Dubai's top tourist spots go beyond its shopping malls, theme parks, and astonishingly spectacular skyscrapers. This glamourous city is also home to many nature filled and adventure filled spots along with other natural attractions. A unique outdoor activity in Dubai that has become increasingly popular in recent years is cycling. The Al Qudra Cycle Track is a popular location for cyclists and fitness enthusiasts and is well-liked by both locals and visitors. This one-of-a-kind route offers cyclists the chance to ride their bikes through a stunning desert landscape while also getting a glimpse of the local wildlife. Find out more about this stunning location in Dubai that allows you to get fit while breathing in the scenic beauty around you.
About Al Qudra
Al Qudra Lake is a man-made desert oasis in the expansive Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve that was built to promote eco-tourism in Dubai. It is not just one lake but a cluster of many lakes in the middle of the desert. This attraction gained popularity in 2015 for its authentic desert vibe and seclusion. It is a haven for birds and is the habitat for at least 175 species some of which come are considered endangered. This place is a collection of artificial lakes surrounded by sand dunes offering a beautiful setting for barbeque, stargazing, and overnight camping. This man-made attraction is a habitat for many species of birds and other wildlife. You will be able to spot black swans, ducks, flamingos, and if you are very lucky maybe even a few free-roaming gazelles. Al Qudra is open for 24 hours and offers visitors to merge in with nature calmly and serenely. It also offers a variety of enjoyable activities, including cycling, eating, bird viewing, and picnicking.
About Al Qudra Cycle Track
The Al Qudra Cycle Track, also known as the Saih Al Salam Bicycle track, is an 86 km long cycling track and a popular destination for solo cyclists, cycle club members, athletes, and leisure riders. Cycling here is an excellent way to see the desert and if you’re lucky you’ll also be able to see camels and oryxes on your way. Get here at sunrise and enjoy the cool morning breeze while taking in the magnificent views of the desert. The cycling track is located towards the end of Al Qudra Lake. If you don’t have a cycle, you can rent one from a huge shop in Last Exit. The track isn’t illuminated at night, so it is advisable to carefully plan in advance. The track is popular with both professional and novice riders alike and is frequented by both individuals and groups of friends. It is one of the most top things to do in Al Qudra.
Al Qudra Cycle Track Routes
Al Qudra Cycling Track is an 86-kilometer-long, multi-route asphalt track that is exclusively used for cycling. It is located in Dubai. One of the most well-liked routes for beginners is Route 1, a 50 km loop. Riders with more cycling experience should stick to Routes 2 and 3. Al Qudra Road is directly paralleled by Route 4, also referred to as "The Stick" (D63). There are only a few small climbs along each route, making them all flat. Additionally, since there are no vehicles on the routes, riders can take their time and enjoy the ride. Riders might see an Arabian oryx, which is the United Arab Emirates' national animal, while they are riding.
Things to do near Al Qudra Cycle Track:
1. Al Qudra Last Exit
If you’re looking to satisfy your food cravings, you can visit The Last Exit Al Qudra as the lake itself doesn’t have any dining options. It is an informal food truck park that provides an exotic variety of cuisines to choose from. Located with an equestrian-inspired setting, this place has a drive-thru and outdoor seating options, as you grab your food from one of the food trucks, designed to look like horse trailers. The atmosphere is very chilled and relaxed. Close to the food park, there is a petrol station and a massive store for your camping needs. The Last Exit can also be a short destination before you head out of the wilderness of Al Qudra. Al Qudra Last Exit also has washroom facilities and is open from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.
2. Al Marmoum Desert Conservation Reserve
The Al Marmoum desert conservation reserve is the largest unfenced conservation reserve in the UAE, covering approximately 10% of the land area of Dubai. Many endangered species are protected here. Flamingos and Arabian oryx can be seen. The Saruq Al Hadid, the country's most ancient archeological site, is also located in Al Marmoleum. Desert safaris and other similar activities are prohibited in this area.
3. The Camel Farm
The magnificent animals can also be seen up close in the desert. Other domestic animals on the camel farm include goats and hens, and you can pet and ride on the camels. The farm provides a half-hour to an hour-long camel ride. However, the camel farm is only open to tourists during the winter months.
4. Love Lake
Love Lake Dubai has been an irresistible place to visit for anyone with romance in their hearts, ever since it opened in 2018. It is located in the middle of Al Qudra and is a large area surrounded by sand dunes and fauna with two intertwined heart-shaped lakes. The two heart shaped lakes cover an area of over 550,000 square meters, so the shaped of the lakes can only be viewed from the sky. Nevertheless, you won’t be disheartened with your time spend here as every inch of the area is dedicated to love with heart shaped signs and motifs everywhere you look. You may wonder why is it called Love Lake, that’s because the entire area is devoted to love, even the trees spell out the word 'Love.' Its love-filled atmosphere is what makes it one of the most romantic places in Dubai and the ideal location for couples to spend some quality time together.
5. Fire up the grill and have a BBQ
One of the popular activities to do near Al Qudra Cycling Track is to have a barbeque with your friends and family. There are dedicated BBQ sections that are just perfect for a day of fun, excitement, and great food! There are many areas dedicated for barbeque, however in some parts of the desert you aren’t allowed to BBQ, and you can even get fined. Don’t forget to bring your own barbeque materials including barbeque pit, charcoal, dry wood, fuel oil and other items required. It is also important to clean up after your dinner and abide by the restrictions. Throw the remains of burned charcoal carefully and keep in mind that it can be hazardous for the environment especially rivers if the charcoal is thrown in it.
6. Camp under the stars
Love Lake is also a well-known camping location in Dubai. It is open 24/7, night camping is one of the best things to do here. You can spend a memorable night under the stars by the calm waters of the lake and make the most of the designated camping sites. Wake up with the beautiful view of the sunrise, birds and the cool and wet breeze of the lake, the camping experience you can get in Dubai. However, bring all your camping supplies, including sleeping bags, tents, and lanterns. It is also advised to bring warm comforter during the winters as the night can get chilly. In case you do forget something, the camping stores in Dubai will have all the items you need.
Location and how to reach
The Al Qudra Cycle Track is located at Al Awir Road which is approximately a 35-minute drive away from Downtown Dubai.
It can be easily accessed via Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) or Emirates Road (E611), depending on which way you are coming from. The one and the only way to reach the Al Qudra Cycle Track is through your very own rented car or a cab. Al Qudra is situated in an isolated desert location and does not have an effective public transport connectivity. Moreover, it is highly recommended to get your hands on a powerful 4x4 to easily make your way through the rugged terrain that leads to this beautiful location
Best time to visit
You must leave during the calm hours of the day in order to get the most out of riding at Al Qudra Cycle Track. leave before 10:00 am or even after 4:00 pm when it is cooler outside. Thus, you can cycle in a beautiful open setting at this time.
Tips to visit Al Qudra Cycle Track:
• Follow these rules to have a safe and successful riding experience.
• For a comfortable ride, make sure to rent all the necessary gear, including gel saddle seats, helmets, and knee pads.
• Riders must make sure they have enough water with them beforehand. If there are no water stops along the way, it might be useful.
• Keep in mind that the track shouldn't be visited after 10:00 a.m. because the high temperatures will make it impossible to break.
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