Dubai kicks off desert races for whopping prize money: Cyclists battle harsh terrain in Al Salam Cycling Championship

Dubai Al Salam Cycling Championship: Desert Races and Record Prize Money

Dubai’s vibrant cycling scene is once again in the spotlight as the Al Salam Cycling Championship continues its tenth season with high-stakes desert races, attracting top cyclists, elite competitors and enthusiastic spectators to the iconic Al Marmoom Reserve in the Saih Al Salam area this weekend. Under the patronage and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the championship has evolved into one of the most exciting and inclusive sporting events in the region.The weekend’s action kicked off on Saturday, January 31, 2025, with the Desert Race for Women, covering a challenging 20 km course designed to test endurance, strategy and resilience across a rugged desert terrain. The event featured two categories, one for Emirati women and another open to all nationalities, highlighting the inclusive spirit of the championship and providing a platform for female cyclists to shine on one of Dubai’s most demanding outdoor stages.On Sunday, February 1, the focus shifts to the men’s desert race, a 52 km showdown that includes special cash-prize challenges for standout performances. This staging marks the fourth and fifth rounds of the Al Salam Championship’s tenth edition, following earlier highlights such as the Security and Safety Race, organised in cooperation with Dubai Police and tailored for Emirati cyclists and the Ruler of Dubai Court Race, a high-profile event that drew elite professional riders from around the world.

Record prize money for Al Salam Cycling Championship in Dubai

A significant talking point this year is the AED 455,000 total prize pool for the desert races, the largest ever for desert cycling competitions in the region. This exceptional prize money underscores the event’s growing prestige and its ability to attract a high calibre of participants from both local and international cycling circuits. Riders are urged to equip themselves fully. Helmets, goggles and essential gear are mandatory, given the demanding nature of the desert course, which features varied terrain and environmental challenges that test physical stamina and technical skill.