Ajman uses pedal power to boost tourism — in pictures

“We had one objective to make Ajman a specialist tourist destination and to do that through sporting, cultural and business events,” he said.

“We wanted 200 professionals [cyclists in the 90km race] and we got 220 and for the charity ride, we aimed for 40 and got over 70,” Faisal Al Nuaimi said

Cycling in recent years has grown rapidly in the UAE, the country now host to two UCI Asia Tour events: the Dubai Tour and the Abu Dhabi Tour.

Plans are afoot for Ajman to develop an asphalt track similar to that in Al Qudra in Dubai, around the emirate’s camel racing track.

Faisal Al Nuaimi, head of Ajman’s tourism authority, left, said the race will help boost business in the UAE’s smallest emirate.

The inaugural Ride Ajman included a 90-kilometre ride and a 7km charity ride, supporting the Al Ajmani Charity Foundation. Courtesy Promoseven

The male and female winners of the 90km race each received Dh3,500 in prize money. Courtesy Promoseven

Tourism chiefs say the emirate’s first competitive cycle race, Ride Ajman, will help boost business. Photos by Pawan Singh / The National