With the UAE weather starting to cool down, cycling is the ideal way to get to know the ever-changing face of Dubai.
It’s also a fantastic way to spend time outdoors, especially early in the mornings and to take your mental and physical fitness to the next level.
Use this guide as your go-to for cycle tracks and rentals around the city.
Al Qudra cycling path is the most popular destination among UAE’s cycling community.
The 86-kilometre track, consisting primarily of a 50km loop, is a free pedal power paradise located near Studio City and Arabian Ranches.
Depending on racing speed, the track takes between 1.5-3 hours to complete.
If you did not have a bike, Trek Bicycle Shop – located at Al Qudra – is the perfect place to rent your bike. Each bike rental includes a helmet and lights.
Once a camel racing track, the Nad Al Sheba Cycle Path is now a family-friendly cycle route with a choice of an 8km, 6km and 4km paths designed for cyclists and runners.
If you want to bring the kids along, there is a children’s course, complete with street signs, speed bumps and roundabouts to teach young riders about safety.
The whole course, with breathtaking views of the Downtown Dubai skyline, is lit by night and has all the necessary facilities, including restrooms and changing rooms with showers.
A new destination for cycling lovers, Dxbike is an 8.4km track located out by Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City.
Offering stunning views of the Dubai skyline, this eco-friendly project has additional facilities like changing rooms, showers and vending machines to further enhance your experience.
Open from 5am-10pm daily.
HATTA MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL CENTRE
Cyclists from around the UAE can take in the stunning mountainous region of Hatta at the various trails on offer at the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre.
The route – 134kms east of Dubai – is arguably the best destination for mountain bikers, offering 14kms of routes which cater for riders of all abilities.
The trail is split into different sections, with green for beginners, blue for intermediates, red for experienced riders and black for the elite.
If you want to venture for a coffee and some food after, then Hatta village has some nice cafes and supermarkets.
OTHER LOCATIONS…
There are many outlets around Dubai like Wolfi’s, Revolution Cycles or the Cycle Hub where you can either buy or rent high-quality bicycles and accessories.
However, if you’re looking for a casual cycle around the Marina, Business Bay or Jumeirah Lakes Towers, then you should check out the Careem Bikes.
Careem has 800 pedal-assisted machines located at 80 docking stations beside metro stations and various other spots around the city. Prices remain at Dh20 per day.
For a casual spin, both Al Barsha Pond Park and Mushrif Park offer excellent cycle paths which are accessible during park opening hours.
The Marina is a pleasant 9km loop, used mostly for runners and walkers. What better way to stay fit than a great cycle with a view to match.
The new Dubai Water Canal also has an enticing 12km cycling track worth checking out.
IMPORTANT RULES TO REMEMBER…
1. Cyclists need to wear a helmet. If you don’t have one, you can buy one from bike shops or sports shops.
2. You can’t ride your bike on major roads or motorways. Use the dedicated cycle paths provided.
3. Don’t ride on pedestrian pathways.
4. Use front and rear lights for night rides. Wearing reflective clothing is also advisable.
5. Stay hydrated by drinking water before, during and after cycling.
