The Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo cycling race, organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, will start on 21 December 2025, covering a distance of 150 kilometres, beginning at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain and concluding at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.
The race offers total prize money of AED 2 million, distributed across 364 prizes, representing an increase of 44 prizes compared to the 2024 edition. This reflects the event’s continued growth and the organising committee’s commitment to recognising the largest possible number of participants. The race is considered one of the UAE’s leading sporting events and plays a key role in reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for cycling championships, while highlighting the sport’s contribution to promoting healthy lifestyles within the community.
The race village opened to participants earlier this week at the Sheikh Zayed Festival, where race packs and equipment were distributed. The organising committee also released the official race guide, which includes route details, competition regulations, starting points, and water stations along the course.
The organising committee had previously announced the introduction of a dedicated Emirati category, in addition to adopting a staggered start system commencing at 7:00 a.m., based on age groups, speed levels, and participation formats, including individual and team categories.
Tissot, the official timekeeping partner of the race, represents a leading global brand with a heritage dating back to 1853, combining Swiss watchmaking tradition with continuous innovation. Its long-standing partnership with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) reflects its commitment to precision, performance and excellence—values that align with its role as official timekeeper of some of the world’s most prestigious cycling races.
Commenting on the event, His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Events Sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo is a key driver of Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a leading global destination for cycling. It is a competitive race that brings together amateur and professional cyclists alike and continues to strengthen its presence in its fourth edition.
“The fourth edition will witness strong competition along a 150-kilometre route from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi, following a major change to the race course and the relocation of the starting point to Al Ain, alongside prize money totalling AED 2 million awarded to 364 winners.”
Al Hashemi emphasised that the race forms part of the Bike Abu Dhabi platform, which includes a series of events held throughout the year and aims to achieve a long-term vision of establishing Abu Dhabi as a leading global cycling destination.
Adnan Shaheen, Race Director of Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo, said that as the fourth edition approaches, excitement continues to grow among cyclists eager to participate in this international event, noting the expansion of international participation and the increase in the number of teams and riders from around the world.
Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo is sponsored by Tissot, Burjeel Medical City, Bin Hamoodah Auto, Belmez Sports, Mubadala, Tadweer Group, Al Ain Water, Marathon, and Wolfi’s, with the support of the Sheikh Zayed Festival, Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi Police, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, and Al Qattara.
