Dubai is an amazing city for cycling. In fact, it has over 250 kilometers of dedicated cycling paths today and is continuously building more tracks in fulfillment of its vision to promote cycling as one of the great ways to stay fit and healthy.
Where to bike in Dubai
Whether you are a hardcore cycling enthusiast or a hobbyist who just wants to ride for fun and leisure, Dubai gives you a lot of choices based on your mood – all with the right infrastructure for cycling with a bonus of stunning views of the city skyline, the marina, or the desert.
Here are the most popular cycling tracks in Dubai:
Al Qudra
Arguably the most popular cycling track in the desert, this 2-part cycling track is more than 80 kilometers in length. The first part ends at the 18th-kilometer mark, and the next one links right after. The second track offers breathtaking views of sand dunes.
Location map (to car park)
Rental available: Yes
Amenities: Toilets, bike shop, cafe, supermarket, food trucks (Last Exit)
Lit at night: No
Nad Al Sheba / Meydan
One of the most popular cycling destinations in the emirate, this former camel racing track has three loops of 4, 6, or 8 kilometers.
It also has a dedicated 850-meter course for children with street signs, bumps, and roundabouts to teach young riders about road safety.
Location map
Amenities: Lockers, changing rooms, showers
Lit at night: Yes
District One
This cycling track has 8 kilometers of scenic tracks by tree-lined avenues looping around the community.
Location map
Lit at night: Yes
DXBike
The track offers a magnificent view of the Burj Khalifa and the Business Bay skyline. It has access to Nad Al Sheba main cycling track.
Location map | Facebook | Website
Lit at night: Yes
Mushrif Park
Mushrif Park is one of the oldest parks in the UAE located on Khawaneej Road right next to Mirdif. Before, cyclists have to enter the park (and pay an entrance fee) to use the track. Now, the 5-kilometer track starts outside the park and is free to use.
Location map
Opening hours: 6am to 9pm daily (as long as the park gates are open)
Lit at night: Yes
Dubai Canal Cycling Track
The Dubai Canal is one of the best waterfront cycling tracks in the city. It starts at Marasi Drive and runs through Sheikh Zayed Road across Safa Park and ends at Jumeirah.
You can only cycle on the designated bike lanes and STRICTLY NOT on the walking path by the waters. However, you can bring your bike up the Tolerance Bridge to cross to the other side.
Location Map | Instagram
Lit at night: Yes
Hatta Mountain Bike Trail
Hatta Trail Centre is the first MTB Centre in the Middle East. It is home to multiple cross country routes of various grades that cater to all levels of ability from beginners through to experienced riders.
According to its website, the Hatta Trails are free to ride and are open all year round. Hatta Municipality provides ample parking and guest facilities.
Dubai Autodrome
As of 17th September 2020, TrainDubai – Dubai Autodrome’s weekly cycling night is “on hold” as per @dubaiautodrome’s reply to my question on Instagram. But they are hoping to restart soon, the reply added.
Casual & Leisure Cycling
The Palm, Jumeirah
The cycling path is what’s outlining the outer crescents. Cyclists will love the sea breeze with a view of Burj Al Arab in the 11.6-kilometer long track.
Location map (Atlantis)
Lit at night: Yes
Quranic Park Cycling Track
The Quranic Park is located in Al Khawaneej, near Mushrif Park and Last Exit Khawaneej. The 2.5-kilometer cycling (and jogging) track outlines the park also features some free to use gym equipment.
Location map
Lit at night: Yes
Khawaneej – Mirdif Cycling Track
This track is right next to Quranic Park’s. According to RTA, this track covers 32 kilometers across Mushrif, Mirdif and Al Khawaneej areas.
Mamzar Beach Cycling Track
An approximately 2.5-kilometer cycling path outside the park, across the calm Mamzar beach.
Location map
Lit at night: Yes
Marasi Boardwalk Cycling Path
This is the side of Dubai Canal where bicycles are allowed. It also offers a picturesque view of Business Bay skyline across the canal.
Location map (car parking)
Lit at night: Yes
Jaddaf Walk 2 Cycling Path
An approximately 5-kilometer walk and cycling path by the creek, in between Business Bay and Dubai Creek Harbor, this is one of the best spots to view the stunning Dubai skyline.
Location Map
Rental available: No
Amenities: None
Lit at night: Yes
Dubai Wharf / Jaddaf Waterfront Cycling Path
Dubai Wharf is another luxury waterfront community situated along Dubai Creek, next to Palazzo Versace in Jaddaf. It has about approximately 4 kilometers of curvy cycling and running path.
Location map
Rental available: No
Amenities: Elevators that fit bikes
Lit at night: Yes
Daria Island Cycling Path
This is just a short 2-3 kilometer cycling path crossing Jumeirah Beach and Jumeirah Bay Island – where Bulgari Hotel is – ideal for city leisure biking.
