Whether youâre digging deep on a trail through the Hatta mountains or coasting along the boardwalks of the Abu Dhabi Corniche, the region boasts a surprisingly diverse range of spots to satisfy your pedal-powered ambitions.
1. Nad Al Sheba
With its spectacular views of Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai, you might find this cycle path a little distracting, but keep your eyes on the road ahead and youâll be rewarded with a wonderful ride around this family-friendly course.
Nad Al Sheba was once an unused camel track. Today itâs an activity park offering a choice of either an 8 kilometre, 6km or 4km path for cyclists and runners. Along the paths are plenty of amenities, including changing rooms, toilets, showers and lockers, and itâs also well lit at night, making it perfect for an evening ride after work (though for safety, youâll still need bike lights).
One of the best things about this spot is its 850-metre childrenâs proficiency course, which has roundabouts, road signs and speed bumps, making it the perfect place to teach your little ones some all-important road safety tips as they build their confidence on two wheels.
The only potential hazard comes from the occasional stray cricket ball from nearby players on Fridays, but otherwise, this is a safe, peaceful spot to indulge your passion for pedalling.
The track is located opposite The Meydan Hotel in Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, and itâs free to visit.
Difficulty rating: 2/5
2. Al Qudra
Itâs one of the worldâs biggest designated cycling tracks and one of the most popular in the UAE â when you arrive at the green archway marking the beginning of Al Qudraâs 84km track, itâs easy to see why.
There are two main trails to choose from â an 18km track that runs alongside the northern section of Al Qudra Road in Dubai, and a 50km loop that runs through rolling sand dunes and past Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa (where you can stop for a breather and a coffee).
If youâre lucky, you might spot some native animals along the way, including lizards sunning themselves by the road, and even an Arabian oryx or two.
The cycle path has clear kilometre markings at regular intervals, making it easy to calculate your speed and distance â and with little to no traffic or noise, this is easily one of the most peaceful and secluded cycling experiences in the region. As itâs so quiet, itâs recommended that you always cycle in pairs, in case you run into difficulty.
There are changing rooms, a cafe and a bicycle rental shop near the start of the route, but be aware that thereâs little in the way of facilities along most of the route, so take plenty of water and snacks.
If you want to visit as part of a group, Cycle Safe Dubai (www.cyclesafedubai.com) organises rides here on Friday mornings for beginners and advanced cyclists.
Difficulty rating: 3/5
3. Yas Marina Circuit
There aren't many places in the world where you can cycle around a Formula One track, but Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina circuit is one of them. Every Tuesday and Sunday evenings, a mix of pro and amateur cyclists (and even kids on stabilisers) descend on the track to pedal around the inside of its 5.5km circuit as part of the TrainYas and StartYas programmes. There's also GoYas, for ladies only, on Wednesday evenings (www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/fitness/fitness-activities).
Cyclists share the track with runners and walkers, who go around the outside of the track in the opposite direction, making it a well-organised and highly sociable event.
Itâs possible to hire shoes if required, and the nearby Fun Ride Sports will rent you a bike and helmet, if needed. To join in, you need to apply for a free TrainYas ID card. Water is freely available.
Difficulty rating: 2/5
4. Dubai Autodrome
From 6pm to 9pm on Wednesdays, Dubai Autodrome in Motor City hosts cycle nights on its 2.4km Club Circuit and itâs a great opportunity to cycle in a safe, secure environment at this floodlit racetrack.
Youâll be sharing the track with runners, walkers and rollerbladers, but thereâs room for everyone. A pit crew is there to ensure everything goes smoothly, and in case of any problems, there are medical personnel on permanent standby.
The track attracts all kinds of cyclists, from kids on tricycles to pros training on superfast bikes. A couple of hills and the occasional strong gust of wind provide an extra challenge.
Entry is free. Just turn up with your bicycle and helmet. If you prefer to rent, you can do so at nearby Revolution Cycles.
Difficulty rating: 2/5
5. Abu Dhabi Corniche
This 8km track along Abu Dhabiâs picturesque boardwalk has a designated cycle lane, enabling you to take in the scenery without fear of mowing down a pedestrian â but because walkers are within stumbling distance, this track is not suited to hardcore riders. Instead, itâs a good spot to bring the kids for a leisurely pedal as you take in the views.
With an array of cafes and refreshment stands lining the strip, thereâs no shortage of places to stop for a breather and a cold drink. And if you want to rent a bike, you can do so from Byky (at several locations along the Corniche), or Fun Ride Sports next to the Hilton Abu Dhabi.
Difficulty rating: 1/5
6. Mushrif Park, Dubai
One of the oldest parks in the Emirates, Mushrifâs desert-like expanse, on Khawaneej Road near Mirdif, covers about 1,300 acres. It contains a few quirky attractions and landmarks, several toilets and a couple of nice cafes where you can rest those weary legs.
A 5km-long dedicated cycling track loops around its edge, and the route takes you through undulating dunes, making it a slightly more dynamic, challenging ride than you might find elsewhere. Itâs a two-lane track, with a super-smooth asphalt surface, and each lane is 1.5 metres wide.
There are just two road crossings (both used only by park traffic, which has to drive slowly), making it a very safe track â though itâs not particularly well lit at night. The only other hazards to watch out for are the occasional tree branch across the track and scattered patches of sand and rock youâll need to navigate your way around.
The park stays open until 11pm and admission costs Dh5.
Difficulty rating: 2/5
7. Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre
With routes through the rugged terrain of some of the regionâs most stunning scenery, the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre is arguably one of the best options for mountain bikers. It offers 14km of multiple cross-country routes of various grades, catering to every ability, from absolute beginner to pro riders â and another 35km of trails are planned over the coming months.
The trails are split into different categories â green for beginners, blue for intermediate riders, red for experienced bikers, and black for very skilled riders. They cover diverse terrain, from flat, wide trails for beginners, to steep, narrow, single-track, highly technical trails for advanced riders, featuring boardwalks, berms, large rocks, medium steps, drop-offs, cambers and wadi crossings.
While the area is constantly developing, its main facilities are currently at the Hatta Trail campsite, which is equipped with shower areas and washrooms. Nearby Hatta village has a few small cafes and a supermarket.
The centre is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and itâs free to ride. A front-suspension mountain bike is recommended for the more challenging routes.
Difficulty rating: 4/5
