News DeskDubai: Dubai’s Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament – the largest Ramadan-era sports meet in the UAE – delivered heart-stopping drama in its cycling events. Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and directed by HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the 13th NAS Tournament drew a record field of over 11,000 athletes across 11 sports. This year’s theme, “Limitless Capabilities”, came to life on February 21–22 as cyclists raced 74 kilometres through Dubai’s streets, cheered on by thousands.
In a photo-finish worthy of the spectacle, Emirati Saeed Hassan Safar of Dubai Police claimed the men’s amateur title by the barest of margins. Crossing the line in 1:34:57, he was clocked in the same second as teammate Mohammed Haitham, who took silver. Khalid Ibrahim Ali completed the sweep for the Dubai Police team with bronze. This kind of one-second thriller has become characteristic of the Dubai Police squad’s cycling dominance. Team director Mansoor Bu Osaiba noted that the riders had “delivered dazzling performances” across categories – a fitting description of the nail-biting finish.
Fulad and Gedraityte Shine
Emirati cyclists also featured on the women’s side. Aisha Fulad stamped her authority early in the women’s amateur race, surging away in the final kilometers to take gold. She crossed the finish line alone, with a time around 2:01:38. Her compatriot Ghaya Al Mahrazi chased home, taking silver (2:04:14), and Hamda Bin Hamad rounded out the podium a second later. Fulad was delighted, noting after the race that “winning at home, in front of family and friends during Ramadan, is a special feeling.”
The Women’s Open (elite) category showcased Dubai Police’s international strength. Lithuanian star Akvile Gedraityte, riding for Dubai Police, dominated the 74 km open race, roaring to victory in about 1:48:41. Her teammate, fellow Lithuanian Olivia Bisset, finished a whisker behind – just one second slower (1:48:42) – to grab silver. Britain’s Isabel Nicole Darby took bronze (1:51:19). Gedraityte’s composed win added to her growing reputation; she has often led Dubai Police’s charge in regional cycling meets.
Meanwhile, the masters women’s division (senior category) saw Portugal’s Tania Rodrigues sprint to gold in 2:01:34. France’s Anne Kha took silver (2:04:14), and Emirati rider Moza Salem Al Mansoori earned bronze (2:04:46) to the cheers of the crowd.
Obstacle Challenge (OCR 400m)
Off the road, the NAS Obstacle Challenge (OCR 400m) proved a test of grit and agility. Athletes zipped through a technical 400m course filled with hurdles, nets, walls and monkey-bars. In the men’s division, Dubai Police’s Sergei Perelygin blazed a 3:29 finish to claim gold, leaving UAE’s Tariq Habtoor (3:52) and Morocco’s Ayoub El Hamji (4:11) chasing. On day two, the women’s OCR podium was dominated by Russians: Alisa Petrova won in 3:43, followed closely by Olga Kobiiko (3:48), while Norway’s Signe Karoline Kolsto took bronze (3:49). The OCR was one of many action-packed events spanning Feb 20-24.
Action-Packed Schedule Ahead
The Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament continues its jam-packed schedule through early March. Highlights in the coming days include:
- Feb 23 (Mon): Badminton championships wrap up (finals in the evening). Padel action heats up – the International Padel Silver Cup concludes on Feb 22, while the Nad Al Sheba International Padel Championship kicks off on Feb 23. The OCR obstacle race continues towards its grand finale.
- Feb 24–25 (Tue–Wed): Jiu-Jitsu kicks off for juniors, youth and adult divisions. Wheelchair basketball also begins (with heats and eliminations).
- Feb 26 (Thu): Volleyball tournament opens, featuring elite club teams (the event will climax with the final on Mar 7).
- Feb 27 (Fri): Road running races at Al Meydan track (10km, 5km, 4km events).
- Mar 1–6: Tug-of-war tournament (group stages and finals).
- Mar 3 (Tue): 3×3 Basketball (preliminaries and finals on outdoor courts).
- Mar 2–4: Wheelchair basketball semifinals (Mar 2), third-place match (Mar 3), and final (Mar 4) will determine the champions on the courts of Dubai Club for People of Determination.
- Mar 7: Volleyball finals wrap up the tournament.
The 13th Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament has firmly positioned Dubai as a hub for world-class sporting events. From cycling thrillers on city streets to intense indoor matches and community fun races, the spirit of competition and inclusivity is on full display. Athletes and fans alike are savoring this unique Ramadan sporting atmosphere – and more excitement is on the horizon as the week unfolds.