Location map (beach parking)
Rental available: No
Amenities: None
Lit at night: Yes
The Pointe Cycling Path
Located 5 kilometers out to sea, this 1.5-kilometer strip of fine dining restaurants and entertainment spot opens its Atlantis-facing promenade to cycling enthusiasts and joggers alike.
Location map
Rental available: No
Amenities: F&B fine dining, retail
Lit at night: Yes
Warqa
This park has a dedicated 3.5 cycling (and jogging) track.
Location map
Opening hours: 6am – 11pm
Lit at night: Yes
Burj Park Cycling Path
Location map
Rental available: Yes (within Downtown area)
Amenities: Shops at Downtown & Dubai Mall
Lit at night: Yes
Bluewaters Island Cycling Path
Follow Pinkydude on Instagram for more cycling and other photos of activities around Dubai.
Location map
Rental available: Yes (Careem at Dubai Marina)
Amenities: Mall, F&B, Retail
Lit at night: Yes
Jumeirah Open Beach Cycling Track
A 14-kilometer cycling and jogging track starting from Dubai Sailing Club to Umm Suqeim, adjacent to one of Dubai’s most popular and oldest beach.
Location map
Rental available: Yes (Careem at Jumeirah)
Amenities: Toilets, showers, changing rooms, refreshments
Lit at night: Yes
Al Nahda Pond Park
A small community park in Al Nahda 1 ideal for family biking.
Rental available: No
Amenities: Mini grocery
Lit at night: Yes
Al Barsha Pond Park
A park with a 1.5 kilometer cycling track ideal for families with small kids
Amenities: Park store
Opening hours: 8:00am to 10:00pm every day
Lit at night: Yes
Dubai Marina Walk
Rental available: Yes (Careem)
Amenities: F&B, Retail
Lit at night: Yes
Sustainable City
‘The happiest community’ in the GCC provides a variety of sports facilities including cycling and jogging tracks, a gym with green equipment, and half-olympic sized swimming pool.
Lit at night: Yes
Dubai Pump Tracks
Pump tracks are also gaining popularity in Dubai. A pump track is a circuit of rollers, banked turns and features designed to be ridden completely by cyclist “pumping” -generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedaling or pushing.
Remraam Pump Track
Dubai Sports City Pump Track
Public roads with biking lanes in Dubai
- Bur Dubai
- Business Bay
- Jumeirah Beach Road
- Karama
- Mirdif
- Rigga
What are Dubai’s safety guidelines in riding a bike?
Dubai motorists are not used to seeing cyclists on public roads. And because of that, Road and Transport Authority issued the following safety protocols (also published on their website):
- Wear a suitable helmet even when riding in short distances.
- Wear sunglasses in the morning.
- Wear reflective clothes so other drivers can identify cyclists at night.
- Stay alert and pay attention to everything on the road.
- Better not to ride a bike at night.
- Do not do acrobatic movements or show skills while riding.
- Ride as near to the right-hand curb as possible in the same direction as the cars are going.
- Keep both feet on the pedals.
- If you are riding with others, ride in a single file.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals.
- If there is a cyclist track present, use that.
- Be a courteous bike rider.
- Get off your bike and walk, across busy corners.
You need to be alert at all times, dismount at pedestrian crossings, and use hand signals with fellow riders and motorists.
What are the rules about cycling in Dubai
While Dubai is actively promoting cycling as a way to keep fit, there are some laws that everyone must follow.
You can only ride a bike to the maximum speed limit of 40km/h on the roads, except if you are on a dedicated cycling track.
Riders are advised to use front and rear lights during night riding.
What are the fines for cycling violations?
- 200 dirhams for cycling on jogging and walking paths, and anything dedicated to pedestrians
- 200 dirhams for double seat riding (unless the bike is designed for two people)
- 300 dirhams for riding in a way that endangers pedestrians
- 300 dirhams for cycling on restricted areas and prohibited lanes
- 300 dirhams for risky riding
- 600 dirhams for riding on roads with speed limits of 60km/h or greater
There’s also a fine of AED400 for driving your car with your bike racks blocking the visibility of the car registration plate number. (This falls under the category of ‘driving with unclear plate numbers.‘)
How about safety from COVID-19?
When we bike on weekends, we go at the earliest hour of the daylight (5:30am) to ensure that we avoid crowds. When we go at night, we find a place where there’s not much people. Hence, the different locations every time. Safety is always a priority.
Just like in any sports and exercise, we pull down our face masks when on the go, and we put it back when not riding.
Dubai’s Future Plan for Bike Lanes
Dubai is set to extend the length of cycling tracks to reach 560 kilometers by 2022. Dedicated biking paths continue to sprout in many parts of the emirate as the call to stay fit and healthier grows. Motorists are constantly being encouraged to leave their cars at home and switch to bikes.
