Dubai announces staggered road closures on Thursday for women's cycling race

Roads and Transport Authority says street intersections will be closed to traffic in phases along 122km route

UAE Team ADQ’s Silvia Persico during the inaugural UAE Tour Women event at Jebel Hafeet in 2023. Photo: LaPresse

Staggered road closures will be in place in Dubai for the opening day of the UAE Tour Women cycling race on Thursday.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority said street intersections would be sealed off to traffic for about 10 to 15 minutes as riders pass along each section of the 122km route.

The closures will take place between about 1.30pm and 4.30pm.

"Once the last competitor passes, normal traffic flow will resume," the RTA said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The first stage of the four-day event starts from Dubai Miracle Garden and passes through Dubai Sports City, Al Qudra Cycle Track and Dubai Global Village, before riders hit the finishing line in Dubai Harbour.

The elite race, consisting of three sprints and a mountain stage, has drawn 20 international teams comprising 120 riders. It also marks the third round of the 2024 Women's World Tour.

UAE Tour Women schedule and route:

Thursday: Stage 1, from Dubai Miracle Garden to Dubai Harbour – 122km

Friday: Stage 2, from Al Mirfa to Madinat Zayed – 113km

Saturday: Stage 3, from Al Ain to Jebel Hafeet – 128km

Sunday: Stage 4, around Abu Dhabi City to Abu Dhabi Breakwater – 105km