Cycling enthusiasts will turn their attention tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, to the historic Al-Ula region in Saudi Arabia, as the sixth edition of the Tour of Al-Ula kicks off. This prestigious sporting event will run for five days, concluding on Saturday, January 31, and will feature a selection of top international professional teams and the Saudi national cycling team, clearly demonstrating the Kingdom's growing prominence on the global sporting map.
Background and development of the Al-Ula tour
The organization of this global event is the result of collaboration between the Saudi Cycling Federation, the Royal Commission for AlUla, and the Ministry of Sport, in partnership with the ASO (Association of Cycling Architects), the same organization behind the renowned Tour de France. This race is not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather an extension of the Saudi Tour, which was launched in 2020 and quickly gained international recognition thanks to its professional organization and unique routes that traverse the breathtaking landscapes and diverse terrain of AlUla. This development reflects the Kingdom's commitment to achieving the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to enhance Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global destination for tourism, sports, and entertainment.
The importance of upgrading to the UCI ProSeries category
This year marked a significant leap for the race, with the organizing committee officially announcing its promotion to Category 2 (UCI ProSeries – 2.Pro) within the UCI rankings. This upgrade places the AlUla Tour second only to the UCI World Tour, meaning it will attract stronger teams, fiercer competition, and wider media coverage. This category also increases the number of ranking points awarded to riders, making it a key event on the calendars of major teams seeking to improve their world rankings at the start of the season.
The five stages of the race and its challenges
The total race route spans 800 kilometers, divided into five stages designed to test the different abilities of the riders:
- Stage 1 (158 km): It starts and returns to the camel racing track. It is a fast stage that may have crosswinds and is suitable for runners.
- The second stage (152 km): It takes place at the Mansheya train station and is characterized by its undulating terrain, which may open the door to early attacks.
- Stage three (142 km): It starts from the winter park and reaches Bir Jida, Jabal Wirka, and it is a stage that requires endurance.
- Stage 4 (184 km): This is the longest stage of the race, starting from the Winter Park and ending in the Al-Hijr area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adding a historical and cultural dimension to the sporting challenge.
- The fifth and decisive stage (164 km): It starts from the old town of Al-Ula and concludes with a difficult climb towards the Harrat Awairid overlook, which is the high point that will most likely crown the winner of the title.
Local and international impact of the event
The impact of the AlUla Tour extends far beyond the sporting arena, serving as a significant economic and tourism driver for the region. The race showcases AlUla's natural and historical treasures to the world, from its towering sandstone mountains to its Nabataean archaeological sites, further enhancing its appeal as a unique tourist destination. Locally, the event inspires young Saudis to take up cycling and contributes to the development of a sustainable sports infrastructure, demonstrating the Kingdom's ability to host and organize major international sporting events with efficiency and professionalism.
