alsalamchampionship@hhpo.ae 
Al Salam Desert Open Race 7th Edition 2022-2023
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 Al Salam area, with its sand dunes and lakes, was graced by the best scenes of competition presented by UAE cycling champions. This was during the desert cycling race for Emirati amateurs and professionals, which took place today (Thursday, January 19). The race marked the fourth event in the seventh season of the Al Salam Cycling Championship, organized by the Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Procurement and Finance.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum personally followed a large part of the competition, accompanying the cyclists in his car as they navigated through the natural challenges of the selected course. These included high sand dunes, requiring competitors to carry their bikes and run up the dunes, and navigating watery and muddy obstacles that tested both skill and physical endurance.
Abdullah Ali Al Hammadi from Abu Dhabi Cycling Club won the professional category, with Mohammed Ahmed Al Muttaiwei from the same club finishing second. Jaber Al Mansoori from “My Wash” team claimed third place. In the amateur category, Yasser Al Baloushi from Dubai Police took first place, followed by his colleague Saeed Safar in second, and Rashid Al Baloushi from Al Shafar Jumeirah team in third.
Around 100 individual competitors and teams participated in the race, including teams from Dubai Police, Rabdan, My Wash, Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, Tork, Al Wathba, Al Shafar Jumeirah, Go Cycling Dubai, Yasi, and DX Dubai.
The race spanned 68.7 kilometers through the Marmoom Reserve, the largest nature reserve in the world, located within the Seih Al Salam area. This area is renowned for its stunning natural landmarks and rare wildlife, making it one of Dubai’s most important rural and wilderness areas, and a key destination in the “Most Beautiful Winter in the World” campaign.
Omair bin Juma AlFalasi, CEO of the Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Procurement and Finance and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee for the Championship, extended his highest thanks and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid for his vision and guidance in organizing this championship and providing all necessary support. This includes His Highness’s personal attendance at the races and the allocation of a 5-million-dirham budget for the seven races of the season.
Al Falasi stated that the organizing committee ensures each season includes courses that increase the intensity of competition, challenge participants’ skills, and abilities. This race’s course was chosen to feature natural challenges, such as water, sand dunes, and diverse terrain, combining solid, muddy, sandy, and rocky areas. These elements enhance the thrill of the challenge, refine the cyclists’ skills, and give them additional experience in handling different types of bikes and terrains. The race course showcased the beauty of the natural reserve, as cyclists passed by herds of rare animals, while also demonstrating the technical and physical abilities of the riders, highlighting the progress Emirati cyclists have made, thanks to the Al Salam Championship.
The seventh season, featuring seven races across various categories with over 1,000 participants, will continue with the second amateur Emirati race on February 4, covering 137 kilometers, followed by the elite women’s race on February 5, covering 157 kilometers, and the desert race for Emiratis and residents on February 11, covering 68.7 kilometers
