Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), in collaboration with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), is set to host the 2024 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in December, one of the final events in an action-packed sporting calendar for the UAE capital.

Taking place at Abu Dhabi’s Nation Towers from 17th to 21st December, the event returns to the city following a highly successful 2022 edition, which captivated thousands of spectators with competitors’ impressive range of skills.

As a free-to-attend competition, the 2024 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships offers an ideal opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy an action-filled day out. With the family-friendly 2024 Mother of the Nation (MOTN) Festival held nearby along the Corniche, the chance to experience two remarkable events is expected to attract a substantial number of attendees.

The UCI Urban Cycling World Championships includes competitions in BMX Freestyle (Park and Flatland for men and women) and trials (Women Elite, Men Elite 20’’, Men Elite 26’’, Men Junior 20’’, Men Junior 26’’ and mixed team).

This competition is one of many events set to take place in Abu Dhabi, including the 2024 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships on 26th October, as part of the city’s commitment to promoting cycling. Additionally, on 18th and 19th December, Abu Dhabi will host the 2024 UCI Mobility and Bike City Forum, the UCI’s annual conference dedicated to promoting sustainable and active mobility, alongside cycling’s contribution to the global sustainable development agenda.

Aref Al Awani, Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said, “Hosting the 2024 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships reflects the confidence of international sports federations and organisations in Abu Dhabi’s ability to deliver and excel in organising major global sporting events for various sports, thanks to its infrastructure and national talent who consistently strive for excellence.”

UCI President David Lappartient commented, “After an extremely successful event in 2022, I am delighted to return to Abu Dhabi with the 2024 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships. The city offers an ideal setting for the exciting urban disciplines of BMX Freestyle and trials, and with free entry at Nation Towers, the local community will have easy access to watch the world’s best in action.”

The popularity of cycling has continued to rise in the capital following the launch of Bike Abu Dhabi in 2021, a government initiative aimed at advancing the emirate’s long-term cycling objectives and fostering connections across three key elements for cycling growth: mobility, health and leisure, and sport.

Abu Dhabi currently boasts 300km of dedicated cycle tracks in areas such as Al Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Wathba, Qasr Al Sarab, and Yas Marina Circuit, home of the iconic Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The development of the sport has led to increased participation across multiple cycling disciplines, with road and track cycling remaining popular, while BMX Freestyle has recently attracted a significant following, bolstered by Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in 2022.

This year’s edition will mark the seventh instalment of the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships. China (Chengdu) hosted the first three events in 2017, 2018, and 2019, followed by France (Montpellier) in 2021, with Abu Dhabi hosting in 2022 and the United Kingdom (Glasgow, Scotland) in 2023.

Abu Dhabi’s hosting of this year’s event further cements its rapidly growing reputation as a prominent cycling destination, both regionally and globally. Looking ahead, Abu Dhabi will also host the 2028 UCI Road World Championships, the 2028 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, and the 2029 UCI Track World Championships.