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Stay informed with the latest company news and developments in Egypt and the region through our unbiased and direct news platform. Our blog publishes press releases and news directly from companies and their PR agencies, giving you a clear and unfiltered view of the industry. Make informed decisions with our easy to follow and clutter-free approach to company news.
24 February, 2025
SPRING VALLEY TO ESTABLISH AGRO-COMMODITY HUB AT JAFZA, DRIVING REGIONAL FOOD SECURITY
Dubai, UAE - 24 February 2025 - Spring Valley, a home-grown agro-commodity supplier, is investing AED 184 million to develop a new distribution hub at Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), supporting regional food security.
Spanning more than 106,000 sq. ft, the facility will feature advanced processing and storage capabilities, including consumer packaging, roasting and grinding operations.
The first phase will be completed within two years, with the hub expected to process more than 65,000 metric tonnes of staple food ingredients -- such as pulses, spices and nuts – generating over AED 440 million in annual turnover once fully operational.
Abdulla Al Hashmi, COO, Parks & Zones, DP World GCC, said: “We are pleased to welcome Spring Valley to Jafza. With 80% of the region’s food supply being imported and global demand set to soar for two billion more people by 2050, ensuring food security is more critical than ever. Dubai plays a vital role as a hub for the UAE’s food trade, handling 75% of the nation’s food and beverage imports. Jafza’s dedicated F&B terminal, advanced logistics network, and vibrant business community continue to drive innovation, and we’re committed to investing in solutions to secure the future of the global food supply.”
The global agricultural commodity market is projected to grow from $220 billion in 2024 to $277 billion in 2028, driven by rising demand for healthier diets and a growing global population.[1]
Toms Mathew, Executive Director, Spring Valley Food Industries, said: “As a home-grown brand, this new hub in Jafza strengthens our role in regional food security. Our strategic location next to a world-class port ensures efficient logistics, enhancing the UAE’s position as a leading hub for essential food.”
The facility will operate with 100% sustainable and carbon-neutral processing, featuring a solar power plant in line with Dubai’s renewable energy goals. It will also adhere to the highest international food safety standards, with HACCP and BRCGS certifications.
Jafza, a key driver of the UAE’s food trade, continues to see robust growth, hosting over 770 F&B businesses operating within the zone, up 14% year-on-year. In 2023, its F&B sector facilitated trade worth AED 23.2 billion, representing 26% of Dubai’s total F&B trade value.
MBRF concludes the “Youth Knowledge Forum for the Islamic World”
With over 2 million live views in 2 days
24 February 2025 – The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and in collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), concluded the “Youth Knowledge Forum for the Islamic World” in Morocco under the theme “Knowledge is the Future.”
The Youth Knowledge Forum (YKF) aligns with MBRF’s ongoing efforts to empower young people, foster their creative and innovative talents in knowledge fields, and prepare them for tomorrow’s professions. It also showcased inspiring success stories and young role models, highlighting pioneering experiences and impactful initiatives across the Islamic World.
His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, stated: “The outstanding success of the YKF highlights MBRF’s unwavering commitment to empowering youth, unlocking their full potential, and nurturing their creative talents. We firmly believe that young people play a pivotal role in shaping a prosperous future. The YKF’s extensive engagement and robust international participation reflect the eagerness for knowledge among youth across the Islamic World, as well as their determination to pursue growth and explore new horizons in various scientific and intellectual fields.”
His Excellency added: “At MBRF, we remain committed to launching innovative initiatives and projects that support and empower youth, equipping them with the tools and skills necessary to achieve their aspirations and adapt to the rapid advancements in knowledge and innovation. Investing in young minds is the cornerstone of sustainable development and the foundation for building societies driven by knowledge and innovation.”
During his closing remarks, Dr. Hany Torky, Chief Technical Advisor and Project Manager of the Knowledge Project at UNDP, stated that the trend now shifts towards launching a digital platform where young people can submit suggestions on ways to promote knowledge. These proposals will be reviewed and evaluated with the aim of putting them into practice.
