UAE launches major cycling and school sports championships

The 11th edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship has been announced, scheduled to run from December 27, 2026, to March 14, 2027. Recognized as the world's largest amateur cycling event, the championship will feature five races for men and women across various categories, including professionals, amateurs, and national teams. The event is expected to attract approximately 1,900 participants and offers a total prize pool of AED 3.695 million. The season is set to commence with the Emirati Men's Amateur Race, which carries a prize of AED 1 million.

In Abu Dhabi, a new year-long sports championship for schools has been launched through a partnership between the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC). The initiative involves more than 350 schools across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, covering 19 different sporting disciplines.

The school championship includes an Elite League for U17 and U19 students focusing on football, basketball, volleyball, padel, athletics, jiu-jitsu, and swimming. Additionally, a tournament format for students aged U9 to U19 will include rugby and 11 other individual sports such as archery, badminton, chess, cycling, and fencing.