Fabrizio D’Amico, director of the UAE Tour, has confirmed the construction of an artificial hill near Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi, a project initiated before the United Arab Emirates was awarded the 2028 UCI Cycling World Championships. This controversial development aims to provide cyclists with varied terrain and elevation, reducing the need for long travel to find ascents. While the exact details are still emerging, the artificial hills are expected to feature gradients between 4-5% and potentially reach nearly 10%, with the Al Wathba climb set to increase in length and average gradient by 2028. This initiative has drawn criticism from environmentalists and some cycling figures, who view it as a potentially detrimental development for the sport.