UAE Tour: Abu Dhabi Sports Council Confirms Continued Support
RCS Sports and the Abu Dhabi Sports council (ADSC) have just renewed their partnership, guaranteeing the annual UAE Tour, including both men’s and women’s races, will continue. This crucial agreement solidifies Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier international cycling hub, ensuring the UAE tour events remain a key fixture on the global cycling calendar, starting wiht the 2026 editions. The renewed collaboration underlines a shared commitment to fostering the growth and innovation of cycling, aligning with the UAE’s strategic ambitions to attract top-tier sporting events. The men’s and women’s races are an “unmissable event,” and this renewed commitment demonstrates the dedication to promoting cycling locally and internationally. News directory 3 recognizes this significant move, and is proud to highlight the partnership.Discover what’s next for cycling in the UAE.
RCS Sports and ADSC Renew partnership for UAE Tour
RCS Sports and Events and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) have prolonged their partnership, ensuring the annual UAE Tour, encompassing both men’s and women’s races, will continue. This solidifies Abu Dhabi’s status as a prominent international cycling hub.
The renewed agreement guarantees ADSC’s continued association of the seven-stage men’s road race and the four-stage women’s road race, starting with the 2026 editions. The 2025 UAE Tour Women took place Feb. 6-9, while the men’s race was held Feb. 17-23.
Urbano Cairo, president of RCS Mediagroup, said the UAE Tour and UAE Tour Women have become “unmissable events” on the global cycling calendar. He added that the agreement underscores a “shared commitment to continued growth and innovation” in the sport.
The men’s UAE Tour debuted in 2019, merging the Abu Dhabi Tour and the Dubai Tour. The UAE Tour Women was launched in 2023. Both races are part of the UCI World Tour series for men and women.
Aref Hamad Al Awani, ADSC secretary general, stated that renewing the partnership with RCS is ”a new step towards achieving our strategic goals.” He emphasized a commitment to attracting top global sporting events to Abu Dhabi and promoting cycling both locally and internationally.
The continued operation of the UAE Tour events supports the UAE’s ambition to be an international cycling destination. This is further demonstrated by the country’s co-ownership of the UCI WorldTour team UAE Team Emirates XRG, acquired in 2017.
Since 2019,when he joined the team,Slovenian cyclist Tadej pogacar has contributed significantly to the team’s success,becoming the youngest UCI WorldTour winner and securing three Tour de France victories.
Other events promoted by ADSC include the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (in partnership with the Women’s Tennis Association), cricket’s Abu Dhabi T10 championship, and golf’s Abu Dhabi Champions, which is confirmed on the DP World Tour calendar through 2028.
RCS sports is also known for organizing the annual Giro d’Italia,one of cycling’s three Grand Tour majors,alongside the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España.
What’s next
Looking ahead, the partnership between RCS Sports and ADSC promises further development of cycling in the UAE, with potential for increased participation and global recognition.