DESTINATION
United Arab Emirates
The Middle East might not spring to mind when you think of a cycling-holiday destination, but Arabian Gulf state the United Arab Emirates is trying to change that.
The title sponsor of two-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar’s WorldTour Team, the country also hosts early season, elite-level stage races in both the men’s and women’s peloton. Its capital, Abu Dhabi, is set to host both the UCI’s road and track World Championships before the end of the decade.
But the government is also pouring money into cycling infrastructure and has designated tracks with the aim of improving the health and wellness of its 9 million people (roughly 90% of whom are expats), as well as fostering a future Emirati Tour de France champ.
One Brit benefiting from the UAE’s interest in cycling is Nathan Ederson, who moved to Dubai from Birmingham in January 2023 to work as a sales specialist at Wolfi’s – a chain of bike shops that has roots in the Black Forest, Germany, and opened its first UAE store in 2002.
“In the UK, you can ride out of your front door, but here you can’t safely ride on the roads because they’re busier,” says the 21-year-old.
Instead, a lot of the cycling in the UAE is circuit-based. Purpose built, traffic free, and free to use, they range from 8.4km loops such as Dubai’s Meydan circuit, through to Al Qudra, with more than 100km of asphalt. Most have minimal elevation gain and long, sweeping corners, providing the perfect place to switch off and spin or hone in on some high-intensity efforts.
It’s not as dull as it sounds. In Abu Dhabi, Al Hudayriat offers jaw-dropping views of downtown’s imposing skyline, while Al Wathba’s desert location sees you flanked by dunes; as the sun sets on the horizon, it feels like you’re on Mars – the occasional crosswind the only thing bringing you back to Earth.
Ederson adds that riding on the road isn’t completely out of the question, but it’s best to do it as part of a group such as the Dubai Roadsters – a Sunday morning ride that meets at the city’s Nad Al Sheba market parking lot and has support cars that carry spares and water. “There are five routes of varying lengths that go on the roads out into the desert towards Al Khawaneej – you’re in the dunes and you often have camels on the road. It’s fairly quick – sometimes three hours and 100-110km – but it’s amazing.”
April 2024’s floods aside, rain is so scarce it’s scheduled by the government using a process called cloud seeding. “If you come here to ride in a warmer climate, September to December and March to April are ideal,” says Ederson. Even in January it hits highs of 25°C, making it a great escape for some mid-winter sun.
Big dates
November’s Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo has a prize pool of £430,000, split across age categories.
Don’t miss
You can spin your way around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Formula One circuit every Monday and Wednesday night (6pm-10pm) and Tuesday and Thursday morning (6am-8am). Vincenzo Nibali holds the Strava KOM for two 5.3km laps.
Travel
You can fly direct to Abu Dhabi or Dubai from the UK, then it’s best to arrange private transfers.
Accommodation
Yas Island has hotels to suit a range of budgets. Close to Yas Marina Circuit, it’s conveniently located for a quick morning or evening blast, while the capital’s other tracks are just a short transfer away.
Tourist information
u.ae
The route
● Jebel Hafeet might be the mountain you’re most familiar with from the UAE Tour, but the longer, if less steep, ascent up Jebel Jais in the north-western Hajar Range offers even better climbing. The 35.1km three-lane road snakes through a lunar landscape up 1,670m of elevation gain at an average of 4.1% to reach its summit (1,892m), and the UAE’s highest point, at the Omani border. With very little traffic and long gaps between switchbacks, expect to reach terminal velocity on the way back down.
01 Bike shop
● Wolfi’s (wolfi.ae) offers carbon fibre bike rental from AED 200 (£43) per day at its shops in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Pedals and helmets also available.
02 Lunch stop
● Al Washaq Foodtruck, Viewpoint 8, Jebel Jais is a welcome refuelling spot after making it to the top of UAE.
03 Photo op
● There are many selfie spots on the mountain, but 1484 Viewing Point has a 360° vista and views across the Persian Gulf on clear days.
Distance 69.1km Elevation 1,670m
Download komoot.com/tour/1438682267
