The Abu Dhabi Cycling Club recently announced the launch of an initiative to attract sports tourists, particularly cyclists and their families from all over the world. The aim is to strengthen the position of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as a global tourism destination for bicycles, especially after obtaining the title “Bike City” label from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
The Abu Dhabi Cycling Club signed a memorandum of understanding with Wilver, a leading European company in the field of sports tourism, specializing in the field of bicycles, to provide tour packages and programs to attract athletes and world champions from different countries of the world to the UAE. This is in line with Abu Dhabi’s vision of introducing advanced sports tracks and facilities, as well as tourist, entertainment and hospitality places, and consolidates the club’s efforts to encourage sports tourism.
His Excellency Matar Suhail Al-Yabhouni, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, said that sport has turned into industry and commerce and entered the world of the economy. Sports events and tournaments have become festivals and events in which there is entertainment and fun that attracts fans. The concept of “sports tourism” is a real wealth in many countries that have invested in sports and enabled their economy to attract visitors to their stadiums, tournaments and recreational sports events.
He added that the agreement stems from the keenness of the club and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council to attract athletes and fans of cycling and their families, thus contributing to stimulating tourism, as well as introducing the aesthetics of the cities that host these events.
Al-Nakhira Al-Khaili, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, added: “Our wise leadership is aware of the importance of sport and its pivotal role in public health and bringing people together. This is the culmination of a clear strategy for the position we aspire to reach.
“Today, we are proud of the sports facilities and landmarks that were built according to the highest international standards, for example, the paths and tracks, whether flat or mountainous, which are among the best in the world in terms of their conformity with all specifications of security and safety, in addition to passing through different tourist sites and areas. It contributes to introducing cyclists to the urban development that the country has reached.”
Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, appreciated the interest of the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club and the Wilver company in signing the memorandum, which will contribute to the development and strengthening of efforts to support the sports tourism fields in the country, stressing that he is the confident that the two parties will harness all their capabilities.
He said: “The Abu Dhabi Cycling Club is a national sports institution that aims to support the needs of national development and encourages all members of society to practice sports for its important role in promoting community health.”
Wilfer World Cycling are delighted to partner with Abu Dhabi Cycling Club and offer their members world class cycling holidays in Europe and beyond. Wilfer has been a reputation as one of the worlds leading cycling tour operators. They offer a wide range of safe cycling experiences from the elite to the beginner. They are also looking forward to creating handcrafted cycling tours in the UAE to inspire cyclist from all around the world to experience the best of the UAE.
CEO Wilfer Clive Marshall: ‘I have been travelling to the UAE for over decade, in this time I have seen the growth and passion for cycling increase year on year. Abu Dhabi Cycling Club is at the very heart of this development. I have long admired it’s vision and leadership. It is a honour for us to partner with the club and I know it’s members will benefit from our staffs expertise and attention to detail’.
‘The world is a big place and in today’s society we are all so busy. Time is precious. Holiday time has never been more needed as has the importance of staying active. Cycling holidays designed perfectly give you a balance of being active, exploring a country and also recharging the batteries’.
‘Abu Dhabi and the UAE ARE world class cycling destinations. The quality of the roads are without equal, the weather fabulous and hospitality and cuisine superb. We are excited to create cycling experiences for our clients in the UAE. The real essence of any country not least the UAE is best discovered on two wheels’.
