Cycling enthusiasts around the world are turning their attention to the historic Al-Ula region in Saudi Arabia, where the sixth edition of the Tour of Al-Ula kicks off tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27, 2026. This prestigious sporting event will continue until Saturday, January 31, featuring a selection of top international professional teams alongside the Saudi national cycling team, promising five days of intense competition.

Background and development of the race

The AlUla Tour, initially known as the "Saudi Tour," was not a coincidence, but rather the product of an ambitious sporting strategy aimed at placing the Kingdom on the global sporting map. Launched in 2020, the race quickly gained international renown thanks to its professional organization, a collaborative effort between the Saudi Cycling Federation, the Royal Commission for AlUla, and the renowned French organization ASO, the same organization behind the world's most prestigious cycling race, the Tour de France. This partnership ensured the event met the highest standards of quality and organization, attracting some of the biggest names in the cycling world.

Strategic importance and expected impact

The race holds immense significance beyond its status as a mere sporting competition. It represents a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and bolster the tourism, sports, and entertainment sectors. By hosting this event, the Kingdom is showcasing the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of AlUla, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra (Madain Saleh). The race is expected to raise global awareness of AlUla as a unique tourist destination, attract more visitors, and stimulate local investment. From a sporting perspective, the event offers Saudi cyclists a valuable opportunity to gain international experience and enhance their skills.

International promotion and a challenging career path

This edition witnessed a significant leap forward with the organizing committee's announcement of the Tour of AlUla's upgrade to Category 2 (UCI ProSeries – 2.Pro), placing it among the second most important categories for professional cycling races globally, after the Grand Tours. This upgrade enhances the race's prestige and attracts stronger teams and top-tier riders seeking to accumulate crucial ranking points at the start of the season. The total race route spans 800 kilometers, divided into five stages with varying terrains, as follows:

• The first stage: It starts from the camel racing track for a distance of 158 km, and it is a stage suitable for high speeds.
• Phase Two: It starts from Al-Mansheya train station and extends for a distance of 152 km.
• The third stage: It starts from the winter park and goes to Bir Jida, Jabal Wirka, for a distance of 142 km.
• Phase Four: This is the longest, extending for a distance of 184 km from the Winter Park to the historic Al-Hijr area.
• The fifth and decisive stage: It starts from the old town of Al-Ula and ends at the high overlook of Harrat Awairid, for a distance of 164 km, where this mountainous stage is expected to determine the winner of the title.

Thus, the AlUla Tour 2026 embodies a unique blend of sporting challenge, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, affirming the Kingdom’s ability to host and organize the largest global sporting events to the highest standards.

Al-Ahly proves that the system is stronger than the names in the Roshan League race

Al-Ahli Saudi FC achieved a remarkable feat in the last seven rounds of the Roshan Professional League, managing to close the gap with the leading teams despite facing a series of technical and disciplinary challenges. The team demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt to difficult circumstances, relying on the depth of its squad and its tactical flexibility, proving that its success depends on a comprehensive system rather than individual players.

Historical background and context of the competition

This outstanding performance comes in a unique context for Al-Ahli, who returned to the top flight this season after a single season in the Yellow Division. This rapid return placed the team under immense pressure to prove their status as one of the giants of Saudi football. With the substantial support provided to clubs backed by the sovereign wealth fund, including Al-Ahli, expectations soared, especially after the acquisition of world-class stars such as Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Franck Kessié, and Édouard Mendy. Therefore, competing for the title was not merely a goal, but a necessity to fulfill the fans' aspirations and confirm the success of the new sports project in the Kingdom.

Compelling circumstances necessitated innovative solutions

Al Ahly's journey was not easy, as the team faced simultaneous challenges that directly affected the stability of its starting lineup. The most prominent of these difficulties were:

• Significant international absences: The absence of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, central midfielder Franck Kessie, and Algerian star Riyad Mahrez due to their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations was a major blow to the team's backbone.
• Consecutive suspensions: Accumulated red and yellow cards led to the absence of key players at critical times, such as defender Roger Ibanez and full-back Ali Majrashi, which disrupted the balance of the back line.