In an article on the RTA website, His Excellency Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said “(The Soft Mobility Plan) envisages the use of non-conventional transit means such as walking and cycling as well as the use of electric scooters. It addresses first and last-mile challenges by providing an infrastructure that supports the integration of mobility such as the construction of cycling tracks, pedestrian crossings and rest areas, shaded paths, landscaped areas, parking for rented cars, and bike racks.”
Is Dubai temperature good for cycling?
Temperatures can peak over 50 degrees Celsius during the height of summer – that’s from June to early September. It is advisable to go cycling in the first hours of the morning (which we usually do), or towards the evening.
It is important to remain hydrated to keep going. Drinking water or other replenishing fluids ensures that the salt you lose in sweating is replaced. So drink occasionally before, during, and after your ride.
October to April are probably the best months for cycling in the UAE.
Where to buy bicycle in Dubai?
Well, you can buy bicycles from any sports shop at the malls or even at shops by the roadsides.
We bought our humble B-Twin city bikes from Decathlon in Mirdif City Centre (back in 2016) at AED820 each (after the 50% discount).
Many people have advised me to also check Dragonmart for more affordable options of almost all types of bikes.
Wolfi’s
If you’re looking for the best brands, the oldest cycle shop in the UAE got you covered. Wolfi’s on Sheik Zayed Road has mountain bikes, city bikes, triathlon bikes and even kids bikes across the top international brands such as Zipp, Lightweight, Castelli, Scott, Cervelo and Storck.
How and where to rent a bike?
Careem BIKE is the first large-scale, bike-sharing initiative in the Middle East that was launched through a partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). They have 780 pedal-assisted smart bikes available for rent across the city.
Bike rental rates are as follows
- 20 dirhams per day
- 50 dirhams per week
- 75 dirhams per month
- 420 dirhams for the whole year (that’s less than 2 dirhams per day)
There are 78 Careem BIKE rental stations which be found at the following areas:
- Al Qudra
- Dubai Canal
- Downtown
- Dubai Internet City
- Dubai Marina
- Dubai Media City
- Jumeirah Beach Road
- JLT
- Karama
- Mankhool
- The Greens
Click here for the complete map. You can download the app from here.
Where can I get my bicycle for repair, cleaning and maintenance services?
We bring our bikes to Bike Shop Dubai in Business Bay (they also have in Barsha) for regular service. Full package costs AED157.50 per bike which includes the following services:
- Bike wash
- Drivetrain degreasing
- Drivetrain lubrication
- Gears and brakes tune-up
- Tyre pressure checking
- Disassembly/assembly of the bike
What gears do I need to buy?
Check the following links to Amazon to browse through options that you can buy:
- Cycling helmet
- Reflective vests
- Front lights
- Rear lights
- Mobile phone holder
- Cycling gloves
- Cycling shorts
- Cycling jersey and shirts
- Cycling grip
- Bicycle air pump
- Bicycle water bottle holder
- Bicycle seat cushion and cover
Check this link for more bike gears and accessories to buy.
Are there any cycling groups in Dubai
There are professional groups and there are also communities for hobbyists.
Dubai Cycling Community (DCC)
The Dubai Cycling Community (DCC) Facebook Group, which has 10,000+ members, is a forum to share cycling/training tips and experiences, advertise cycling and fitness related products for sale, arrange rides with other members/cyclists outside the normal weekly rides, and events organized by various other groups.
Dubai Roasters Cycling Group
The Dubai Roadsters are a diverse group of riders with a variety of skills and fitness levels and have been riding in Dubai from before the year 2000.
All riders are welcome to join the weekly rides as long as you have a bike in good working condition, a helmet, and lights for the night rides.
Cycle Safe Dubai
Team Cycle Safe Dubai (CSD) offers you numerous benefits when you become a member. The group aims to make your cycling experience in Dubai not only fun and enjoyable but also safer.
According to their website, an annual fee of AED 580 entitles you to the following benefits:
- Free CSD official team kit
- Personalized CSD membership card
- 10% discount at Revolution Cycles on all in-house brands (Look, BH, Louis Garneau, White Lightning, Vision, FSA, Vittoria, fi’zi:k, MET & SiS)
- Free bike wash on your birthday at Revolution Cycles Dubai
- Sponsored MonViso water on all official CSD Rides
- Access to Revolution Cycles Dubai’s support car on all official CSD rides
- Invitation to join all CSD rides
- Access to a members’ only weekly Newsletter as well as an online blog (login required), that will give you access to health and nutrition tips and advice on training in the summer heat and during Ramadan
- Training information in the build-up to the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge on members portal on our website (login required).
- Access to Team CSD Facebook page
- Assistance with obtaining UAE licenses from the UAE Cycling Federation
- Annual membership costs just Dh 580 (excluding UAE Cycling Federation licence)
Did I miss anything? Please let me know in the comment section below.
Top photo from wowabouts.com
