6 Safe Places to Cycle in the UAE

Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or a parent to kids who love to bike, UAE especially Dubai, is actually a cycling friendly place. There are different options to choose from which can be accessed free of charge.

Have a look at these places:
(1) Nadd Al Sheba Cycle Path
This used to be an unused camel track turned to a bicycle park. Cyclists can choose from 8 km, 6 km, and 4 km tracks. At night, the paths are illuminated. This, however doesn’t give you the freedom to go without front and rear lights. This cycle park is also equipped with facilities such as toilets, changing room, showers and lockers.

For your youngsters, there’s an 850-metre course for children aged 4 to teens aged 14 years old. There are street signs, speed bumps, and roundabouts for safety.

It’s a great spot to bike for people of all ages, with a magnificent view of Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa.

(2) Al Qudra Cycle Path
This cycle path has a total of 86 km (consists of two tracks). First is an 18 km track at the northern part of Al Qudra Road. It begins in the Dubai Bypass Road , to Bab Al Shams, and Al Qudrah.

The second one is a 50 km track through dunes and by the Bab Al Shams Hotel. Another popular activity is the Bab Al Shams coffee run on Saturday mornings.

(3) DubaiAutodrome
Spinneys sponsor Free Cycle Safe Nights every Wednesday at the race track circuit from 6 pm to 9 pm. The 2.5 km circuit is flood lit.

How to get there? After getting off at Motor City exit (Arabian Ranches interchange), drive past the Autodrome on your right, then turn right and follow the road around to the back entrance where you can drive in and park your car at the Pit Lane.

(4) Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi
They have a “Train Yas” where cyclists from beginner to professional levels get on the F1 Track on Tuesday evenings, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

It is free entry for everyone. The good thing about training in Yas Marina is that it’s safe and friendly. It is 5.5 km floodlit, and helmet should be worn. To top it off, it’s very easy to register for a YAS ID Card.

(5) Al Barsha Park
This is a family friendly park with no entry fee. Located at one of Dubai’s business and residential hubs, Al Barsha pond park is ideal for families especially children. It has 1500 meter long track, opened from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.

(6) Mushrif Park
Mushrif Park’s cycle path is a 4 to 4.5 km long loop. It undulates its way around the dunes of the park.

If you plan to ride at night please note that the bike path is not lit and although it gets a bit of light from the nearby roads in sections you will need a good light on your bike.

The park is open until 11 pm most nights and there is an entrace fee of Dhs 10,– per car or Dhs 3,– per person.

(7) Jumeirah Open Beach Track
At the open Beach in Jumeirah (opposite the Jumeirah Mosque) there is a 1.5-2km cycle path for children to enjoy, right next to the beach.