These circumstances forced the coaching staff, led by coach Matthias Jiesle, to look for alternative solutions, and to transform reliance on substitute players from a tactical option into an inevitable necessity to maintain the positive results.

The depth of the squad and the variety of tactics serve the current stage

What distinguished Al Ahly during this period was its ability to maintain its playing style despite player rotations. Twenty-two different players participated in the seven matches, a number that reflects the coach's confidence in all members of the squad. This rotation was not random, but rather a calculated move to preserve the core of the team while introducing supporting players capable of performing specific roles without disrupting the overall rhythm.

On a technical level, Al-Ahly showed high tactical flexibility, as they used more than one tactical formation to adapt to the circumstances of each match:

• 4-2-3-1: To achieve a balance between defense and attack.
• 4-3-3: To increase offensive pressure and speed of transitions.
• 3-4-2-1: To secure defensive depth when taking the lead.
• 4-4-2: A direct and simple solution to compensate for the absence of playmakers.

Importance and impact on the future of the league

Al-Ahli's ability to compete strongly under pressure not only enhances their chances in the title race but also raises the overall level of competition in the Saudi Professional League. The team's performance sends a clear message that success in the Saudi league no longer depends solely on attracting star players, but rather on building a strong system and a well-rounded team capable of handling all challenges. This serves the league's reputation regionally and internationally, confirming its tactical maturity and strength as one of the most attractive leagues in the world.

Summary: A team that competes within the system

What Al Ahly has achieved goes beyond simply accumulating points; it's an indication of the team's maturity and strong character. They have proven they possess the necessary tools for long-term competition, relying on a solid collective system and strategic depth in their squad – qualities that distinguish top teams vying for championships.

In a decisive move underscoring its high ambitions, the coaching staff of Al-Qadisiyah Club, led by coach Rodgers, has definitively settled the fate of its young star and outstanding right-back, Mohammed Abu Shamat. The club announced its final decision to keep the player with the team until the end of his contract, officially rejecting all offers made to sign him during the current winter transfer window, thus putting an end to the speculation linking his future to a move to one of the top clubs in the Roshan League.

The most prominent and serious offer came from Al-Hilal, the leaders of the Saudi Professional League, who were keen to sign the player to strengthen their right-back position and provide a strategic replacement for international star Saud Abdulhamid. Al-Hilal's interest stems from their ongoing plans to bolster their squad with top local talent to ensure their continued dominance and strong competition in all domestic and continental tournaments. However, their efforts were met with firm resistance from Al-Qadisiyah's management.

Artistic conviction and strategic vision

The decision to retain Abu Shamat stems from manager Rodgers' firm belief in the player's indispensable role in his tactical project. Rodgers sees the young player as a model of the modern full-back, combining defensive solidity with the ability to contribute effectively to the attack. He relies on Abu Shamat to implement his style of play, which requires constant overlapping runs from the full-backs and precise crosses – a skill at which Abu Shamat excels.

This decision stems not only from a technical vision but also reflects Al-Qadisiyah Club's new strategy. The club, currently leading the Yellow League (First Division), aims to build a strong and sustainable team capable of quickly returning to the top flight and competing for top positions. Retaining key players and promising talents like Abu Shamat sends a clear message that the club is no longer merely a talent development center for larger clubs, but has become an ambitious sporting project in its own right.

The impact of the decision on the player's future and the club

Twenty-one-year-old Mohamed Abu Shamat is considered one of the most valuable assets in Al-Sharqiya's squad this season. His consistent performances and outstanding displays have been instrumental in the team's successful run under Rodgers, as they remain undefeated since the coach took charge. His continued presence ensures the team's stability and strengthens their chances of achieving their desired promotion goal.

Ultimately, this decision closes the door on the departure of one of Saudi Arabia's most promising young talents, forcing Al-Hilal to turn its attention to other options in the market. As for Mohammed Abu Shamat, remaining in a stable environment that guarantees him regular playing time and continued development under a coach who trusts his abilities is the ideal choice at this stage of his career, and could pave the way for him to join the Saudi national team in the near future.