For her part, Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of the ICESCO Director-General, commended the great success of the YFK. She noted the high attendance and the significant engagement of young people via live streaming, which reached nearly two million live views over the two days of the event. This, she said, reflects the growing importance of such forums in empowering youth and preparing them for the future.
The YKF hosted hundreds of young participants from across the Islamic World at the ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, with 600 attendees on the first day and 400 on the second. In addition to discussion sessions covering various fields of knowledge, the event featured success stories of creative and innovative young women and men, encouraging participants to pursue their aspirations and advance their intellectual journeys.
Ajman Tourism Development Department wins four distinguished awards at prestigious 2025 Middle East and North Africa Stevie Awards
Ajman, 24 February 2025:
The Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) has once again demonstrated its leadership in innovation and excellence in tourism, securing four distinguished accolades at the 2025 Middle East and North Africa Stevie Awards. These awards, including two gold, one silver, and one bronze, recognise ATDD’s unwavering commitment to driving innovation across its diverse initiatives, projects and activities.
The awards were presented to the Department during a gala hosted in Ras Al Khaimah on February 22, 2025. This year, ATDD stood out at 2025 Middle East and North Africa Stevie Awards for its exceptional contributions to institutional development and the Emirate’s tourism industry.
H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director-General of the Ajman Tourism Development Department, commented: “This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in our journey. It also reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering innovation across all facets of our operation and further strengthening Ajman’s tourism sector. These esteemed accolades inspire us to continue advancing innovative projects and initiatives that support sustainable development goals (SDGs), serve the community in line with the aspirations of the wise leadership, and enhance the tourism experience in Ajman and the UAE.”
The prestigious awards received by ATDD are reserved for a selected group of organisations, reinforcing its leadership within the tourism sector. The first gold was awarded in the category of ‘Excellence in Innovation in Consumer Product and Services Industries’ for the ‘Genuine Tourism Experience Design’ initiative. The second gold was earned in the category of ‘Innovation in Human Resource Management Planning and Practice for the ‘Human Resources Initiatives for Creating a Happy Work Environment’ initiative.
The silver award was granted in the category of ‘Most Innovative Community Impact’ for the ‘Unlimited Talents: You Are the Blessing,’ a cultural, innovative and artistic initiative designed to encourage and foster the skills of seniors. Meanwhile, the bronze award was received in the category of ‘Innovation In Brand Development’ for the ‘Marketing in London’ initiative, which highlights Ajman’s tourism resources.
The Stevie Awards, a leading sole business sector program for honouring excellence and innovation, recognises outstanding contributions in institutional innovation across 18 countries in the MENA region. Renowned as a top-tier global recognition in the business sector, the Stevie Awards acknowledges exceptional accomplishments through initiatives such as the International Business Awards (IBA), which has been honouring remarkable endeavours and contributions for over 23 years.
اللجنة الأولمبية والبارالمبية السعودية و"إس إيه بي" تحتفلان بنجاح توظيف منصة "رايز"
المشروع يعزز أهداف رؤية 2030
- تنفيذ مجموعة حلول متقدمة من "إس إيه بي" يتيح الأتمتة والوصول الفوري للمعلومات لتحسين الخدمات المقدمة للموظفين والمجتمعات الرياضية
الرياض، المملكة العربية السعودية – 24 فبراير 2025: أطلقت اللجنة الأولمبية والبارالمبية السعودية، بالتعاون مع عملاقة التكنولوجيا العالمية "إس إيه بي"، بنجاح، المرحلة الأولى من مشروع شامل للتحول الرقمي، في خطوة مهمة على طريق تحديث حوكمة الرياضة والعمليات في أنحاء المملكة. وجاء الكشف عن هذه المبادرة، المدعومة بالنظام "رايز ويذ إس إيه بي" RISE with SAP، على هامش فعاليات الحدث التكنولوجي الكبير "ليب 2025" الذي أقيم في العاصمة الرياض، ما يشير إلى التزام اللجنة الأولمبية والبارالمبية السعودية بتسخير التكنولوجيا المتطورة في رفع مستويات الكفاءة والابتكار والنمو المستدام في المنظومة الرياضية بالمملكة.
