Dubai's focus on building world-class infrastructure has extended beyond building an advanced network of roads, five-star hotels and the largest malls. Creating a world-class sporting infrastructure that enables people to embrace sports and a physically active lifestyle has been equally important.
Exemplifying this over the last few years is the growth of Dubai’s cycling tracks driven by its vision to become a bicycle-friendly city and offer professional cyclists and fitness enthusiasts an opportunity to practice the sport within a safe environment.
Dubai continues to promote cycling as a means of environmentally friendly transport, as part of its efforts to transform itself into the city with the world’s lowest carbon footprint. It also has comprehensive plans to expand the current 463 km of cycling tracks to 759 km by 2026 in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan launched by Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum that aims to make Dubai the world’s best city to live and enhance the quality of life of citizens, residents and visitors.
During the cooler months of the year, the city’s state-of the-art cycling tracks attract people of all ages and skill levels who are keen to get active while soaking in the stunning views of the city. From dedicated outdoor cycling tracks for competitive training to recreational cycling paths, Dubai’s growing cycling community has plenty of options to choose from.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Municipality have laid out more than 20 dedicated cycling tracks in areas such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Water Canal, Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Road, 2nd December Street, Al Rigga, Jabel Ali, Al Quoz, Al Qudra, Saih Al Salam, Bab Al Shams, Al Barsha, Hor Al Anz, Al Qusais, Oud Metha, Al Mankhool, Al Karama, Al Khawaneej, Al Warqa, Expo 2020 Dubai site, and Nad Al Sheba.
There are also more than 760 bicycles available to rent from 74 bike rental stations located in different areas of the city such as the Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Road, JLT, Al Rawda, Barsha Heights, Dubai Water Canal, Dubai Media City, Downtown Dubai and Al Qudra, as well as Al Karama and Al Mankhool.
Offering a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience, the cycling tracks in Dubai are among a diverse set of attractions being highlighted by the #DubaiDestinations initiative recently launched by the Dubai Media Council to showcase the exceptional events and activities offered by the emirate.
Cycling Tracks
Among Dubai’s most popular tracks and the longest of them is the Al Qudra track. Providing cyclists breathtaking views of the desert, the 135 km track extends from Al Barari area to Bab El Shams along Al Qudra Street and is usually one of the most preferred paths for professional athletes. The track has two paths – a shorter 18 km path and a longer 50 km path. Visitors to the track can also easily rent a bike on site at Al Qudra.
Another unique location where people can go mountain biking is located in Hatta. The 52 km dedicated mountain biking trail has four different levels for cyclists with different skills and abilities. The area is ideal for cyclists who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a ride within the scenic mountainous area. Cyclists can also hire bikes in the area and other essentials.
Converted from a camel track, the 13 km Nad Al Sheba cycle path, offers cyclists mesmerising views of Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa. Located close to the Meydan Racecourse, the course, which stays lit at night, features 4 km, 6 km, and 8 km loops and a special track for children.
The Dubai Autodrome, a world-class motorsport and entertainment facility, also offers a closed 2.46 km circuit that can be a perfect choice for beginners or those practicing the sport after a long time.
For those looking to use bicycles for their daily commute, to stay active or as environment-friendly means of mobility, the RTA and Dubai Municipality have built dedicated tracks to ensure the safety of users in densely populated areas. The most prominent of these tracks is the Al Khawaneej track, which extends 19 km in length and connects Al Khawaneej Community to the Mushrif Park track. Another major track is the Jumeirah track extending 16 km alongside the Jumeirah Beach. Completed recently, the track was constructed as per the directives of the Crown Prince of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It connects the existing Jumeirah Street cycling track parallel to the Dubai Water Canal with the existing cycling track alongside King Salman bin AbdulAziz Al Saud Street located in Dubai Internet City. Additionally, there is the 13 km Meydan track that connects the area to Business Bay, the 7 km Dubai Water Canal cycling track and the 5 km Dubai Marina route.
Dubai's newest cycling tracks are located at the heart of Expo 2020 Dubai. More than 10 km of cycling tracks were developed at the mega event to provide easy transport across the site, in addition to 50 km of shared pedestrian paths around Expo 2020 Dubai bus stops. A total of 230 bicycles deployed across 23 stations are available to be booked through the Careem Bike App, which was launched through a collaboration between Careem and RTA. RTA has also developed more than 160 shaded bike stops at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Public parks with dedicated tracks
Visitors to public parks can also pedal amidst a lush green landscape. Dubai Municipality has developed special cycling lanes extending 1.5 km in Al Barsha Pond Park, 3 km in Al Warqa 3 Park, 4 km in Mushrif Park and 3.2 km in Quranic Park. All of these tracks provide a relaxed environment for families and children to practice cycling.
The civic body is also currently implementing cycling tracks at a length of 65 km inside ten public parks to serve park-goers and encourage physical activity in the city in line with the vision of the emirate to develop high-quality infrastructure projects that enhance people’s quality of life.
Dubai Municipality recently completed the first phase of a project to create a 50 km mountain bike track in the Mushrif National Park. Set amidst the Park’s lush forest that features 70,000 trees, the mountain bike track has been designed and constructed according to the highest international standards, safety specifications and technical guidelines, in alignment with the unique topography of the region. The first phase of the project, which has been completed, spans 20 km.
Dubai’s world-class cycling infrastructure and facilities have also seen a range of international sports championships organised in the city. These events annually attract sports professionals and enthusiasts from around the globe, contributing to further strengthening the emirate’s position as a global events destination.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
