Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in collaboration with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), has revealed details for the upcoming UAE Tour Women and UAE Tour Men set for February 2026, with AD Ports Group confirmed as the main sponsor of both events through 2028.
According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE Tour Women will take place from February 5th to 8th, while the UAE Tour Men is scheduled from February 16th to 22nd. The announcement came during a press conference at Zayed National Museum on Saadiyat Island, attended by key figures including Sheikh Hamdan bin Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Director of International Events at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The event also saw the presence of Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, and Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club.
The UAE Tour Women, part of the UCI Women's WorldTour, will cover four stages spanning 533km across Al Dhafra, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain, with 20 international teams competing. In comparison, the UAE Tour Men, included in the UCI WorldTour calendar, will feature 21 teams across seven stages, covering a total distance of 1,004.2km through various emirates such as Umm Al Qaiwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
The Abu Dhabi Sports Council has also announced an upgrade in the UCI points classification for both races starting in 2026. Winners of the general classification in both tours will now receive 500 UCI points, elevating the UAE Tour to a prestigious status among global multi-stage cycling events.
Sponsorship for the event includes AD Ports Group backing the red jersey for the overall race leader, Mubadala sponsoring the green points classification jersey, Aldar the black intermediate sprints jersey, and Burjeel Holdings supporting the white jersey for the best young rider under 23.
Aref Hamad Al Awani emphasized the ongoing support from UAE leadership, which has solidified the nation's reputation as a premier host for major sporting events. He highlighted the collaboration with UCI as a testament to the UAE's organizing prowess and welcomed AD Ports Group as a main sponsor, underlining the partnership's impact on enhancing the tour's international profile.
Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi remarked that the sponsorship from AD Ports Group underscores its commitment to using sport as a catalyst for positive social change and community participation. He noted that the UAE Tour serves as a platform to spotlight the nation's cultural heritage and values.
Cycling enthusiasts in the UAE and internationally are encouraged to follow the events, with more information regarding participating teams and riders to be released soon.