
Paul Griga and Farooq Al Jasmi Win the “Desert Race” at the Conclusion of the Al Salam Cycling Championship
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, Paul Griga from the Shabab Al Ahli team won the “Ghadir Brachi” race track, covering 52 km, while Farooq Al Jasmi from the Dubai Police team claimed the title of the “Barqa Thumud” race track, covering 47 km. The desert race took place on Sunday, February 11, marking the conclusion of the 8th edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship, organized by the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai.
The race was attended by Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Hatta Club, who followed the event, encouraged the participants, praised their efforts, and emphasized the importance of the race and the efforts of its organizers.
The race was also attended by H.E. Omair bin Juma Al Falasi, Director General of the Private Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Championship, and H.E. Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, who signaled the start of the race and crowned the winners, in the presence of Mohamed Al Mousa and Rami Al Nabulsi, members of the Supreme Organizing Committee.
Paul Griga’s victory on the “Ghadir Brachi” track came after he maintained full control throughout the 52 km race, while Abu Dhabi team cyclists Sofiane Haddi and Anas Aya Abdia secured second and third places, respectively.
Abu Dhabi Cycling Club won the team competition for this track.
Farooq Al Jasmi from Dubai Police claimed first place in the 47 km “Barqa Thumud” race, narrowly beating his rival Talal Al Baloushi from Shabab Al Ahli. A video review was required to confirm the winner at the finish line. Yasser Al Baloushi from Dubai Police finished third.
The Ministry of Defense team claimed first place in the team competition for this track.
In a related speed event titled “Sha’arat Muqtara,” held over 300 meters before the main race, Abdullah Saif from My Wash team won first place for UAE nationals aged 18-39, while Abdullah Al Hannawi from Dubai Police won first place for nationals over 40 years old. Ajit Salman from Shabab Al Ahli claimed first place for expatriates aged 18-39, and Oscar Marquez from Performance team won first place for expatriates over 40 years old.
In the speed race for the “Barqa Thumud” title, Talal Al Baloushi from Shabab Al Ahli won first place for UAE nationals aged 18-39, while Mohamed Al Mansouri from Rabdan team took first place for nationals over 40 years old. Paul Griga from Shabab Al Ahli secured first place for expatriates aged 18-39, and Oscar Marquez from Performance team won first place for expatriates over 40 years old.
The race witnessed the participation of 276 cyclists, representing 45 teams from 36 different nationalities. A total of 181 cyclists (51 in individual and 130 in team races) competed in the 47 km “Barqa Thumud” race, while 95 cyclists raced the 52 km “Ghadir Brachi” track within the Seih Al Salam area in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve (25 cyclists for individual and 70 representing teams).
H.E. Omair bin Juma Al Falasi expressed his utmost gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his guidance, patronage, and support of the championship, and for honoring the event with his presence, inspiring participants. He stated, “This race serves as the grand finale of the 8th edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship. We chose a unique location by Muqtara Lake in the Al Marmoom Reserve, offering the world a stunning view of the desert’s natural beauty. The tracks provided geographical diversity, with names drawn from the environment, ‘Barqa Thumud’ for intermediate-level participants and ‘Ghadir Brachi’ for professionals, with financial prizes awarded to the winners.”
Al Falasi expressed his happiness with the significant turnout, as 276 cyclists from 45 teams, representing 36 different nationalities, competed, and emphasized that the joy experienced by all participants during the conclusion was remarkable. “The event, with its beautiful natural setting and perfect weather, made for an unforgettable race and a fitting end to a thrilling season,” he added.
Thank You, Mohammed bin Rashid
The participants extended their deepest gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his continued support and guidance, which contributed to the growth and success of this championship. Thanks to his patronage, the event has become the most important competition for both amateurs and professionals alike. Participants are already preparing for the 9th edition of the race, hoping to compete again and have the honor of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s presence, which constantly motivates them to perform at their best and helps the event achieve its significant sports and social objectives.
The desert race marked the fourth and final stop in the 8th edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship, which featured a total prize fund of 3.5 million dirhams. The championship included the elite race, the “Race to Space” for amateur Emirati cyclists, and the “Women’s Race” for both local and professional female cyclists