The General Directorate of Identity and Foreign Affairs – Dubai (ICA Dubai) participated in the Sharjah International Cycling Tour in its 11th edition, which kicked off in the emirate of Sharjah, as part of the calendar of international races classified by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI 2.2). The event saw the participation of approximately 162 cyclists representing 27 teams and national teams from 18 countries in a multi-stage international race with a total distance exceeding 500 kilometers. The Sharjah International Tour is one of the premier sporting events that brings together elite cyclists from around the world, reflecting the status of the UAE as a global hub for sports, tourism, and endurance sports. It also contributes to fostering the values of teamwork, spreading a culture of sports, and promoting a healthy lifestyle in the community. ICA Dubai's participation in this international sporting event affirms its institutional approach supporting community sports, empowering national talent, and instilling a culture of health and physical fitness among its employees, aligning with its vision of building a balanced work environment that enhances corporate performance and improves quality of life. Staff from the General Directorate of Identity and Foreign Affairs – Dubai participated in the Sharjah Tour 2026 under three banners: the UAE National Team, the UAE Selection Team, and the ICA Dubai team, reflecting the integration between national representation and institutional participation. In the third stage, Abdullah Jasim Al Ali shone by being crowned the best Emirati rider of the stage before continuing his dominance in the fourth and fifth stages, retaining the title until the end of the fifth stage with a performance marked by consistency and tactical discipline throughout the race. Abdullah Jasim Al Al concluded his participation in the Sharjah Tour 2026 by winning the title of best Emirati rider in the general classification, in addition to securing fifth place in the overall tour standings. This achievement reflects the remarkable development of the level of Emirati cyclists and their ability to compete confidently in multi-stage races. Colonel, Expert Khalid bin Mitha Al Falasi, Assistant Director General for Digital Services at ICA Dubai, confirmed that the participation of ICA Dubai staff in the Sharjah Tour is part of the organization's vision to cement sports as a lifestyle and enhance the balance between professional performance and physical health. He noted that such participations contribute to building more prepared and cohesive teams. He added that the honorable results achieved by ICA Dubai staff in the Sharjah Tour 2026 reflect the level of discipline and professionalism they possess and confirm the organization's commitment to empowering its employees and supporting their presence at sporting events, which enhances the institutional reputation and embodies the image of ICA Dubai as a government entity that supports excellence both on and off the field. He affirmed that ICA Dubai will continue to support the participation of its staff in local and international championships and sporting events, believing in the role of sports in building balanced cadres capable of competing confidently and representing the organization with honor, reflecting the UAE's status as a incubator for global sports and endurance sports. As for the ICA Dubai team, it comprised a group of the organization's employees and athletes: Abdulaziz Al Hajri, Kier Miller, Saed Habesh, Rashid Suwaydan, Sufan Hadi, and Anes Ait Abdelouahed. The team delivered a collective performance characterized by team spirit, commitment, and responsible competition throughout the tour's stages. In the first stage, cyclist Muhammad Al Mutaiwi shone by securing second place and being crowned the best Emirati rider, as well as winning the red jersey for the best climber, reflecting his high readiness and ability to compete at advanced levels. In the second stage, Rashid Al Baloushi succeeded in securing the jersey for the best Emirati rider of that stage, confirming the continuity of performance and positive competition among Emirati cyclists across the various tour stages.
