Before sunrise, cyclists gathered at Nad Al Sheba Centre. The Proud to be Emirati 80km race was about to begin. This was no ordinary event. It marked the 70th anniversary of Dubai Police. The stakes were high. AED 140,000 in prize money was on the line. That's about USD 38,100, according to Arabian Business. The cash prizes went to winners in several categories. Dubai is putting real money into community sports.
The race started at 06:00 and covered 80km. Gulf News confirmed the route and timing. Dubai Police ran the event with the UAE Cycling Federation, Dubai Sports Council, and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). This is part of Dubai's official cycling season. The teamwork shows how the city is weaving sport into daily life. It fits with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the UAE Vision 2031. Both plans push for better health, stronger communities, and more social ties.
Winners and categories
The competition was tight. In the men's professional group, Kristan Aron Delitena took first. Abdullah Al Ali finished second. Denis Savalev came third. The men's amateur division for federation cardholders saw Saeed Safar win. Mansour Al Sabri and Saad Al Balushi followed. For male amateurs without federation cards, Saeed Al Marri crossed the line first. Thani Ahmed Al Muhairi and Abdullah Al Ali rounded out the top three.
On the women's side, Madi Black won the professional race. Safiya Al Saigh and Ellen Thompson took second and third. Among Emirati women amateurs, Aisha Fouladh finished first. Noura Al Ghafli and Sheikha Bin Shamil placed next. In the men's masters, Saad Al Balushi led the pack. Mohamed Haitham and Abdullah Al Hatawi followed. Speed points went to Denis Savalev (men's professionals), Mansour Al Sabri (men's amateurs), Noura Al Ghafli (Emirati women amateurs), and Madi Black (women's professionals).
Partners and community impact
Major General Badran Al Shamsi, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Academic and Training Affairs, led the partner recognition. Dubai Sports Council, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai, the UAE Cycling Federation, and Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services all played key roles. The RTA handled road safety and logistics. They warned drivers about temporary closures on Al Ain-Dubai Road, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, Ras Al Khor Road, and Al Meydan Road. The National reported that closures ran in rolling intervals from 06:00 to 08:30. Each road reopened after the last cyclist passed. No major delays were reported.
This race is more than a contest. It's a show of national pride. It's also a push to make sport part of daily life in Dubai. The focus is on health, community, and achievement. These goals match the city's bigger plans for quality of life. Emirates News Agency (WAM) noted that Dubai Police see these events as key to building wellness and unity. The government wants public health and social growth to move forward together.
Dubai Police are setting a new standard. They celebrate their history with big, open sporting events. The mix of cash prizes and public thanks sends a clear message. Athletic success matters. So do health, pride, and safety. In Dubai's future, these things go hand in hand.
