On your bike: cycling in Dubai

What are Dubai's unique cycling tracks?

From converted camel tracks to desert biking and dedicated cycle clubs, local cyclists have always known that jumping on a bike is the perfect way to discover the ever-changing face of Dubai. With great weather from October right through to May, cyclists are drawn to the city's varied terrains and state-of-the-art cycling tracks. Here are five of the best tracks to check out.

1. Ride on converted camel tracks at Nad Al Sheba

The cycle path at Nad Al Sheba is a converted camel track near Meydan Racecourse, and offers brilliant views of Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa. There are three different loops – 4km, 6km and 8km – plus lockers, air-conditioned changing rooms and shower facilities. The course is even lit for night riding, making it the perfect choice even in the warmer summer months. If you want to bring the kids along, there’s a children’s course complete with street signs, speed bumps and roundabouts to teach young riders about bicycle and road safety.

Looking for a change of scenery? Close by is DxBike, an eco-friendly 8.4km track next to Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City that's delighting cyclists in the city.

2. Explore the desert at Al Qudra Cycle Track

 

Far away from the bustling city centre are two cycling paths that are perfect for middle-to long-distance riders. If you want something shorter, try the 18km path. If you prefer a longer ride, the 50km loop is the one for you. It opens up both the breathtaking landscape of the sand dunes as well as the five-star Bab Al Shams resort, where you can stop off for refreshments en route. The best part? You can easily hire a bike right on site at Al Qudra from Trek Bikes. 

3. Go mountain biking in Hatta 

Take in the scenic surroundings of Hatta, a mountain exclave of Dubai, where rocky outcrops and heightened challenges await you. There’s a dedicated 52km mountain biking trail to tackle here, with four different levels to consider based on your abilities. Stop by the Hatta MTB centre for bike hires and to pick up other essentials such as helmets, as well as elbow and knee guards. The helpful guides will also be able to recommend the best routes for maximum exhilaration for both the young and young at heart.

4. Bike around the city's best parks

Al Barsha Park and Mushrif Park have excellent dedicated cycleways that are accessible while the parks are open. The latter is fast becoming a cycling hotspot thanks to its lush forest setting with thousands of native trees. Mushrif Park recently opened up the first phase of its dedicated 50km mountain bike track. So far, 20km of the track is open for cyclists, and it begins close to the park's main gate. There are three quick-return lanes, and multiple trails of varying difficulty, so you're bound to discover something new every time you visit, whatever your cycling ability.

5. Enjoy a waterside ride at Jumeirah Beach

Fancy a cool beachy breeze on your face while you cycle? Then head over to Jumeirah Beach's 16km track that runs parallel to the shoreline, connecting to the Jumeirah Street bike path, and stretches all the way to the Dubai Water Canal and beyond. Finish your ride at Kite Beach and follow it up with some exciting watersports or grab a bite at one of the many delectable food outlets, like Dubai-born burger hotspot SALT.

6. Pedal along the Palm West Beach stretch

This hip waterside venue at Palm Jumeirah may be known for its vibrant eateries and beach clubs dotted along the coast, but thanks to the addition of Fenix bike rental stations across the promenade, you can now go beyond the restaurants and explore the destination in a new way. Their pastel-hued e-bikes – which match the vibe of the surroundings perfectly – are priced at AED1 per minute, so all you need to do is unlock using their app and pedal away.

7. Move around Dubai Marina

Jump on your bike and take a trip along the 12.5km track that starts from Al Sufouh and crosses the outskirts of Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City to go right into the heart of Dubai Marina. There’s plenty to see and take in along the way, from street and city views to the buzzing vibe of the neighbourhoods of Dubai, or you can just use this opportunity to ditch your car and hop on a bike to your meeting or appointment nearby.

Can you rent a bicycle while on holiday?

Yes, there are a number of ways to rent a ride in Dubai. We recommend the high-quality bicycles and accessories at the popular Wolfi’s Bike Shop along Sheikh Zayed Road. Wolfi’s also hosts regular community rides across the city. Want to combine sightseeing and cycling? Look for Careem BIKE stands across key neighbourhoods such as Downtown and Dubai Marina, as well as Dubai Metro stations. You'll need to download the mobile app to get started but one-day rentals start from just AED20, so it's a fun way to explore Dubai’s neighbourhoods.

Similarly, BYKY Stations can also be found at parks and neighbourhoods in the city. All you have to do is go to a station and choose your bike or e-scooter – prices start from AED20. Rental charges can be made via credit card and you're free to pedal away – just remember to return your bike on time.

What are the cycling events to look out for in Dubai?

Enthusiasts can take a break to witness the masters in action at the nation’s premier cycling event, the UAE Tour. Taking place annually every February, the event sees the best from around the world traverse the seven emirates for a chance at the title.

Then, under the Cycle Challenge Dubai umbrella, is the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge. This is the largest cycling event in the region, and attracts thousands of riders. As the title suggests, it stretches over 92km and has lots of different categories, including under-16 and corporate challenge options.

Alternatively, there's also Dubai Ride, which has completed three successful editions since it first started in November 2020 with more than 20,000 participating cyclists. You can pick from the 12km long Sheikh Zayed Road route or opt for the family-friendly 4km distance that will take you past the Downtown Dubai neighbourhood and along the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard – with iconic city sights to take in along both the courses.

Can I join a local cycling group while on holiday?

It's always a great idea to head out with those in the know, if you want to go off the beaten path and discover a few of the city’s hidden routes. Dubai Roadsters is one of the oldest cycling clubs in the city, and has been going since 2000. It organises lots of rides throughout the year for cyclists of varying abilities and experience. Visitors are welcome to join rides with club members, as long as they have a bike and helmet with them.

Alternatively, make your way to The Cycle Hub – a one-stop shop run by cyclists, for cyclists. Located in Dubai Motor City, the giant store has all the latest bikes, apparel and accessories available to buy and hire. The shop also organises its own weekly rides, with an easy 36km ride for beginners as well as a more challenging 60km option for experienced cyclists.

 

Future of cycling in Dubai

 

 

The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) is gearing up to launch 20 new cycling pathways around city hotspots, which should all be available for public use by 2026. Additionally, as a part of Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to enhance the quality of life of citizens, residents and tourists in the city, a development project titled THE LOOP has been announced. This involves constructing a 93km-long, climate-controlled highway with access to key locations and services by foot or a short bike ride. This is a great step towards making Dubai a more sustainable and eco-friendly city, and encouraging individuals to use cycling as one of the primary modes of transport within the city.

Looking for more sporting adventures? Try thrilling watersports, sign up for mountain fun in Hatta or discover the best running spots in Dubai.