Abu Dhabi:The Abu Dhabi Sports Council has announced that the AD Ports Group Gran Fondo will be held on December 20, 2026. The event will gather hundreds of cyclists from the UAE and other countries for a 154-kilometer race, beginning at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain and concluding at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.

According to Emirates News Agency, the event, launched in 2022 as the Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo, has developed into a significant amateur cycling competition, with participants from 68 nationalities joining last year. For 2026, the Gran Fondo will be part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, serving as a qualifying event for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, where cyclists can compete for places at the international level.

The UCI Gran Fondo World Series features approximately 35 events globally, offering the top 25 percent of riders in each age group the chance to qualify for the World Championships. The AD Ports Group Gran Fondo will present a total prize purse of AED2 million, along with in-kind prizes, open to both competitive and recreational cyclists, from seasoned riders to beginners, under the theme "Cycling for All."

Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, emphasized that the event's inclusion in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series is a significant milestone, highlighting Abu Dhabi's emergence as a global cycling hub. He expressed anticipation for providing an outstanding experience for both local and international participants in the 2026 edition, particularly with the opportunity for cyclists to qualify for the World Championships. The route from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi is designed to showcase the emirate's diverse destinations and landmarks and aligns with efforts to promote sports as a lifestyle choice within the community.