The UAE Tour. ARCHIVE

The UAE Tour 2025 kicks off on Monday (February 17), bringing world-class cycling action across the emirates. As the only UCI World Tour race in the Middle East, the seventh edition of the UAE Tour will run from February 17 to 23, covering 1,013 kilometers over seven stages. The race will showcase the UAE’s diverse landscapes, from urban city circuits to challenging mountain climbs, attracting some of the world’s best cyclists. For residents and motorists, the race will bring rolling road closures across multiple emirates, requiring careful travel planning. Here’s everything you need to know about the UAE Tour 2025, including road closure schedules, alternative routes, and a breakdown of the most exciting stages.

Rolling road closures in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region

The UAE Tour 2025 begins in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region, with the first stage starting at the Shams Solar Power Plant and ending at Liwa Palace. To accommodate the race, Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced phased road closures on February 17, affecting several key routes: • Sheikha Salama Bint Butti Road: Closed from 12:50pm to 1:45pm • Liwa Palace & Liwa Hospital area: Closed from 2pm to 3:55pm • Route to Tal Moreeb: Closed from 3:15pm to 4:20pm • Final closure (Sheikha Salama Bint Butti Road): Closed from 3:45pm to 4:30pm

Temporary road closures in Ras Al Khaimah

In preparation for Stage 3, Ras Al Khaimah Police have also announced temporary road closures on February 17 for a security rehearsal. The affected roads include: • Al Qawasim Corniche - Al Maamoura • Al Muairidh Shamal Al Rams Street - Emirates Street • Al Daqdaqa Bridge - Al Kharran • Rashid Street - Al Wakalat Street • Al Jazirah Al Hamra - Al Shuhada Al Taween Street • Al Marjan Area - Al Liwa Street - Jebel Jais These closures will be in effect from 11:30am until the rehearsal concludes, with police advising motorists to seek alternative routes.

Stage-by-stage breakdown of the UAE Tour 2025

Stage 1: The Desert Challenge (138 km) – February 17 A thrilling desert stage from Madinat Zayed to Liwa, featuring steep climbs at Moreeb Dune, one of the UAE’s tallest sand dunes. Cyclists will tackle two laps of the Moreeb Dune cycle path (18.1 km each) before heading back to Liwa for the finish. Stage 2: Al Hudayriyat Island ITT (12.2 km) – February 18 A fast-paced individual time trial (ITT) on a flat course, favoring specialists who can sustain high speeds. Stage 3: Mountain Ascent to Jebel Jais (179 km) – February 19 Starting in Ras Al Khaimah, this stage ends with a grueling 20 km climb at a 5% gradient to the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais. Stage 4: Fujairah to Umm Al Quwain (181 km) – February 20 The longest stage of the race, crossing multiple emirates and featuring unpredictable desert winds. Stage 5: Dubai Circuit (160 km) – February 21 A high-speed city race that passes Al Qudra Cycletrack, Meydan Racecourse, and iconic landmarks, ending in a sprint finish. Stage 6: Abu Dhabi City Sprint (167 km) – February 22 Cyclists race through Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Qasr Al Hosn, culminating in a dramatic sprint at Abu Dhabi Breakwater. Stage 7: The Jebel Hafeet Showdown (176 km) – February 23 The final and most decisive stage, featuring a 10 km climb with gradients up to 11%, making it a key battleground for the overall race victory. With diverse terrains and challenging courses, the event not only tests the endurance of cyclists but also highlights the UAE's modern infrastructure and natural landscapes. ICA/Expat Media
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