As seen in Spain last weekend, wind is also showing its power in the United Arab Emirates and has forced organizers to shorten the route of the first stage, the Madinat Zayed Majlis - Liwa Palace, which was initially planned for a distance of 144 km.
Due to strong winds and raised sand, the two planned laps on the Liwa desert cycle path will not be contested, and therefore the total kilometers will be 118 km.