Cycling in Abu Dhabi

Cycling guide to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi sits at the start of one long inland route, a 153.6 km point-to-point run east to Al Ain. The road leaves the coast and heads through Al Haffar and Sweihan before continuing by way of Nahil, Al Mas'oudi, Al Tiwayya and Al Markhaniyyah. Total climbing over that distance is 413 m, so the interest lies in the sheer length of the crossing rather than in gradient. There is no significant named climb on the route, and the highest point reached is 270 m. The line also crosses briefly into Omani territory before returning to the United Arab Emirates, so a passport is worth carrying. For riders based in Abu Dhabi, this is the classic day out: a single sustained effort inland, with the inland towns of Sweihan and Nahil as the main waypoints between the coast and Al Ain.

Best time to ride

The route is recorded in November, when temperatures sat steadily around 23°C — comfortable for a long, exposed inland day. Cooler months are the sensible choice here.

Terrain

Almost entirely flat to very gently rolling: 413 m of gain spread over 153.6 km, with no climb large enough to be listed and a high point of only 270 m. Pacing and wind matter far more than gearing.