It won't be surprising that Abu Dhabi doesn't top the lists for a cycling holiday. As part of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi often appears as a golf destination on the one hand, but also as an expat haven with low taxes and especially 365 days of sunshine. Furthermore, the impact of the Formula 1 race on the city's economy is also significant. Yas Marina Circuit Not to be underestimated. Abu Dhabi is a beautiful winter destination for your cycling holiday. Especially for a Winter destination.
Jebel Hafeet (C) Kent Tupas
Thanks to the sponsorship of the UAE team, the Emiratis are increasingly putting themselves on the map, and they are doing the same as a cycling destination. The UAE tour, the de facto opening event of the season in 2022, has now also become a more popular recreational event. This week we received the news that Abu Dhabi is investing even more in cycling infrastructure. Good news for us, all the more reason to explore this emirate a little more. Moreover, Abu Dhabi is the first city in Asia to receive the UCI Bike City label!
What a city
For many, Abu Dhabi is synonymous with the many high-rise buildings and the Yas Marina, where the F1 circuit is also located. The city has tall buildings and therefore seems quite unattractive as a cycling destination. However, it does have its charm in driving through a relatively flat city, with good asphalt as a bonus. Don’t forget that when you’re on the beach, it takes 40 kilometers to get out of town! It won’t surprise you that the city is quite flat. Don’t expect any steep climbs or other challenges there (even in the UAE). For that, you really have to get out of town. In the city itself, you might be better off looking at the architecture and just having a nice walk. Another good option: The F1 circuit!
As Max Verstappen over the circuit: on two wheels
The Yas Marina Circuit is not only open to cars. Regular bike events take place and there are also training sessions by the TrainAM club. For Triathlon fans, there is also a TriYAS on the circuit. With the Marina right next door, you don't have to worry about a thing.
Yas Marina (C) VisitAbuDhabi
Into the Dessert: Al Wathba Cycling Track
The best way to have some challenge is to go to the Al Wathba Cycling track, which is about 50 kilometers outside the city. Here you have a completely paved, undulating course that is very popular with cyclists, but also runners. The track has several options, from a short 8-kilometer ride, 16 kilometers, or the full 30-kilometer round. Don’t expect any alpine climbing here, but at least there’s more variety than driving on long straight, flat roads. There are also events and group rides here, so that again adds to the challenge.
Exploring the borders: Al Ain – Jebel Hafeet
The pearl of Abu Dhabi is almost on the border with Oman. Near the city of Al Ain you will find the Jebel Hafeet. For those who love hairpin bends: here you can have your heart filled with joy! The climb to the top of this magical hill is about 10 kilometers long. In total you will be faced with 800+ meters of elevation gain. That is 8% on average. Add in the percentages that regularly exceed 15%, with an outlier of 30(!)% and you can well imagine that this is a climb you would be happy to avoid.
It is advisable to stay in Al Ain after this climb or at least to arrange transportation back, because the distance (one way) back to Abu Dhabi is 100 kilometers. But that does give you the chance to, for example, photograph the sunset or sunrise. The pictures speak for themselves.
Jebel Hafeet (C) Kent Tupas
Discovering new paths
The plans for expanding the Abu Dhabi cycling network are ambitious. A whopping 109 kilometers of cycling trails are planned around the city. In addition, there are wild plans for an indoor track on the popular island of Hudayriyat. This velodrome will provide a place for 3500 visitors and will also create more cycling opportunities in and around the city. Exciting stuff!
When to go
Like all the other destinations in this region, it is not advisable to go to Abu Dhabi in the summer. Unless you are training for an ultra race and looking for opportunities to push your extreme limits. Abu Dhabi is a beautiful winter destination. Always be aware of sandstorms, which can appear at any moment and before you know it you are covered in sand.
Bike service
There are plenty of options for renting a bike in the region. Check in particular the Yas Cycles stores. With Specialized and Eddy Merckx they have the right bikes for everyone.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.