A lot can happen in a year. In 2023, Emirati cyclist Safiya Al Sayegh participated in her first professional race in Europe. She would follow it up by competing in cycling Tours in China and—representing UAE Team ADQ— becoming the first female Emirati athlete to compete in a UCI Women’s World Tour race. Despite still being just 22-years-old—and balancing her commitments as a full-time undergrad student—her performances earned her qualification for the 158km Women Elite Road Race at the Paris Olympics Games, another first for
an Emirati woman.
Through her grit and talent-driven success, Al Sayegh has become a de facto role model for UAE athletes, embodying the nation’s values and representing the aspirations of young women in the Emirates. Her achievements have contributed to increased national participation in international races, and a significant contribution to cycling’s development on the global stage.
ESQUIRE: Congratulations on qualifying for the Olympics! In terms of career goals so far, how does this rank?
Safiya Al Sayegh: Right at the top! To have qualified was a childhood dream, which then became a long term goal. We worked extremely hard over the last few seasons to gain enough UCI ranking points to qualify for Paris. We tried to compete in many different races—at both national and international level with UAE Team ADQ and the UAE National Team—to achieve as many points possible. It’s thanks to Allah that we managed it, and now, I will be the first Emirati female cyclist to compete at an Olympic Games, and the second ever sportswoman in the history of the UAE.
ESQUIRE: In Paris, what would success look like to you?
Safiya Al Sayegh: It’ll be the longest race of my career, so I would be extremely proud to be able to complete the race and cross that finish line in the centre of Paris.
ESQUIRE: How do you think it will feel to walk out there at the opening ceremony under the flag representing the UAE?
Safiya Al Sayegh: I am extremely excited for the opening ceremony. I always used to watch it on TV and the idea that I won’t be able to this year because I will actually be there is pretty crazy. It gives me a lot of satisfaction to have UAE Women’s Cycling finally being represented at the Olympics.
ESQUIRE: Who do you think is the one person that is most proud of you?
Safiya Al Sayegh: Probably my parents! I pray to god that I get to continue my career with their love and support, and to always have them by my side. Their support means a lot to me.
ESQUIRE: Was it your parents that first got you into cycling?
Safiya Al Sayegh: I can’t remember a time in my childhood when I didn’t have a bike. At school I loved sports and was a multi-sport athlete, but there was something about competing in cycling races that clicked with me and I developed a passion for it.
“Having a passion to drive you will always take you far, and the more you fuel it, the more doors it will start to open up for you on your journey. My mantra is ‘passion over perfection’.”
– Safiya Al Sayegh
ESQUIRE: Are you naturally competitive as a person?
Safiya Al Sayegh: It’s funny, I never really considered myself as a competitive person until my mother once pointed it out. She told me that I had always been competitive and had always pushed myself to achieve more. In hindsight, I can see that she was right—whether it was playing as a child, growing up with my studies, or in sport as an athlete. I must admit, I do think I’m naturally competitive with myself.
ESQUIRE: Yours is a curious case. As a trailblazer the more you succeed, the more you continue to set landmarks for things that no Emirati woman has done before. Is that a motivation for you, or do you see it as more of a by-product?
Safiya Al Sayegh: Definitely being the first person to many of the achievements has amplified my drive and has pushed me to want to achieve more firsts for my country. I didn’t really think about it in the beginning, but it sure is a great feeling to take my country’s sport to international events and podiums.
ESQUIRE: Have you seen a growing interest in cycling among your countrymen and women?
Safiya Al Sayegh: I’ve seen a growth in sport in general, but certainly, specifically in cycling the growth is immense. The amount of athletes you see in the country these days, whether locals or foreigners, amateur or pro, the community and the sporting initiatives are increasing.
ESQUIRE: We can assume that plenty of people are now asking for your advice when it comes to being a professional athlete (for both UAE TEAM ADQ and the National Team). What advice have you been giving to those people?
Safiya Al Sayegh: First and foremost, I am an advocate of passion—because it is only with god’s will and my passion that I have been able to go so far in such a hard sport. Having a passion to drive you will always take you far, and the more you fuel it, it will start to open up doors that lead to more opportunities on your journey. My mantra is: “passion over perfection”.
by HOUSE OF THL
ESQUIRE: What is the future for cycling in both the UAE and also for women riders?
Safiya Al Sayegh: The future is bright and it already is brighter in the past couple of years following Covid. There has been more investment, more support and also more media coverage—these factors are pushing women’s sport to higher places than they have been before. I can only see it continuing to grow. On another note, at this summer’s Olympics in Paris, for the first time, 50 percent of the athletes participating will be women—that already speaks volumes.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EFRAIM EVIDOR / STYLING BY IMOGENE LEGRAND / PRODUCTION BY STEFF HAWKER / SPECIAL THANKS TO UAE TEAM ADQ