through the cooler months, the Al Salam Cycling Championship holds a unique place. It connects directly with the desert landscape and the city’s growing culture of endurance sports.
For residents and visitors alike, the races add to the list of things to do during winter Dubai weekends, while reinforcing Dubai’s reputation for hosting high-quality outdoor competitions.
The return of the Al Salam Cycling Championship desert race in Dubai marks a major weekend for the city’s cycling community. With demanding routes, inclusive race categories, tactical challenges, and a record prize pool, the event promises competition at its highest level.
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