UAE Tour 2026: Everything You Need to Know About the Desert Cycling Spectacle

UAE Tour 2026: Everything You Need to Know About the Desert Cycling Spectacle

On 16 February 2026, professional cycling returns to the desert. The UAE Tour 2026 is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious cycling events in the Middle East. Discover the challenging route, the world-class teams and riders, and all key details about this exciting edition of the race.

What Makes the UAE Tour So Special?

Racing through the desert is what truly sets the UAE Tour apart. While the professional peloton is now accustomed to these conditions, for cycling enthusiasts it remains something extraordinary—often known only through virtual platforms like Rouvy.

Cycling in the UAE is fundamentally different from racing in Europe. Instead of constant turns and narrow roads, riders face wide highways, long straight sections, and open landscapes where wind can be a decisive factor.

Another key element is the timing on the 2026 cycling calendar. Taking place in mid-February, the UAE Tour attracts sprinters, general classification contenders, and classics specialists alike. It’s the perfect opportunity for riders to fine-tune their form before the European season truly begins.

The Route of the UAE Tour 2026

Traditionally, the UAE Tour route is a balanced mix of flat sprint stages, rolling terrain, mountain finishes, and an individual time trial. Iconic climbs such as Jebel Jais and Jebel Hafeet once again play a decisive role in the battle for the overall victory.

In the 2025 edition, Tadej Pogačar dominated early in the season, finishing ahead of Giulio Ciccone and Pello Bilbao. The 2026 route promises a similarly selective and exciting race.

Stage 1 – Majlis Madinat Zayed › Liwa Castle

The race kicks off in the Al Dhafra region. From Majlis Madinat Zayed, the peloton heads inland across vast desert roads with endless straight sections. Shelter is minimal, making crosswinds a real threat. The finish at Liwa Castle is fast and flat—ideal for the sprinters.

Stage 2 – Al Hudayriyat Island (Individual Time Trial)

Stage two is a pure race against the clock. On Al Hudayriyat Island, riders face a lightning-fast, fully flat time trial on immaculate asphalt. With only a handful of sharp corners and two U-turns, power, aerodynamics, and wind management will determine the winners.

Stage 3 – Umm Al Quwain › Jebel Mobrah

Starting calmly along flat coastal roads, this stage gradually builds toward a demanding finale. After kilometres of exposed terrain, the peloton tackles a long, steady climb to Jebel Mobrah—the first true test for the general classification contenders.

Stage 4 – Fujairah › Fujairah

A local circuit around Fujairah combines coastal roads with gently rolling inland terrain. Passing landmarks such as Fujairah Fort, Al Aqah, and the dramatic Hajar Mountains coastline, the stage finishes on flat roads—another opportunity for fast finishers.

Stage 5 – Al Mamzar › Dubai Hamdan Smart University

Dubai hosts a full urban stage. The route winds past Al Khawaneej, Dubai Creek, Nad Al Sheba, Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim, and Palm Jumeirah. Wide roads, large roundabouts, and a flat finale make a high-speed sprint finish almost inevitable.

Stage 6 – Al Ain Museum › Jebel Hafeet

The queen stage of the UAE Tour. After a controlled start through Al Ain, all eyes turn to the legendary Jebel Hafeet climb. Long, consistent gradients on perfect roads ensure that this is where the general classification is usually decided.

Stage 7 – Zayed National Museum › Abu Dhabi Breakwater

The final stage takes place in Abu Dhabi and is entirely flat. Riders pass iconic locations such as the Corniche, Emirates Palace, and the Presidential Palace before heading to Abu Dhabi Breakwater. One last chance for the sprinters to shine.

Riders and Teams to Watch in 2026

As always, the world’s top teams will line up at the UAE Tour. UAE Team Emirates – XRG is expected to field a strong squad for their home race, with Isaac del Toro and Jay Vine included.

Sprinter Cees Bol will represent Decathlon–CMA CGM, while Jonathan Milan (Lidl–Trek) is widely regarded as the man to beat in the fast finishes.

For the overall classification, Antonio Tiberi and veteran Damiano Caruso lead Bahrain Victorious, while Jonas Vingegaard headlines Visma | Lease a Bike. Felix Gall, Ilan Van Wilder, and David Gaudu have also confirmed their participation.

Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe arrives with Remco Evenepoel, setting the stage for a thrilling GC battle between Del Toro, Vingegaard, and Evenepoel.

Should Tadej Pogačar be added to the UAE Team Emirates – XRG lineup, he would instantly become the outright favourite. At present, the Slovenian is not listed. In his absence, Isaac del Toro has a prime opportunity to start the season strongly with a potential overall victory at the UAE Tour 2026.