The UAE Tour 2026 will take place in February as the Middle East’s only UCI WorldTour stage race. The event is organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in collaboration with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and is partnered by AD Ports Group until 2028. The race will feature leading international teams competing across multiple stages and routes, highlighting the UAE’s continued role in hosting major cycling events.
Overview of the UAE Tour
The UAE Tour was created by unifying previously separate cycling events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai into a single national race. Since its debut in 2019, it has grown into a major fixture on the international calendar, attracting top professional teams and riders from around the world. The event features both men’s and women’s competitions, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to developing cycling across all levels.
UAE Tour 2026: Essential Details
The UAE Tour 2026 will feature multiple stages across different emirates, including challenging routes along Abu Dhabi cycling tracks, offering a variety of courses for both the men’s and women’s races.
Dates and Format
The Women’s UAE Tour will take place from 5 to 8 February 2026, followed by the Men’s race from 16 to 22 February 2026. This edition holds increased significance following an upgrade in UCI points classification, with overall winners now earning 500 points. Together, both races form the UAE Tour cycling race 2026, delivering high-level competition across multiple emirates.
Stages and Routes
The Men’s race consists of seven stages covering 1,002.2 kilometres, while the Women’s race spans four stages over 533 kilometres. The UAE Tour stages and route 2026 combine fast desert roads, an individual time trial, urban circuits and decisive mountain finishes, ensuring a balanced challenge for sprinters, climbers and general classification contenders.
Men’s stages
- Madinat Zayed Majlis to Liwa Palace – 144 km
- Al Hudayriyat Island individual time trial – 12.2 km
- Umm Al Quwain to Jebel Mebrah, Ras Al Khaimah – 183 km
- Fujairah loop stage – 182 km
- Al Mamzar, Dubai to Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University – 166 km
- Al Ain Museum to Jebel Hafeet summit – 168 km
- Zayed National Museum to Abu Dhabi Breakwater – 149 km
Women’s stages
- Al Mugheirah Walkway, Al Dhafra Region to Madinat Zayed – 111 km
- Dubai Police Academy, Dubai to Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University – 145 km
- TeamLab Phenomena, Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Breakwater – 121 km
- Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain Region to Jebel Hafeet summit – 156 km
Teams and Schedule
The Men’s race will feature 21 international teams, while 20 teams are expected in the Women’s competition. Designed to keep the overall standings competitive until the final stage, the UAE Tour race schedule 2026 balances sprint opportunities with time trial precision and mountain challenges.
Classification Jerseys and Sponsors
In addition to the race, the UAE Tour features prestigious classification jerseys sponsored by leading UAE organisations:
- Red Jersey (Overall Leader): AD Ports Group
- Green Jersey (Points Classification Leader): Mubadala
- Black Jersey (Intermediate Sprints Leader): Aldar
- White Jersey (Best Young Rider under 23): Burjeel Holdings
FAQs
When will the UAE Tour 2026 take place?
The UAE Tour 2026 will take place from 5–8 February for women and 16–22 February for men.
Which Emirates are included in the UAE Tour route?
The race route includes Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain, Al Dhafra, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
Who organises the UAE Tour cycling race?
The UAE Tour cycling race is organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in collaboration with the UCI.
The UAE Tour 2026 reflects the UAE’s continued involvement in international cycling, combining professional organisation with varied race routes across the country. With UCI WorldTour status, broad team participation and a challenging course, the event is expected to feature a highly competitive field.
This surge in professional cycling has sparked increased interest in riding locally. The market for used cycles for sale in the UAE offers a wide range of options. As more people take up cycling, some riders seek to upgrade their equipment, while others turn to pre-owned bikes as a practical and cost-effective choice.
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Image Credits: The UAE Tour Official Website
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