The triumph of the UAE Team in the Tour de France is not a stunner after all, their success justified
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is making a name for itself in the world of cycling, with significant investments in infrastructure, government support, and notable sporting achievements.
The UAE Tour, the only UCI WorldTour race in the Middle East, attracts top cyclists from around the globe. This year, the tour witnessed a historic victory as Tadej Pogacar, a 26-year-old Slovenian, clinched his fourth Tour de France title. Pogacar is a member of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, a professional cycling team that continues to make waves in the sport.
One of Pogacar's team colleagues described him as a "once in a generation" talent, a testament to the team's growing reputation.
The UAE's commitment to cycling is evident in its expanding infrastructure. The new 109-kilometre Abu Dhabi Loop cycling track, a key project, is being built in the capital. Dubai, too, is expanding its beach cycling tracks by 300% and developing over 115 km of pedestrian and cycling paths as part of its Quality of Life Strategy 2033.
Government-backed entities like ADQ are actively investing in cycling as part of broader strategies for sustainable mobility and community building. The partnership between ADQ and UAE Team ADQ, a prominent professional women's cycling team, exemplifies this, combining sport development with social goals including female empowerment and community engagement.
The UAE's sporting culture supports both recreational and elite-level cyclists. Emirati cyclists like Safiya Al Sayegh, who became the first Emirati woman to qualify for the Olympics in 2021, and promising young talents such as Abdullah Al Hammadi and Mohammad Al Mutaiwei, are contributing to this ongoing story.
Yousif Mirza, an Emirati cyclist, made history as the first Emirati to compete in the road race event at the Rio Games in 2016. He later coached Safiya Al Sayegh at the Paris Games in 2024.
In 2021, Abu Dhabi was distinguished as a "Bike City" by the Union Cycliste Internationale, acknowledging the city's commitment to the UCI's Cycling for All strategy. This recognition, coupled with the development of a 3,500-seat velodrome, called the Velodrome Hudayriyat, currently being built on Hudayriyat Island, underscores the UAE's dedication to fostering a vibrant cycling community.
The achievements of cyclists in the UAE, whether professional or amateur, are a testament to the nation's growing prominence in the cycling world. The UAE is positioning itself as a key player, with comprehensive support enhancing the sport’s accessibility and prominence both for leisure and at the elite competitive level.
- The success of Tadej Pogacar, a member of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, in the UAE Tour and Tour de France has brought international attention to the cycling scene in the Middle East.
- News outlets worldwide have been reporting on the UAE's substantial investments in cycling infrastructure, with projects like the Abu Dhabi Loop and Dubai's expanded beach cycling tracks gaining significant coverage.
- Omani viewers can watch updates on the UAE's cycling progress and global sporting achievements on various video platforms, including sports-analysis channels focusing on football and other sports.
- The Middle East lifestyle section of several newspapers and magazines has been featuring opinion pieces discussing the UAE's vision to make cycling an essential part of its culture and the impact it has on health and well-being.
- As the UAE continues to invest in cycling, many believe it is well on its way to becoming a prominent cycling hub within the world, exemplifying its commitment to sustainable mobility and social development.
- The World Health Organization might include the UAE in a special report on countries promoting health and physical activity through cycling, given the government's comprehensive support for both recreational and elite-level cyclists.
- Beyond cycling, the UAE's growing prominence in sports, especially football, solidifies its status as a key player in the sports world, captivating the attention of both fans and international news outlets in the Middle East and beyond.
