Abdulla Jasim Al-Ali set to start second European race for UAE Team Emirates-XRG in Spain.

Emirati youngster rising through the ranks after his discovery through the ADNOC Accelerator Program.

Abdulla Jasim Al-Ali continues his climb up the professional ranks as he lines up for the 67th edition of the Vuelta Asturias – his second European race start with UAE Team Emirates-XRG. The 22-year-old Emirati talent, discovered through the ADNOC Accelerator Program, will once again wear the team colours on the demanding mountains of Spain.

A first of its kind talent identification program aimed at unearthing the next Emirati cycling superstar, the ADNOC accelerator program offered three young Emirati cyclists a place in a year-long development pathway with UAE Team Emirates-XRG. Backed by ADNOC’s commitment to nurture homegrown talent, the initiative offered unprecedented access to elite-level training, nutrition, and professional team environments, reinforcing both ADNOC and UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s commitment to unlocking the potential of the next generation of Emirati nationals.

Since joining the UAE Team Emirates-XRG Gen-Z team, Al-Ali’s progression has been rapid. A three-time UAE National Time Trial Champion and reigning Asian Continental Road Champion, he is already making his mark in the world of professional cycling. His most notable performance came on familiar roads at the 2025 Tour of Sharjah, where he claimed three top 20 finishes across the five stages to finish on the podium in the overall Youth Classification – cementing his place as one of the UAE’s brightest rising stars.

Abdulla Jasim Al-Ali: “It’s amazing to have the opportunity to start another European race with the UAE Team Emirates-XRG World Tour Team. Since joining the Gen-Z team after participating in the ADNOC Accelerator program, I feel that I have learnt a lot, and my cycling has gone from strength to strength. The Vuelta Asturias will be a tough test, but I’m ready to give it my all to help my teammates and bring home another strong result for the team.”

This year’s Vuelta Asturias kicks off and concludes in Oviedo, with four relentless days of climbing through the mountains of the Asturias region. UAE Team Emirates-XRG arrive with a strong unit, spearheaded by home favourite Marc Soler. Alessandro Covi returns to the lineup following his strong display at the Giro d’Abruzzo, bringing home yet another win for the team, while Antionio Morgado re-joins the stage-racing squad after an impressive classics campaign.

For Abdulla Jasim Al-Ali, it’s another big step in his journey at the highest-level of cycling. His all-round skillset will be crucial in supporting the team across the four stages, as UAE Team Emirates-XRG look to set the stage to defend their Vuelta Asturias title. With the whole of the nation behind him, Abdulla Jasim Al-Ali is ready to rise to the occasion once again.