وتلعب اللجنة الأولمبية والبارالمبية السعودية دورًا مهمًا في تشكيل قطاع الرياضة والسياسات المتعلقة به، فضلًا عن إحداث التطوير الاستراتيجي المنشود في القطاع بجميع أنحاء المملكة العربية السعودية، وذلك بصفتها الجهة المستقلة التي تشرف على تمثيل المملكة في الألعاب الأولمبية والبارالمبية على الساحة العالمية.
ويتيح تبني اللجنة حلول "إس/4 هانا" من "إس إيه بي" SAP S/4HANA و"سكسس فاكترز" من "إس إيه بي" SAP SuccessFactors و"أريبا" من "إس إيه بي" SAP Ariba و"أنليتيكس كلاود" من "إس إيه بي" SAP Analytics Cloud، قدرات الاطلاع لحظة بلحظة على البيانات، وأتمتة العمليات التجارية الرئيسة، إضافة إلى قدرات التحليلات المتقدمة. وتتيح هذه الحلول، التي تنفذها "إس إيه بي سيرفيسز" SAP Services، اتخاذ قرارات مستنيرة ورفع مستويات الحوكمة والتميز التشغيلي على الأمد البعيد.
وبهذه المناسبة، صرّح المهندس بكرغازي درويش، الرئيس التنفيذي للخدمات المشتركة وحلول الأعمال في اللجنة الأولمبية والبارالمبية السعودية، قائلًا: إن نجاح إطلاق النظام "رايز ويذ إس إيه بي" شهادة على روح الفريق والتعاون اللذان يرسمان ملامح الرياضة والتحول الرقمي على حد سواء، مضيفاً: "استطعنا، من خلال التعاون مع "إس إيه بي" وأصحاب المصلحة، تحديد الحلول الرقمية المثالية لدعم رسالتنا المتجسدة في تمثيل المملكة على أعلى المستويات وبناء منظومة رياضية سعودية حيوية مستدامة تنسجم مع رؤية 2030".
وأكد درويش، التزام اللجنة بخلق الفرص للرياضيين الهواة والمحترفين، مشدداً أن هذا التطور الرقمي عامل تمكين رئيس لهذه الرؤية، من شأنه إتاحة المجال أمام منسوبي القطاع الرياضي، للاستفادة من الأنظمة المتقدمة في إدارة الموارد البشرية، المعززة لمشاركة الموظفين وتطويرهم.
من ناحيته، أعرب أندي فروميل، نائب الرئيس والمدير العام لخدمات العملاء وتسليم المشاريع في "إس إيه بي" الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا، عن فخره بدعم اللجنة الأولمبية والبارالمبية السعودية في مسيرتها نحو التحول الرقمي، والاستفادة من منهجية تنفيذ منصة "رايز ويذ إس إيه بي" لضمان العمل وفق أسس سليمة، مشيرًا إلى أن اللجنة باتت تمتلك أساسًا قويًا وقابلًا للتطوير لتوسعة الخدمات الرقمية للاتحادات الرياضية في البلاد، من خلال تحقيق القيمة في وقت قصير. وقال: "تتمتع اللجنة الأولمبية والبارالمبية السعودية، بفضل هذه المنصة الجاهزة للمستقبل، بمكانة تتيح لها التعامل بكفاءة مع المشاريع المقبلة وتبني التقنيات القائمة على الذكاء الاصطناعي، كما يعزز توظيف هذه الحلول التزامنا بتحقيق أهداف رؤية 2030 وتمكين القطاع الرياضي في المملكة بحلول سحابية ذكية".
من المقرر أن تستضيف المملكة العربية السعودية، خلال العام 2025، النسخة الأولى من الألعاب الأولمبية الإلكترونية، في خطوة تعكس مكانتها المتنامية كمركز عالمي للحوكمة الرياضية والابتكار الرقمي واستضافة الفعاليات الرياضية الكبرى، حيث تلعب اللجنة الأولمبية والبارالمبية السعودية دورًا محوريًا في هذا المشهد المتطور.
