Cycling in Dubai

Cycling guide to Dubai

Two kinds of riding start in Dubai. South-west of the city, the Al Qudra roads carry loops and out-and-backs from around 19 km up to 82 km, most passing Mugatrah and gaining only 15-125 m; the shorter options include 23 km to the Sevens and back and a 30 km lakes out-and-back, while 50 km, 64 km and 72 km loops make up the standard training distances. City routes run through the coastal districts, linking Al Thanyah, Dubai Marina, Al Sufouh, Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah, Business Bay and Burj Khalifa, then across to Deira, Al Ras and Al Shindagha. These range from a 44 km evening loop through The Springs and Jumeirah Village Circle to 74 km, 83 km, 106 km and 112 km loops, plus a 46 km point-to-point to Sharjah. For longer days there is a 160.5 km out-and-back towards Abu Dhabi via Al Layyan and Al Samha, and a 170.2 km ride to Jabal Hafeet through Al 'Ajban, Sweihan and Ni'mah with 1,076 m of climbing.

Best time to ride

Rides are recorded in every month, at 13-35 °C. November to March is the cooler window, with 13-23 °C typical; June to September records 30-35 °C.

Terrain

Almost everything here is flat to gently rolling: city loops gain 40-95 m over 60-112 km and peak below 40 m, while the Al Qudra loops reach high points of roughly 70-145 m. The exception is the run to Jabal Hafeet, with 1,076 m of gain and a high point of 288 m.