The routes for the eighth edition of the UAE Tour and the fourth edition of the UAE Tour Women have been presented in Abu Dhabi. Organised by RCS Sports and Abu Dhabi Sports Council, these remain the only UCI WorldTour races held in the Middle East.
The women’s race is scheduled to take place from February 5–8, 2026, while the men’s event will run from February 16–22, 2026. The 2026 edition marks a significant change for the men’s race, which has been elevated within the UCI points scale to sit alongside some of the most prestigious one-week stage races in the world.
The men’s race features two summit finishes at Jebel Mobrah and Jebel Hafeet, alongside an individual time trial. Total elevation gain across the seven stages is approximately 3,600m.
Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, Isaac del Toro and Jonathan Milan are among the riders expected to start the men’s race. The women’s field includes confirmed entries from 2025 winner Elisa Longo Borghini and Lorena Wiebes.
Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council said “The UAE Tour and the UAE Tour Women continue to grow in stature year after year, confirming Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates as a global hub for world-class cycling.
“These events showcase not only elite sporting competition, but also the diversity of our landscapes, from modern cities to iconic desert and mountain settings. We are proud to welcome the world’s best riders once again and to deliver races that reflect our commitment to excellence, innovation and sustainability in sport.”
Fabrizio D’Amico, Chief Operating Officer RCS Sports and Events and UAE Tour Director said “The 2026 routes of the UAE Tour and UAE Tour Women have been designed to provide a spectacular racing experience and a balanced sporting challenge.
“This year marks an important milestone as the UAE Tour has been elevated within the UCI points scale, now standing alongside the most prestigious one-week stage races in the world. With the introduction of a new climb on Jebel Mobrah, alongside the iconic summit finish on Jebel Hafeet, an individual time trial, and stages tailored for sprinters, the UAE Tour continues to affirm its unique identity on the UCI WorldTour calendar.”
The men’s route begins on February 16, 2026 with a 144km desert stage from Madinat Zayed Majlis to Liwa Palace. This includes two laps of the Moreeb Dune cycle path, featuring gradients in the double digits.
Stage 2 on February 17, 2026 is a 12.2km individual time trial on Al Hudayriyat Island. The route is described as flat and fast, allowing for high speeds.
The first mountain test arrives on February 18, 2026 with a 183km route from Umm al Quwain to Jebel Mobrah. The final climb is 15km long, with the last 6km averaging 12% and peaking at 17%.
Following two stages tailored for sprinters on February 19–20, 2026, the penultimate stage on February 21, 2026 returns to the ‘classic’ climb of Jebel Hafeet. The 10km ascent features 8–9% gradients, peaking at 11% with 3km to go. The race concludes on February 22, 2026 with a 149km stage finishing at Abu Dhabi Breakwater.
The UAE Tour Women features three sprint opportunities and a mountain finale. It begins on February 5, 2026 with a 111km desert stage from Al Mirfa to Madinat Zayed.
Stage 2 and 3 cover routes through Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively, before the final stage on February 8, 2026. This 156km Queen Stage starts at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium and finishes atop Jebel Hafeet, which is expected to decide the general classification.