وفي هذا السياق، أسهمت الحلول الرقمية التي توفرها شركة (SAP) في تعزيز كفاءة اللجنة الأولمبية والبارالمبية السعودية، مما يمكّنها من تحسين العمليات التشغيلية، وتعزيز عملية اتخاذ القرارات الاستراتيجية، والمساهمة في تطوير حوكمة الرياضة في المملكة، فضلًا عن ترسيخ معايير جديدة في مجالات الكفاءة والاستدامة والتميز على الساحة العالمية.
لمزيد من الأخبار وأحدث المستجدات، يمكن زيارة مركز أخبار "إس إيه بي"، ومتابعة صفحة الشركة على إكس (@SAPNews).
-انتهى-
UNLEASH FAMILY FUN THIS EID AL FITR AT THE WB™ ABU DHABI, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 24th February 2025 – The WBTM Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, the
world’s first Warner Bros.-themed hotel is ready to welcome guests this Eid Al-Fitr!
The WBTM Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton invites families for a memorable staycation experience this Eid Al-Fitr. A family of two adults and two children can also enjoy access to Warner Bros. World ™ Abu Dhabi or any other world-class Yas Theme Park per night of stay. Guests will also receive a delicious breakfast at Sidekicks, the hotel’s vibrant diner with iconic WBTM characters making appearances.
Validity: Monday, March 31st to Wednesday, April 2nd,
Price: Room rates start from AED 3,015++ for bed and breakfast, exclusive of taxes, per night for two adults and two children, including Yas Theme Park access for every registered room guest. Kids under 12 stay, play, and eat for free.
For bookings: Please call 02 815 0000 or email hello.thewbabudhabi@hilton.com
SAP Partners with Metito Utilities to Drive AI-Powered Digital Transformation
Marwan Zeineddine, Managing Director of SAP UAE, with Rami Ghandour, CEO of Metito Utilities.
DUBAI, UAE – 24 February 2025: SAP announced today that Metito Utilities, a global investor, developer, and operator of sustainable water management solutions, has selected GROW with SAP to accelerate its digital transformation, The AI-powered cloud enterprise solutions will enhance Metito Utilities’ agility and optimize operations. This collaboration will ensure scalability, flexibility, and speed by leveraging scalable cloud technologies to streamline processes and strengthen corporate governance.
As part of this transformation, Metito Utilities will implement SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition in the first half of 2025 in the UAE, followed by a phased international rollout. The integration of SAP’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions will enable seamless financial reporting, business intelligence, project management, and enhanced cash flow visibility across multiple geographies. Additionally, SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) will provide real-time monitoring and predictive insights, allowing for data-driven water infrastructure management, while SAP SuccessFactors will strengthen human capital management, workforce development and governance through structured operational oversight.
Marwan Zeineddine, Managing Director of SAP UAE, said: “With its ambitious expansion plans and strong commitment to innovation, Metito Utilities exemplifies the type of growth-focused company that GROW with SAP is designed to support. By embracing SAP’s cloud-based ERP and AI capabilities, Metito Utilities is laying the foundation for operational efficiency, financial agility, and long-term success.”
Rami Ghandour, CEO of Metito Utilities, added: “At Metito Utilities, our commitment to innovation and sustainability demands robust digital infrastructure to support our rapid global expansion. By implementing GROW with SAP, we're enhancing our operational efficiency while enabling our teams to make AI-driven decisions in real-time. This technology backbone will be crucial as we scale our sustainable water management solutions and climate-resilient water assets.”
By adopting SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, Metito Utilities will benefit from a scalable cloud ERP that ensures seamless integration across its global entities, while SAP Analytics Cloud will deliver real-time performance tracking, predictive analytics, and proactive resource management. Meanwhile, SAP SuccessFactors will optimize workforce planning and dynamic collaboration tools to boost efficiency and innovation.
