The United Arab Emirates Tour stands as the Middle East’s top professional cycling competition while being the region’s sole UCI WorldTour event. The event which began in 2019 through the combination of the Dubai Tour and the Abu Dhabi Tour brings together top international cyclists who have achieved Grand Tour victories along with elite sprinters.
The eighth edition of the event will take place from February 16 to February 22 2026 while covering a distance of 1 004.2 kilometers across all seven Emirates.
The 2026 Event Overview
The UAE Tour features multiple types of landscapes that include quick coastal sprints and challenging desert ascents. The 2026 race features:
- 3 Flat Stages: Tailor-made for the world’s fastest sprinters.
- 2 Mountain Stages: Where the General Classification (GC) title is often decided.
- 1 Hilly/Undulating Stage: Providing a tactical challenge through the Hajar Mountains.
- 1 Individual Time Trial: A test of pure speed and aerodynamics.
2026 Race Schedule and Locations
Stage 1: February 16 (Monday)
Route: Madinat Zayed Majlis to Liwa Palace
The race covers a distance of 144 kilometers which begins at Madinat Zayed Majlis and ends at Liwa Palace.The peloton races through the dramatic dunes of the Rub’ al Khali desert, finishing with a 6% gradient drag to the Liwa Palace.
Stage 2: February 17 (Tuesday)
Route: Al Hudayriyat Island (Individual Time Trial)
The race covers a distance of 12.2 kilometers which takes place on Al Hudayriyat Island as an Individual Time Trial event.The race covers a distance of 12.2 kilometers which takes place on Al Hudayriyat Island as an Individual Time Trial event.
Stage 3: February 18 (Wednesday)
Route: Umm Al Quwain to Jebel Mobrah
The race covers a distance of 183 kilometers which starts from Umm Al Quwain and ends at Jebel Mobrah.The route starts from Umm Al Quwain and ends at Jebel Mobrah with a total distance of 183 kilometers.The debut of Jebel Mobrah, a brutal new climb replacing Jebel Jais. The final 6km features steep gradients reaching up to 17%.
Stage 4: February 19 (Thursday)
Route: Fujairah to Fujairah
The race covers a distance of 182 kilometers which begins at Fujairah and ends at Fujairah.The route includes a scenic loop which begins and ends in Fujairah while crossing through Hajar Mountains and Hatta and Masfout enclaves.
Stage 5: February 20 (Friday)
Route: Dubai (Al Mamzar Park to Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University)
The race covers a distance of 165 kilometers which begins at Al Mamzar Park in Dubai and ends at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University.The “Dubai Stage” provides a route through Dubai which showcases famous sites like the Al Qudra Cycle Track and Meydan Racecourse, with the race likely ending in a large group sprint.
Stage 6: February 21 (Saturday)
Route: Al Ain Museum to Jebel Hafeet
The race covers a distance of 168 kilometers which starts at Al Ain Museum and ends at Jebel Hafeet.The legendary Jebel Hafeet climb. With its 10km ascent and hairpin turns, this is traditionally the “Queen Stage” where the overall winner is crowned.
Stage 7: February 22 (Sunday)
Route: Zayed National Museum to Abu Dhabi Breakwater
The race covers a distance of 149 kilometers which starts at Zayed National Museum and ends at Abu Dhabi Breakwater.The grand finale through the capital city, passing the Louvre Abu Dhabi and finishing at the scenic Breakwater.
Star Riders to Watch
The 2026 field features top athletes who hold major positions in their respective fields of expertise.
Remco Evenepoel: A former winner looking to reclaim the red jersey.
Adam Yates: A UAE Team Emirates specialist who excels on the Jebel Hafeet climb.
Isaac del Toro: The rising Mexican star representing the home team.
Jonathan Milan: The dominant sprinter expected to sweep the flat stages.
Viewing Information
The race provides multiple free-to-watch roadside opportunities throughout the UAE, especially at the finish lines for fans who want to watch. For global viewers, the race is typically broadcast live on sports networks like Eurosport and GCN.
The UAE Tour provides an exceptional display of the country’s natural beauty and its dedication to international sports competition for both cycling fans and local residents who want to witness top athletes from around the world.