Abu Dhabi to Host UCI Road and Track World Championships
Abu Dhabi has secured the hosting rights for the UCI Road World Championships in 2028 and UCI Track World Championships in 2029, following a successful bid from Abu Dhabi Sport Council. These events, organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), will attract the world’s top road and track cyclists. Abu Dhabi’s sports infrastructure has made it a leading example of top-level international sports event organization.
Abu Dhabi’s Success in Hosting World Championships
His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, praised Abu Dhabi for its success in securing the hosting rights. He stated that the sport has always received the support and interest of the wise leadership, as part of the boundless efforts of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, to make the capital city a destination for sports lovers in general and cycling in particular.
Abu Dhabi’s Growing Status as a Hub for Cycling
The announcement of the two UCI World Championships comes as Abu Dhabi is rapidly becoming a hub for cycling, both in terms of infrastructure and in the number of events hosted. Abu Dhabi, which is the only Asian city to hold the UCI Bike City label, also hosts the UAE Tour, the only global tour in the Middle East. Last year, Abu Dhabi held the 2022 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships as part of Bike Abu Dhabi Week.
Abu Dhabi’s Experience in Hosting Major Sports Events
His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, attended the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, taking place in Scotland from 3-13 August. His Excellency Al Awani received two Abu Dhabi-branded jerseys to recognize the emirate’s successful bid for the future UCI world championships. David Lappartient, UCI President, said that after the highly successful UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in 2022, he is convinced that this UCI Bike City will also be an excellent host of the world’s best road cyclists in 2028 and track cyclists in 2029.
History of UCI World Championships
The UCI Track World Championships date back to 1893, while the first UCI Road World Championships took place in 1921.
Conclusion
The announcement of Abu Dhabi hosting two UCI World Championships reaffirms its status as a global capital of sports. With its growing status as a hub for cycling and experience in hosting major sports events, Abu Dhabi is set to become an excellent host for the world’s top road and track cyclists.