The SAP ERP UAE implementation in H1 2025 will be followed by a global rollout across Metito Utilities' operations including the Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Uzbekistan, China, Rwanda, Serbia, and beyond.
Visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter at @SAPNews.
"إس إيه بي" تتعاون مع "ماتيتو" لتعزيز التحول الرقمي المدعوم بتقنيات الذكاء الاصطناعي
مروان زين الدين، المدير التنفيذي لـ"إس إيه بي" في الإمارات، مع رامي غندور، الرئيس التنفيذي لشركة "ماتيتو يوتيليتيز"
دبي، الإمارات العربية المتحدة، 24 فبراير 2025 – أعلنت اليوم شركة "إس إيه بي" عن توقيع اتفاقية تعاون مع "ماتيتو يوتيليتيز"، الشركة العالمية الرائدة في الاستثمار والتشغيل للحلول المستدامة لإدارة المياه. وبموجب هذه الاتفاقية، ستعتمد "ماتيتو" على منصة "غرو ويذ إس إيه بي" GROW with SAP لتسريع عملية تحولها الرقمي. ومن المتوقع أن تُساهم هذه المنصة، التي تتضمن مجموعة واسعة من الحلول السحابية المؤسسية المدعومة بالذكاء الاصطناعي، في تعزيز مرونة "ماتيتو" المؤسسية وتحسين كفاءة عملياتها. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، سيضمن هذا التعاون لـ ماتيتو مجموعة مزايا كالمرونة والسرعة وإمكانية التوسع التي توفرها التقنيات السحابية المبتكرة، مما سيُساهم في تبسيط العمليات وتعزيز الحوكمة المؤسسية لديها.
وضمن هذا التحول، تعتزم "ماتيتو يوتيليتيز" البدء في توظيف الإصدار السحابي العام من منصة "إس/4 هانا" من "إس إيه بي" SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition في النصف الأول من عام 2025، انطلاقًا من دولة الإمارات، يتبع ذلك مراحل توظيف هذا الإصدار عالميًا على مراحل. ومن خلال تطبيق حلول تخطيط موارد المؤسسة من "إس إيه بي"، في مختلف المناطق الجغرافية، ستتمكن "ماتيتو" بكل سهولة وسلاسة من إعداد التقارير المالية، وإدارة المشاريع، وتعزيز رؤية التدفق النقدي، فضلاً عن الاستفادة من ذكاء الأعمال. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، تتيح حلول التحليلات السحابية "أنليتيكس كلاود" من "إس إيه بي" SAP Analytics Cloud إمكانية مراقبة لحظية وتوفر معلومات تنبؤية، مما يسمح بإدارة البنية التحتية لمشاريع المياه وأصولها إدارة قائمة على البيانات. في حين ستوفر حلول "سكسيس فاكترز" من "إس إيه بي" SAP SuccessFactors، الدعم اللازم لعمليات الإدارة والتطوير والحوكمة لجهة رأس المال البشري من خلال الإشراف التشغيلي المنظم.
بهذه المناسبة، أكد مروان زين الدين، المدير التنفيذي لشركة "إس إيه بي" في الإمارات، أن نظام "غرو ويذ إس إيه بي" صُمم خصيصًا لدعم الشركات التي تركز على النمو، مثل "ماتيتو يوتيليتيز"، لافتًا إلى أنها "تدير خططًا طموحة للتوسع وتُظهر التزامًا قويًا بالابتكار". وأضاف: "تؤسس "ماتيتو" قاعدة قوية للكفاءة التشغيلية والمرونة المالية والنجاح المستدام، من خلال تبني قدرات "إس إيه بي" المستندة إلى السحابة في تخطيط الموارد المؤسسية والذكاء الاصطناعي".
