A men's event was first held in 2019 as part of the UCI World Tour.

The race is owned by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and organised by RCS Sport, the organisers of the Giro d'Italia and Giro d'Italia Women.

[2] The first edition of the race took place between 24 February and 2 March 2019 as part of the 2019 UCI World Tour.

[3] The 2020 UAE Tour was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the last two stages cancelled and teams quarantined before being able to leave the country.

[5] This was first staged over 4 days in early February 2023, prior to the men's race.