Cycling in Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates3 destinations5 rides5 with GPX

Abu Dhabi region offers road and mixed cycling routes with varied climbing up to 1080 m, starting mainly from Al Ain, Liwa and Abu Dhabi.

There are 5 cycling routes in the Abu Dhabi region, with start points in Al Ain (3 routes), Liwa (1 route) and Abu Dhabi (1 route). Routes vary in length from 42 km to 154 km, with a median length of 93 km, and include point-to-point and loop shapes. The cycling here is mainly on paved surfaces with very little unpaved or unknown surfaces.

Climbing ranges from 419 m to 1080 m per route, with the most climbing on the Liwa Desert Ride at 1080 m. The gradients include some steep sections, with 27.6 km over 5% gradient and up to 16.6% over the steepest 500 m. The longest route is the Abu Dhabi to Al Ain at 154 km. Road types include minor roads, main roads, major roads, quiet streets and a small percentage of motorways with no dedicated cycle paths recorded.

What the riding is like

The terrain is rolling, given the climbing ranges and gradient distribution. Routes generally cover medium distances, median of 93 km, with some longer rides up to 154 km. Cycling is almost entirely on paved roads comprising mainly minor (40%) and main roads (30%), with no cycle paths. Climbing includes three notable climbs: Liwa Desert Ride at 1080 m, Jebel Hafeet with extensions at 910 m and 847 m. 71% of the routes are flat sections, with 16% climbing.

Cycling infrastructure

The total route network includes 0 km of cycle paths, 30% main roads, and 19% major roads. There are 228.3 km of main roads without cycle lanes, and 156.4 km of roads with speed limits of 80 km/h or more.

Best time to ride

The best months to ride are December to February, based on riding recordings and temperature scores. Recorded rides occur in January, February, April, October and November. Winters are mild with highs around 25-27°C, rising sharply in the hot months from March onward.