Tomorrow, Monday, the eighth edition of the UAE Tour 2026 will begin, the only World Tour race on the International Cycling Union's calendar in the Middle East. The event will feature 145 of the world's top cyclists representing 21 international teams, organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and sponsored by Abu Dhabi Ports. The race will consist of seven stages covering a total distance of 1,004.2 km and will run until February 22.
The Abu Dhabi Sports Council held a press conference at the Colnago store on Al Maryah Island, attended by Assistant Secretary-General of the Council Dr. Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Executive Director of the Events Sector Talal Al Hashimi, and a large number of partners, sponsors, and stakeholders. Five of the world's top cyclists participating in the tour spoke about their aspirations and preparations for the race.
German rider from Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe, Hannes van der Broeck, Belgian Remco Evenepoel, Mexican rider from Emirates XRG Isaac del Toro (considered one of the most promising talents after his victory in the 2023 Tour du Jura and joining Emirates), German rider from Lidl-Trek Jonathan Milan, and British rider from Ineos Grenadiers Josh Tarling confirmed their readiness to compete in the eighth edition of the UAE Tour.
The eighth edition of the UAE Tour, sponsored by Abu Dhabi Ports, is distributed across seven diverse stages, including mountainous climbs, desert, and urban roads, passing through new landmarks and stunning natural sites across the emirates. The total distance is 1,004.2 km. The first stage will start from Zayed City Council in the Al Dhafra region and finish at Liwa Fort, covering 144 km, sponsored by Bin Hamoodah for Cars.
The second stage (individual time trial) will be held on Al Maryah Island, covering 12.2 km, sponsored by Breitling. The third stage will start from Umm Al Quwain and finish at Jebel Hafeet in Ras Al Khaimah, covering 183 km, sponsored by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. The fourth stage will take place in Fujairah, covering 182 km, sponsored by Palmiz Sports.
The fifth stage will be held in Dubai, from Al Mamzar to Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University, covering 166 km, sponsored by the Dubai Sports Council. The penultimate stage will be held in Al Ain, from Al Ain National Museum to the summit of Jebel Hafeet, covering 168 km, sponsored by Burjeel Holding. Finally, the eighth edition of the UAE Tour will conclude in Abu Dhabi, starting from the Zayed Museum and ending at the Breakwater, covering 149 km, sponsored by Abu Dhabi Ports.
The UAE Tour 2026 will feature 21 teams: Alpecin-Deceuninck (Belgium), Bahrain Victorious (Bahrain), Decathlon CMA CGM (France), EF Education-EasyPost (USA), Groupama-FDJ (France), Ineos Grenadiers (UK), Lidl-Trek (Germany), Lotto-Dstny (Belgium), Movistar (Spain), UAE Team Emirates (UAE), and others.
In turn, Talal Al Hashimi confirmed the full readiness for the launch of this global event from Abu Dhabi, with all forms of support provided by strategic partners to ensure the success of the current edition of the tour. He thanked all the working teams that continuously carry out their tasks under constant supervision.
