Al Salam Cycling Championship Begins with Helal Al Harbi Winning Emirati Men’s Amateur Race

Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, attended key stages of the opening race of the 10th edition of the Al Salam Cycling Championship organised by the Private Office of H.H. the Ruler of Dubai. The Championship, held under the patronage and directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed, commenced with the Emirati Men's Amateur Race under the theme 'Safety and Security,' initiating a series of events and community activities. According to Emirates News Agency, the opening race highlighted Dubai Police's efforts to ensure community safety, with the race beginning at the Dubai Police Academy and concluding at Al Marmoom Reserve in Saih Al Salam. The commencement was witnessed by His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, and His Excellency Omair bin Juma Al Falasi, Director-General of The Private Office of H.H. the Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Al Salam Cyc ling Championship. The Championship's opening day showcased notable performances in both individual and team categories. Helal Al Harbi of ABH Cycling Team 1 secured the first position in the individual category with a time of 3:55:52. Rashid Al Baloushi, also from ABH Cycling Team 1, claimed second place with the same timing, while Saeed Al Blooshi from ABH Cycling Team 2 finished third, matching the timing of 3:55:52. In the team category, ABH Cycling Team 1, led by Sheikh Ahmad Bin Hamad Al Nuaimi, achieved first place with a time of 11:47:35. Dubai Police 1 team took second with 12:05:16, and ABH Cycling Team 2 secured third, finishing in 12:05:56. In the over-40 category, Saad Al Blooshi of ABH Cycling Team 1 triumphed with a time of 4:00:56. The competitive spirit of the event emphasized the championship's growth in its 10th edition, noted for its participant numbers and improved performances. The race route, featuring Dubai's iconic urban landscapes and concluding at Al Marmoom Reserve, promoted sust ainability and encouraged a healthy lifestyle. Omair bin Juma Al Falasi expressed gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his encouragement and support, which has helped the championship become a prominent community cycling event globally. Al Falasi highlighted the collaboration with Dubai Police Academy, which has significantly contributed to the UAE's legal and security sectors and played a vital role in promoting sports culture. Al Falasi acknowledged the participants' efforts, noting the high level of competition in the Emirati Men's Amateur Race, reflecting the championship's public appeal and the competitors' strong desire for podium finishes. The focus now shifts to the Elite Race, scheduled for 18th January, followed by the Women's Race on 25th January and the Desert Race on 1st February 2026. The championship collaborates with strategic partners such as Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai, Dubai Sports Council, the Government of Dubai Me dia Office, the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award, Dubai Sports Channel, UAE Cycling Federation, and Dubai Film.