من جهته، أوضح رامي غندور، الرئيس التنفيذي لشركة "ماتيتو يوتيليتيز"، أن التزام شركته الدائم بالابتكار والاستدامة ودعم توسعها العالمي السريع "يتطلب بنية تحتية رقمية قوية. وأضاف: "إيماناً منا بأهمية تعزيز كفاءتنا التشغيلية وتمكين فرق العمل من اتخاذ قرارات مدعومة بالذكاء الاصطناعي، اخترنا العمل على النظام "غرو ويذ إس إيه بي"، لافتًا إلى أن هذا النظام سيكون دعامة تقنية بالغة الأهمية في جهود الشركة نحو توسيع نطاق الحلول المستدامة لإدارة المياه وأصول المياه المقاومة للتغيرات المناخية.
علاوةً على ذلك، ستستفيد "ماتيتو يوتيليتيز"، من خلال تبنيها الإصدار السحابي العام من منصة "إس/4 هانا" من "إس إيه بي"، من نظام تخطيط الموارد المؤسسية السحابي القابل للتطوير، والذي يضمن التكامل السلس على امتداد المؤسسات العالمية التابعة لها. في حين يتيح حل التحليلات السحابية "أنليتيكس كلاود" من "إس إيه بي" إمكانية تتبع الأداء والتحليلات التنبؤية والإدارة الاستباقية للموارد. كذلك، يعمل الحل "سكسيس فاكترز" من "إس إيه بي" على تحسين التخطيط وأدوات التعاون الديناميكية لتعزيز الكفاءة والابتكار في أوساط الموظفين.
ومن المقرر أن تقوم شركة "ماتيتو يوتيليتيز" في النصف الأول من 2025، بتطبيق حلول إدارة الموارد المؤسسية من "إس إيه بي" في الإمارات، يتبع ذلك تطبيق هذه الحلول على امتداد عملياتها في كل من المملكة العربية السعودية، قطر، مصر، أوزبكستان، الصين، رواندا، صربيا وغيرها من البلدان.
3rd Annual Financial Restructuring MENA Conference concludes successfully in ADGM
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The 3rd Annual Financial Restructuring MENA Conference concluded at the ADGM Auditorium, Abu Dhabi, following two days of high-level discussions, expert panels, and strategic from multi-billion dollar and complex cross border restructuring cases.
The final day of the conference featured a series of impactful discussions, starting with a presentation by Global Head of Distressed Assets Program (DARP) from IFC, followed by a panel on Emirates Hospitals Group's AED 3.5 billion restructuring, offering key insights into navigating financial and operational challenges in the healthcare sector and strategies for securing new investor confidence.
This was followed by an engaging session that focused on purchase and sales of distressed assets in Saudi Arabia, joined by Saudi Awwal Bank, HSBC, Khoshaim & Associates, Alvarez & Marsal and Dentons.
Key industry practitioners from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and European Investment Bank took the stage further to discuss restructurings from political conflict zones while Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton shared insights from the complex restructuring of Mexico’s Mega case.
The day further featured numerous highly engaging sessions that focused on private credit boom in the MENA, driving restructuring best practices in the region and concluded with a session that emphasized the event theme- turning around corporate collapses into stories of financial resilience.
The second day was further highlighted by the presence of the His Excellency Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, UAE Minister of Justice, who recognized the Event Advisory Committee and Partners - individuals and organizations who were instrumental in shaping the conference into the region’s premier platform for financial restructuring.
The 3rd Annual Financial Restructuring MENA Conference successfully facilitated high-level discussions, brought together key industry players and emphasized the critical role of stakeholder collaboration among other key facets in driving successful and efficient restructurings in the region.
THOUSANDS OF CYCLISTS PEDAL THE STREETS OF DUBAI IN THE 15TH SPINNEYS DUBAI 92 CYCLE CHALLENGE 2025
- Over 1,700 participants entered as the 15th edition of the event concluded in style.
- The top 25% age groupers qualify for the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, taking place in Australia, later this year.
- Elite riders Franceso Lamon and Makhabbat Umutzhanova stood top of the podium, earning AED 10,000 each in the 15th Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge.
- Emmauel Cabanas and Tania Rodrigues took first place in the Aster Pharmacy BIG 5 Open Category (Under 45) competition standings.
