Are you a pro cyclist or a beginner just getting started? It doesn't matter, because the UAE has tonnes of trails for all skill levels.

Cycling in the UAE is gaining momentum as both a recreational activity and a serious sport. While many are familiar with the country's renowned sports cycling tracks, the urban cycling routes remain a hidden gem for most. These routes offer a unique way to explore the vibrant city, combining fitness with the discovery of stunning landscapes and modern architecture. Additionally, you can enjoy these routes not only on traditional manual bicycles but also on electric bikes, which are an excellent option for beginners.

Whether you're a casual rider or a dedicated racer, the UAE has a variety of paths to suit your preferences!

From skyscrapers to coasts: Dubai's Best Urban Cycling Routes

In addition to dedicated bike lanes, of which there are many in Dubai, bicycles are allowed on public roads with a speed limit of up to 60 km/h, which makes cycling a great way to actively explore the city.

Here are some great urban routes in Dubai to check out. You can get a printed map with these routes at Virgin Megastore Dubai Mall or Virgin Megastore at Mall of the Emirates.

● Bluewaters—Dubai Marina

Start your journey on Bluewaters Island and pedal across the bridge along the beautiful waterfront. It's a great place for a date: along the 10 kilometres of the road, you will find many cafes, scenic views of skyscrapers, a canal, and snow-white yachts. To make this moment even more romantic, like in the movies, take Pashley Briton and Britannia bicycles with baskets with your companion and spontaneously stop at a bakery or flower shop along the way.

● Dubai Marina—Kite Beach

Did you know there's a hidden bike path that connects Dubai Marina to Kite Beach? It runs safely behind the main road, partially along the tram. On the 12-kilometre journey, you can enjoy the cosy streets before you get to the vibrant atmosphere of Kite Beach. To make it more fun to cover the distance, take a friend with you on a two-seater electric bike Electra Ponto Go and ride together.

● Kite Beach—Meydan One Cycle Track

Take a ride to one of the best cycling destinations in town. You don't even need a car to get there! To reach the Meydan District One Cycling Track from the coast, you will have to cover 18 kilometres. Then you will get to a dedicated cycling track at Meydan, where you can set your own speed record without pedestrians or cars in sight. For this journey, a road bike—like Schindelhauer Siegfried—would be an ideal companion.

● Kite Beach—Business Bay

Repeat the famous race of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and ride a bike into the heart of the city. The cycling track along the Business Bay Canal is a must-visit to explore Dubai's new routes and see the city from a different perspective.

● Bluewaters—JLT

There are also bike paths along the JLT, along which you can explore the entire area very quickly and conveniently. There are coffee shops and restaurants along the route, so you can easily make a pit stop at any location. To get here from Bluewaters Island, you need to use the overhead crossing over Sheikh Zayed Road. Good news: It's not difficult at all.

● Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park

There used to be a camel racetrack on the site of this Nadd Al-Sheba bike trail. Now it is a park where cyclists can have fun racing. The 8 km track has great views of the Burj Khalifa and is illuminated at night for safe riding.

Bike the capital: Abu Dhabi bike routes that you definitely need to take

Abu Dhabi was named the "bike city" back in November 2021. Being the capital of the UAE, the city boasts an extensive network of bike paths. These routes often run along picturesque embankments, lush parks, and other attractive places.

Check out the best areas to pedal the capital!

● Yas Island

There is a place to roam: Yas Island has an extensive network of bike paths. Here you can explore the city on two wheels or try a new experience on the unique Yas Marina track, which is usually used by Formula 1 racers, but it's open to cyclists sometimes. To find out when you can ride at the Yas Marina Circuit, follow the schedule and book a race on the official website.

● Hudayriyat Island

Another great place is Hudayriyat Island. There are plenty of bike paths here too, and it's a beautiful place to ride. In Hudayriyat Mar Vista, there's a cycling route that's perfect for beginners and experienced riders. It goes through the coastal areas with all their green landscapes. Also, the 15 km Trail X is a great place for mountain biking. It has tracks that simulate mountainous terrain with cliffs and off-road conditions, and the views are stunning. It's breathtaking.

● Corniche

Take a ride along the popular Corniche Street; there is a scenic 8-kilometre bike route along the coastline. Exploring the town will be most comfortable on an Electra Townie urban bike. Along the way, you will see a well-maintained promenade, coffee shops, playgrounds, and a beach. It's also a great place to watch incredible sunsets!

● Al-Raha

Next to Al Raha Beach, there's another great place for urban cycling. You can go from the Al-Zeina Bridge to Al-Hadil and back or take the other route from Al Hadil to the Lamar Residence, where you'll get incredible views of the capital.

Pedal through Paradise: the best routes to enjoy nature in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

If you're not into urban trails and city paths, there are still some other options out there. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature with these routes in two emirates.

● Al Wathba Bicycle Track

Al Wathba Bike Trail, about 50 minutes from Abu Dhabi, is a great option for nature lovers. The route runs along the lake and desert and is considered one of the most unusual and picturesque places for cycling in the UAE. This landscape even served as the setting for the movie "Star Wars: The Force Awakens". Bring a camera to get the trendiest photos. The track has different options, from 8 km or 16 km rides for beginners to more challenging rides of 20 km, 22 km, or 30 km for experienced cyclists.

● Al Qudra Cycle Track

Another option is the Al Qudra cycling track, just 30 minutes from Downtown Dubai. This bike trail is one of the most breathtaking in Dubai. The route is 86 km long and offers stunning views of the desert. During the bike ride, you can observe the local fauna, including the Arabian oryx and birds living on nearby lakes.

● Hatta Gravel Route

Take an unforgettable ride in Hatta, in the mountains, which are 1.5 hours away from Dubai. There are lots of cycling trails there for all levels, from beginners to pros. The trails in Hatta are free for everyone, and you can go there all year round.

● Mushrif Park

This scenic nature trail can still be found within the city limits—in Mushrif Park, which is located between Mirdif and Al Warqa neighbourhoods, only 20 minutes away from Downtown Dubai. The Mushrif Park Mountain Bike Trail has three different routes depending on the difficulty level. Here you will find adventures on sandy trails with ascents and turns. The track surrounds the park, which is home to 70,000 trees belonging to the local species of the UAE.

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you've got a tonne of options for cycling. It's not just about those sports tracks where pros ride on custom bikes, but there are also urban routes perfect for leisurely city bike rides. Whether you choose to take a ride at the Dubai Marina or go extreme cycling in Hatta, don't forget to wear a helmet to be safe.

Have fun and enjoy the UAE on two wheels!

Don’t forget your helmets and protective gear!