Belgian rider Tim Merlier, of the Soudal-Quick Step team, won his second stage of the UAE Tour by coming out in front of a mass sprint for victory in Thursday's fourth stage.

In a chaotic finish marked once again by a crash involving several riders, the 31-year-old Merlier stayed clear to claim the 38th stage win of his career, and fourth this season.

"It might have looked easy but it wasn't. Sprinting is never easy. With my team-mates we found each other really good today," he said.

"They brought me in a very good position. In the last 500 metres I was waiting to start my sprint. I wanted to go early but I managed not to. Olav Kooij went first and I passed him. 

"I love to win again. It's nice to hear that I'm making history being the first sprinter to win two stages in two consecutive UAE Tour. I want to make more history in the next two days as the team is on the rails for more successes but it won't be easy."

Dutch riders Arvid De Kleijn (Tudor) and Olav Kooij (Visma-Lease a Bike) rounded out the podium at the end of the 168km stage around Dubai.

UAE Team Emirates' Australian rider Jay Vine retained the overall lead, 11 seconds ahead of compatriot Ben O'Connor (Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale), with three stages still to race.