The 2026 UAE Tour promises to be one of the most spectacular stage races of the early season. The race opens in the heart of the Abu Dhabi desert, starting from Madinat Zayed Majlis and heading towards Liwa Palace, with a slightly uphill finish. The second stage, a just over twelve-kilometer individual time trial on Al Hudayriyat Island, turns the race into a duel against the clock.

The real test comes on the third stage, from Umm al Quwain to Jebel Mobrah. After kilometers of flat terrain, the route culminates in a long and challenging climb, with very steep sections in the final six kilometers. The fourth stage, however, is more rolling but less selective, with continuous ups and downs among the slopes of the Hajar Mountains. The finish is accessible enough to allow small groups or stamina sprinters to compete for the win.

Returning to the urban areas of Dubai, the fifth stage offers perfectly flat terrain and wide roads, ideal for final sprints. The highlight of the stage is undoubtedly the one that takes the riders from the Al Ain Museum to the summit of Jebel Hafeet, with over ten kilometers of climbing. The race concludes in Abu Dhabi, with a final flat stage towards Breakwater.

Among the favorites for the win are Remco Evenepoel , capable of combining climbing strength and time trial talent, and Isaac del Toro, ready to surprise on the steepest climbs. Adam Yates and other riders like Felix Gall, Michael Storer, and Derek Gee could join the fight if they're in top form. For the flat stages and final sprints, Jonathan Milan seems to have no rivals. But Sam Welsford and Juan Sebastian Molano, not exactly the last sprinters of the bunch, will be at the start.

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