20 December 2026
AD Ports Group Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo 2026
Key Informations
-
Date -
Start Time07:00 AM
-
Start & FinishAl Ain - Abu Dhabi
-
Distance154 KM
About the event
Register Now
YOUR TIME TO RIDE
AD Ports Group Gran Fondo Abu Dhabi 2026 marks the fifth edition of one of Abu Dhabi's flagship mass-participation cycling events, and a significant new chapter in its development. Previously established as a major community cycling race, the 2026 edition is positioned as part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series qualifier circuit, elevating the event from a strong local and regional platform to an internationally recognised competitive pathway for amateur and masters' cyclists.
The race covers 154 km on a point-to-point route from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi, with a 7:00 AM start. It is designed to bring together highly competitive riders, experienced amateurs and recreational cyclists in the same mass-participation environment, reflecting the UCI Gran Fondo World Series philosophy of high-level competition. The event also continues its community-focused legacy of promoting active lifestyles, cycling participation and Abu Dhabi's growing international profile as a leading cycling destination.
Price breakdown
| Entry | Regular price |
|---|---|
| Single Gran Fondo Entry | 350 |
| Gran Fondo + Jersey | 500 |
| Gran Fondo + Bus Transfer (one way) | 400 |
| Gran Fondo + Jersey + Bus (one way) | 500 |
- Special discount phases apply
- Special rates for individuals and teams 14+ riders apply
For more details, please follow the registration link
Register NowLocation or RouteMap
Special Notes or Additional Info
-
Elite teams & elite riders
Riders in the elite category will have to present their local or international license, obtained from their local federation to the organizers in order to be allowed to start in the first wave. The license number will have to be entered and a copy of the licenses has to be uploaded as part of the registration process and a license check will be conducted by the organizers. If no valid license is presented participants will be placed in the next speed group
-
Professional riders
Athletes who have been registered as Professionals part of a UCI WorldTour team, UCI Women WorldTour team or UCI Proteam, including the two years following their last membership as professional, are admitted to participate exclusively for promotional purposes and will be released in the final start group in order to not effect race standings. Authorization of the sports club to which they belong needs to be shown to the jury.
They will not be able to participate in any way in the ranking or be eligible for prize money.
-
Anti-doping
In case of being tested positive during the anti-doping controls carried out at the event, or in case of being tested positive in the 6 (six) months following it, the organization reserves the right to ask for the compensation from the participant Requesting an amount of AED 200,000.00 to cover the damages to the image of the event.
If the participant belongs to a sport association, the latter will be jointly obliged to pay the sanction. The sum of money will be used to promote youth sport practice.
-
Official Roadbook
Coming soon.
-
Official Route
Coming soon.
FAQ's or Terms & Conditions
Participants both male and female will compete in various categories, including Overall category, Age category, Teams category*, Emirati Bonus Overall category, Emirati Age category, Oldest Rider category
Age categories are as follows:
- Age Category 19-34
- Age Category 35-39
- Age Category 40-44
- Age Category 45-49
- Age Category 50-54
- Age Category 55-59
- Age Category 60-64
- Age Category 65-69 (N/A for Emirati Age Category)
- Age Category 70-74 (N/A for Emirati Age Category)
- Age Category 75+ (N/A for Emirati Age Category)
*The Teams category is based on the combined time of the 3 best riders for each team
Entry Categories
Participants will be split into speed groups
- Elite men, women & elite teams (local or international license required)
- Speed group 1 (42km/h average speed)
- Speed group 2 (40km/h average speed)
- Speed group 3 (38km/h average speed)
- Speed group 4 (36km/h average speed)
- Speed group 5 (34km/h average speed)
Recreational teams can enter in any speed group other than the elite *28km/h is the minimum average speed
- Riders will assemble in designated holding areas according to their speed groups before proceeding to the start line.
- Each speed group will have a dedicated grid at the start line. Grids are separated and spaced by barriers/ropes with clear signage.
- 30sec before the start of the race the barriers/ropes separating the grids will be removed.
- After the start flag has been waved all riders will set off together following the lead car through the neutral zone.
For more details please refer to the official roadbook
Collection Location
Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, Hudayriyat Island
Collection Date & Time
16th-19th December (04:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
______________________________________
Collection Location
Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium - Al Ain
Collection Date & Time
19th December (04:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
20th December (4:00 AM - 06:30 AM)
Full details will be provided at a later stage and will also be available in the official Racebook
A bag drop service will be available at the start line on race day, allowing small dry bags to be transported directly to the finish line.
IMPORTANT: Please affix the bag sticker to your bag and drop it off at the truck designated to your speed group. Each truck will be numbered, so remember your truck number to easily locate your bag at the finish line.
Each team can register as many riders and as many separate teams as they want.
Teams entering in the elite category will have to enter and present the licenses of their riders. If no license can be presented for a specific rider this rider will be placed in the next speed group.
Teams not entering in the elite category are free to choose from any of the other speed groups available.
Per team one team manager shall be nominated that will be the point of contact for the organizers.
There will be dedicated prize money for teams top 3 teams, riders within a team will also compete for individual classification and age group categories.
Please arrive at the venue no later than 45 minutes before your start time.
The official results page link will be shared soon and will also be highlighted in the official racebook
The event's cut off time is based on the min average speed of 28km/h. Riders failing to reach the set split points in time will be pulled from the race
TT, Mountain or E-Bikes are not allowed in this race.
Yes merchandise items can be purchased as an add on also after the initial registration