HBMSU celebrates Year of Family with university Iftar alongside UAE Tour 2026 stage finish
Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) marked the national Year of Family initiative by hosting a collective university Iftar alongside the finish line of Stage Five of the eighth edition of the UAE Tour 2026.
The UAE Tour, the only global cycling event in the Middle East recognised on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) calendar, brought elite international teams and professional riders to the university’s campus.
Global cycling spotlight on campus
Stage Five of the race covered 166 kilometres in the Sprint category, featuring 21 international teams and 147 professional cyclists. HBMSU’s campus was transformed into a high-profile sporting venue, reinforcing the UAE’s reputation as a global hub for organising and hosting major international events.
The hosting reflects the university’s active engagement within the national ecosystem as a partner in initiatives that promote quality of life, physical activity, and community well-being. Earlier this year, HBMSU also hosted the conclusion of the Dubai stage of the UAE Women’s Tour 2026, supporting community sport and women’s empowerment.
Strengthening social cohesion through the Year of Family
Coinciding with the sporting event, the university organised a collective Iftar for academic and administrative staff, learners, and their families in celebration of the Year of Family. The initiative aimed to reinforce institutional cohesion, social balance, and a sense of shared community within the university.
His Excellency Dr Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU, said hosting a stage of the UAE Tour reflects the university’s role in supporting national initiatives that encourage healthy living and community engagement.
“Organising the university’s collective Iftar in conjunction with the Year of Family reflects our commitment to reinforcing the values of institutional and social cohesion,” he said. “This aligns with our vision of building an integrated educational and human-centred environment grounded in balance, well-being, and the spirit of one family.”
He added that such events serve as interactive platforms that strengthen partnerships between educational institutions and the wider community, while promoting positive values and healthy lifestyles in line with the UAE’s sustainable development agenda.
