In road cycling, the jersey is more than just racewear; it is a symbol of prestige, identity, and achievement. Each classification jersey tells a story, representing the riders’ triumphs and the essence of the race itself. Beyond performance, these jerseys serve as moving billboards, carrying the rider’s and the event’s identity across every stage, every climb, and every sprint. 

We saw an opportunity to take this tradition further by transforming the UAE Tour’s jerseys into a canvas for storytelling. More than just apparel, these designs became a reflection of the UAE’s rich heritage and competitive spirit, bringing the event’s narrative to life through motion-led aesthetics. Marking the 7th anniversary of the UAE Tour, WePlay designed jerseys that celebrated the seven Emirates, each embodying a unique aspect of the region. Through intricate patterns and conceptual motifs, we merged architecture, heritage, and modernity into striking designs that reflect the spirit of the competition. 

Marking the 7th anniversary of the UAE Tour, WePlay designed jerseys that celebrated the seven Emirates, each embodying a unique aspect of the region. Through intricate patterns and conceptual motifs, we merged architecture, heritage, and modernity into striking designs that reflect the spirit of the competition.

Each jersey represents a specific classification, carefully crafted to capture the essence of UAE’s cultural and sporting excellence. 

 

The Red Jersey: A Symbol of Heritage and Unity

Worn by the general classification winner Elia Longo Borghini, the red jersey, represents heritage, unity, and innovation. Inspired by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the design features intricate cutout patterns that mirror the mosque’s iconic architecture. Using the shapes of the Mosque’s interior, such as the illuminating walls, doors and domes to showcase the distinctive elements through shadow. The design metaphorically bridges the country’s proud heritage and modern architectural achievements with its proud heritage.

The Green Jersey: Precision and Prestige

A tribute to precision and performance, the green jersey integrates bold geometric elements found in architectural landmarks such as the Zayed National Museum. These reflected the precision and innovation of the UAE’s technical prestige, each angle and line a testament to the pursuit of progress – mirroring what the country hopes to achieve within the development of sports, like its large cycling scene.

The Black Jersey: Elegance and Resilience

Designed for the intermediate sprint classification, the black jersey embodies elegance, resilience, and ambition. Drawing inspiration from the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s dome, an iconic structure that captures the elegance of geometric patterns with the movement of intersectional linework. This is a testament to the movement and transformative capabilities of the UAE’s resilience.

The White Jersey: Youth and Ambition

Awarded to the best young rider, the white jersey represents modernity, boldness, and dynamism. The design juxtaposes the UAE’s urban metropolises with its natural landscapes, symbolising harmony between tradition and progress. Much like the young riders it honours, this jersey reflects the Emirates’ ongoing journey of growth and advancement in the sporting world.

Crafting a Lasting Legacy 

These jerseys are more than just racewear, they become symbols of the UAE Tour’s identity. By blending cultural storytelling with cutting-edge design, WePlay transformed each jersey into a tribute to the nation’s sporting ambition and rich heritage. As a collaboration between RCS Sports and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, this project showcased how design can go beyond aesthetics to create deeper connections between sport, place, and people. 

We believe in the power of design to do more than just decorate, it should tell stories, evoke emotions, and elevate experiences. With a focus on detail, precision, and energy, our work on the UAE Tour jerseys exemplifies how sports branding can become an integral part of the event itself, leaving a lasting impression on athletes, fans, and the sporting world. 

Want to explore how our creative team can help your brand reach global sports audiences, we’d love to help you get started. Let’s create something extraordinary together: hello@weplay.co 👋