After 19 years away, the Arab Cycling Championship is back in Syria, bringing cyclists from across the region together for nearly two weeks of racing. Held from October 2 to 13, the championship is taking place across Damascus and surrounding areas, marking the first major regional sporting event hosted by Syria in 19 years.
14 Arab Nations Take Part
The championship brings together national teams from 14 Arab countries, with Syria joined by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Palestine, Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Libya, and Morocco. The return of the competition gives cyclists from across the region a chance to compete on Syrian roads while putting the country back in the spotlight as a host for major regional events.
From Road Racing to Mountain Biking
The competition covers three main disciplines: road cycling, para-cycling, and mountain biking. The programme also includes men’s and women’s events, alongside youth and junior races, creating a packed schedule for cyclists across different age groups and categories.
The Championship Opens With Para-Cycling
The championships kicked off with para-cycling road events, officially opening the competition in Damascus. The starting signal was given by Jamal al-Sharif, assistant minister of sports and youth, and Yaser Al-Doukhi, president of the Arab Cycling Federation, setting the wheels in motion for the days of racing ahead.
More Than Just a Sporting Event
For Syria, hosting the championship is about more than cycling. Mazen Al-Salhani, Syria’s Minister of Tourism, described the event as a sign of renewed confidence in the country’s ability to welcome delegations and host major events.
“The significance of hosting this championship goes beyond bringing a major Arab sporting event back to Syria after 19 years.”
Al-Salhani said, adding that it reflects Syria’s gradual return to the regional calendar of sporting, tourism, and business events.
The championship comes as part of Syria’s broader efforts to bring major sporting, tourism, and business events back to the country. With cyclists from across the Arab world racing through Damascus and beyond, the event marks an important step in reconnecting Syria with the region’s sporting calendar.
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