Motorbike enthusiasts might not have as many opportunities as car lovers to indulge their passion in the UAE, but thanks to a few dedicated bike clubs, there is a keen two-wheel community committed to holding events for like-minded riders. Bike fans who are keen to travel might like to make the trip to Qatar in April for the only round of the Moto GP that is held in the Middle East. While there is a distinct dearth of events over the hot summer months, apart from the year-round Thursday night rides by the Abu Dhabi Harley Owners Group, the next few months have plenty to keep enthusiasts busy.
19-20 The Abu Dhabi Exiles Club will be holding a Seven Emirates ride. All riders are welcome and the ride leaves from the ADNOC station next to Spinneys on Abu Dhabi Corniche at 7am and finishes in Fujairah. www.exiles-mc.com
25-26 Dubai Autodrome will be hosting the Sportbike Festival along with the UAE National Race Day.
25-26 The UK branch of the California Superbike School will be running a two-day training clinic on Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit with a special focus on night riding. www.superbikeschoolme.com
3 Dubai's Black Eagles Club will be holding a ride to Khaseb, meeting at the Eppco near Dragonmart at 9.30am. At Khaseb, there will also be a boat trip and overnight stay at the Golden Tulip. www.bemcuae.com 12 Abu Dhabi Exiles Club will be holding its annual party at The Club, Abu Dhabi, from 8pm. The party will raise money for the Build-A-Brick Foundation for the Special Needs School in Abu Dhabi. www.exiles-mc.com
17-19 Moto GP testing at Qatar's Losail International Circuit. www.circuitlosail.com
25-April 1 The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge will take place in the Liwa desert and Moreeb area of the Empty Quarter with rival teams competing on motorbikes and quad bikes as well as an assortment of off-road cars. www.uaedesertchallenge.com
9-11 The Qatar Moto GP Race at Losail International Circuit. www.circuitlosail.com 15-16 Dubai's Black Eagles Club will hold their annual party at the Fujairah Rotana. The party is open to all riders and incorporates two days of festivities. cuebath@eim.ae
The Abu Dhabi chapter of the Harley Owners Group holds a night ride every Thursday, leaving at 7.30pm from the car park of the Sheikh Khalifa Bowling Centre opposite the new Al Noor Hospital. The Dubai chapter of the Harley Owners Group holds a morning ride every Friday until the end of March, meeting at 7am at the Enoc petrol station on Al Wasl Road. Every Thursday night, the Abu Dhabi Exiles Club leaves from the ADNOC station next to Spinneys for a night ride from 7.30pm. Dubai Autodrome holds regular track days for motorcyclists. Check www.dubaiautodrome.com for dates. motoring@thenational.ae
