UAE Launches Extreme Cycling Race with 10,000 AED Prize at Jebel Jais
The UAE is set to welcome cycling enthusiasts from around the world to its newest extreme sporting event – the Jais Ride mountain cycling challenge. Scheduled for April 12, 2025, this grueling 25-kilometer race will take competitors along the winding roads of Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah’s iconic 1,934-meter peak that ranks as the highest point in the United Arab Emirates.
Organized by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, the competition features a substantial 10,000 AED prize fund designed to attract both professional cyclists and determined amateurs. The challenging course, constructed in 2017, has gained international recognition for its combination of breathtaking scenery and demanding technical sections. Racers will face steep ascents with gradients up to 10%, followed by thrilling descents through the Hajar Mountain range.
Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, emphasized the event’s significance: “Jais Ride represents our commitment to establishing Ras Al Khaimah as the adventure sports capital of the Gulf region. This race offers cyclists an unparalleled opportunity to test their limits against one of the world’s most spectacular mountain routes.”
The competition will feature multiple award categories, including prizes for:
- Fastest overall completion time
- Best performance on designated sprint segments
- Highest checkpoint scores
- Most consistent climber
Event organizers have implemented comprehensive safety measures, including medical support teams stationed along the route and at the finish line. Participants will receive complimentary hydration stations and energy snacks during the race, followed by a celebratory awards ceremony.
Jebel Jais has become increasingly popular with adventure seekers, currently offering attractions like the world’s longest zipline and numerous hiking trails. The addition of this cycling event further diversifies the mountain’s adventure tourism offerings.
Online registration is now open through the official Ras Al Khaimah tourism website. Early bird entrants receive a 15% discount on registration fees until December 31, 2024. The event is limited to 500 participants to ensure optimal safety and experience quality.
With its combination of challenging terrain, professional organization, and stunning natural backdrop, Jais Ride promises to become a signature event in the Middle Eastern cycling calendar, potentially attracting international competitors from the UCI WorldTour circuit in future editions.
Cycling enthusiasts interested in participating should begin specific hill climb training regimens, as the course’s cumulative elevation gain exceeds 1,200 meters. The race will be timed using RFID chip technology, with live tracking available for spectators.
This initiative reflects the UAE’s broader strategy to position itself as a year-round destination for sports tourism, building on successful events like the Abu Dhabi Tour and Dubai Tour cycling races. The Jais Ride represents a new chapter in the country’s sporting ambitions, combining extreme physical challenge with the dramatic landscapes of the northern emirates.
For those seeking the ultimate test of endurance against one of the region’s most iconic natural landmarks, Jais Ride offers a unique opportunity to push personal limits while experiencing the raw beauty of the Hajar Mountains. With professional medical support, comprehensive safety protocols, and world-class organization, the event promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike.
Additional information about training programs, recommended equipment, and accommodation options near Jebel Jais is available on the official event website. Organizers recommend early hotel bookings as demand is expected to be high during the race period.
Source: Khaleej Times