- Shaun Carey and Helle Bachofen Von Echt emerge as the overall male and female champions of the Aster Pharmacy BIG 5, claiming the Yellow Jersey (45+)
- Record-numbers of cyclists took part in the InstaShop Junior Rides and The Live Well Outride for the 2025 event.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 24th February 2025: Held in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council, the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge marked its 15th edition at Expo City Dubai, attracting over 1,700 participants in the main event, with over three thousand cyclists registered for the various challenges over the weekend.
Dubai’s streets came alive over the weekend as thousands of cyclists set off from Expo City Dubai, filling the city with an electrifying energy of competition and family fun. The 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Series qualifier saw over 220 elite riders embark on a thrilling 96.4 km course, starting and finishing at Expo City Dubai. Along the way, participants enjoyed a rare traffic-free ride past iconic landmarks like Global Village, the vibrant DMCC/Jumeirah Lake Towers, and the scenic communities of Tilal Al Ghaf, Springs and Jumeirah Golf Estates, before crossing the finishing line at Expo City Dubai, with celebrations at the Spinneys Eat Well Live Well Village.
In the elite category, male athlete Francesco Lamon and female athlete Makhabbat Umutzhanova were fastest across the finish line with respective times of 2:01:47 and 2:01:49, taking top spot in the standings and earning AED 10,000 each from the lucrative AED 36,000 prize pot. Lamon was followed closely by Maksim Orekhov and Jasper Verkuijl both securing podium positions with finishing times of 2:01:47. respectively. Similarly, Ebtissam Zayed and Akvile Gedraityte took second and third place with close margins, finishing with times of 2:01:49.
To cap off a remarkable Aster Pharmacy BIG 5 competition, the overall winners saw Shaun Carey and Helle Bachofen Von Echt emerge as the male and female winners with incredible times of 2:01:49 and 2:02:26. respectively. In the Open Category it was Emmauel Cabanas and Tania Rodrigues who took home the wins in the grand finale, with Cabanas crossing the finishing line in 2:01:49 and Rodrigues completing the 96.4km course in 2:02:28. In the Vets Category it was Simon Cox and Adriana Sanchez who took home the wins in the grand finale, with Cox crossing the finishing line in 2:01:51 and Sanchez
The local classic saw a record turnout, with cyclists of all ages and skill levels coming together to celebrate the sport. Kicking off the 2025 event in style, young riders took to the track for the InstaShop Junior Rides on Saturday, February 22nd, with almost 1000 little ones joining in the fun. This year also marked the exciting return of The Live Well Outride, a family-friendly 35km course with a 12km shortcut that saw cyclists ride out and back from Expo City Dubai on Saturday morning. At Al Forsan Park, the Spinneys Eat Well Live Well race village buzzed with post-race celebrations, offering a vibrant atmosphere for both cyclists and spectators. Whether elite riders qualifying for the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Australia or local participants achieving personal milestones, everyone had a reason to celebrate at the race village.
One lucky Outride participant had even more reason to celebrate, as Jetour surprised a random rider who completed the course with a brand-new Jetour X50. Adding to the excitement of the family-friendly race, the incredible giveaway created unforgettable moments for both the winner and the crowd.
Stewart Howison, Race Director of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, said: “The 15th edition of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a record-breaking 7,000 plus participants across the series, we’ve reached incredible new heights this year. We are especially proud to see so many riders qualify for the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Australia, showcasing the growing strength of cycling in the region. A massive thank you to the RTA, Dubai Police, and the Dubai Sports Council for their unwavering support over the past 15 years. This journey has been amazing, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for the 2026 edition.”
Held in partnership with Dubai Sports Council, Spinneys and Dubai 92, the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge is one of the Middle East’s premium sporting races, regularly attracting thousands of riders from all over the world. The 2025 Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, a key qualifying race in the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Series season, saw elite cyclists take to the streets of Dubai, with 346 riders earning their spot in the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Lorne, Australia.
For further information on this year’s event and how to prepare for the 2026 challenge, please visit www.cyclechallenge.ae.