Latest news with #JebelHafeet
The National
29-07-2025
- Sport
- The National
Why the UAE's Tour de France success should come as no surprise
It may be a long way from the cycling streets of Paris to the mountains and deserts of the UAE but one thing connected them this week – Sunday's remarkable Tour de France victory of UAE Team Emirates-XRG's superstar, Tadej Pogacar. The 26-year-old Slovenian's victory ride through the French capital to celebrate his fourth Tour win was well deserved, with one team colleague hailing him as a 'once in a generation' talent. Such an achievement should not come as a surprise to anyone who has witnessed the revolution that has taken place in UAE professional cycling in recent years. And although Pogacar's undoubted abilities helped to earn him yet another accolade, Emirati cycling can also be proud of developing a sporting culture that embraces recreational riders as well as elite-level competitors. On one hand, the story of professional cycling in the Emirates is one of vision and commitment leading to world-class outcomes. In a little over a decade, cycling tours in Dubai and Abu Dhabi evolved into today's UAE Tour, which remains the only UCI WorldTour race in the Middle East. This race consistently attracts some of the best in world cycling, with competitors speeding across flat desert stretches and along city streets as well as tackling gruelling mountain climbs such as Jebel Hafeet and Jebel Jais. Such success did not spring from nowhere; significant government and corporate backing for riders, organisers and cycling infrastructure as a whole has played a major part in this sporting story. But such support for cycling does not begin and end with the highest levels of men's competition. In 2021, UAE Team ADQ became the first women's professional cycling team in the Middle East, competing with 14 teams in Women's World Tour races. Last December, it was announced that Abu Dhabi international investment entity XRG had entered a six-year partnership with UAE Team Emirates, a move that ensures Emirati cycling will remain competitive. Although many foreign-born riders have represented the UAE with distinction, home-grown talent has also made its presence felt. Last year, Safiya Al Sayegh – the country's first female professional cyclist – also become the first Emirati woman cyclist to qualify for the Olympics. Another trailblazer is Yousif Mirza who had the honour of becoming the first Emirati to compete in the road race event at the Rio Games in 2016, and last year travelled to the Paris Games as Al Sayegh's coach. Promising Emirati cyclists Abdullah Al Hammadi and Mohammad Al Mutaiwei are also ones to watch. Parallel to these achievements has been the promotion of cycling in the Emirate as a whole. In the same year that the country's first professional women's team was founded, Abu Dhabi was distinguished as a Bike City by the Union Cycliste Internationale, the Switzerland-based governing body for international competitive cycling. This recognised the emirate's commitment to the UCI's Cycling for All strategy, which aims to promote cycling as a healthy, everyday activity, as a more sustainable means of transport, and as a competitive sport for amateurs and professionals. Cyclists in the UAE – whether professional and amateur – can feel that they are also part of this story, with some among them primed to write the next chapters in this sporting tale Infrastructure projects in the capital also bear out this commitment. These include a new 109-kilometre designated cycling track called the Abu Dhabi Loop and a 3,500-seat velodrome, called the Velodrome Hudayriyat, currently being built on Hudayriyat Island. Dubai too has long embraced the bicycle; last May its Quality of Life Strategy 2033 included aims to increase the length of beach cycling tracks by 300 per cent and develop more than 115km of pedestrian and cycling tracks. Back in Paris, Pogacar's celebrations were proof that winning a Tour de Frances takes something extra special. But cyclists in the UAE – whether professional and amateur – can feel that they are also part of this tale with some among them primed to write the next chapters in this sporting story.
Khaleej Times
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Preparations for 54th UAE National Day celebrations underway, says official
Preparations are now underway for the 54th Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day), and everyone who calls the UAE home is encouraged to begin preparing for this year's celebrations, it was announced on Friday, July 18, on the occasion of Union Pledge Day. This day, 54 years ago, in 1971, Sheikh Zayed and his fellow founding fathers signed the Declaration of the Union and the UAE Constitution, laying the foundation for the country's establishment on December 2, 1971, which the nation commemorates as Eid Al Etihad. 'Union Pledge Day is more than a symbolic date. It signals a collective beginning of celebration and collaboration. This year, we reaffirm our commitment to partnership and inclusion, co-creating a memorable experience for all,' said Eisa Alsubousi, director of strategic and creative affairs at Eid Al Etihad team. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 'As the 54th Eid Al Etihad on December 2, 2025 approaches, every act of participation helps create a collective expression of national pride and shared identity, honouring the UAE's values, rich heritage, and future ambitions through meaningful moments and creative participation,' Alsubousi added. Meanwhile, a new behind-the-scenes film was released on Friday, offering an exciting look into the 53rd Eid Al Etihad official ceremony, which took place last year in Al Ain against the city's striking natural landscape of Jebel Hafeet. The short film features insights from the diverse collaborators who brought the story of the union to life, revealing the scale, creativity, and diversity at the ceremony's core. It can be watched here:
Sharjah 24
23-02-2025
- Sport
- Sharjah 24
Pogačar wins on Jebel Hafeet to seal UAE Tour Title
Pogačar's key performance The world champion made a decisive move with 7.8 km remaining on the final climb after being part of an elite breakaway. His surge left the peloton behind, and he extended his advantage to the finish line, celebrating with fans as he crossed to become a three-time UAE Tour champion. A perfect showcase for UAE Team Emirates-XRG Pogačar's stage win is his sixth in the history of the race, and his third atop Jebel Hafeet. The victory also brings UAE Team Emirates-XRG its first UAE Tour title since 2022. Strategic tactics and crosswind attack Earlier in the race, Pogačar and his teammates, Rune Herregodts and Florian Vermeersch, positioned themselves strategically when crosswinds hit 125 km into the race. Together, they joined an elite front group that steadily distanced itself from the peloton. Final push to victory As they reached the base of Jebel Hafeet, Pogačar's team held a three-minute lead over the main group. Vermeersch set a hard pace, passing the baton to Herregodts, who pushed for another 500m before Pogačar launched his decisive attack. His acceleration left Oscar Onley (Team Picnic PostNL) and Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) behind, as Pogačar steadily increased his lead to secure his third UAE Tour victory. Pogačar reflects on his victory Pogačar expressed satisfaction with his win, stating, "It was crosswinds, so it was good to create some chaos in the group. We GC riders had to stay careful and attentive. At first, I wasn't sure the break would cooperate, but it went to the finish, so it was a really good day." He continued, "With Florian and Rune in front, they kept getting me water and cooling me down. When Rune finished his effort, I decided to go solo to avoid any surprises or counterattacks. The guys did a great job for me." Looking ahead Pogačar now shifts his focus to one-day classics before returning to stage races at the Dauphiné, where he plans to enjoy the competition ahead.
