That Abu Dhabi is not high on lists for cycling holidays should come as no surprise. As part of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi comes up more often as a golf destination on the one hand, and an expat Valhalla on the other, with low taxes and, above all, 365 days of sunshine. In addition, the impact of Formula 1 racing on the Yas Marina Circuit not to be underestimated. Abu Dhabi is a great winter destination for your cycling holiday. Especially for a winter destination.
Jebel Hafeet (C) Kent Tupas
With the sponsorship of the UAE team, the Emirates is increasingly putting itself on the map, and it is also doing so as a cycling destination. Meanwhile, there is the UAE tour, the de facto season opener in 2022, and there are now more recreational events as well. We got news this week that Abu Dhabi is going to invest even more in cycling infrastructure. Good news, as far as we are concerned, and all the more reason to highlight this emirate a bit more. In addition, Abu Dhabi has become the first city in Asia to receive a UCI Bike City label!
What a city
For many, Abu Dhabi is synonymous with its many residential towers and the Yas Marina, which is also home to the F1 circuit. The city has tall buildings, making it seem rather unattractive as a cycling destination. Yet there is also something about riding through a fairly raked city, with good tarmac as a bonus. Remember that when you are on the beach, it takes 40 kilometres to get out of the city! Unsurprisingly, the city is pretty flat. Don't expect any neo-climbs or other challenges here (even in the UAE). For that, you will really have to get out of the city. In the city itself, you are better off looking at the architecture and just pedalling. Another good alternative: the F1 circuit!
Like Max Verstappen across the track: on two wheels
The Yas Marina Circuit is not only open to cars. Bike events take place regularly and training sessions by the TrainAM club. For fans of Triathlon, there is also a TriYAS on the circuit. With the Marina next door, you don't have to worry about anything.
Yas Marina (C) VisitAbuDhabi
Into the Dessert: Al Wathba Cycling Track
The best way to still have some challenge is to go to the Al Wathba Cycling track, which is about 50 kilometres outside the city. Here you have an entirely asphalted, unsurfaced circuit, which is very popular with cyclists, as well as runners. The track has several options, from a short 8-kilometre ride, 16 kilometres or the full 30-kilometre lap. Don't expect an alpine climb here either, but at least a bit more variety than riding over long straight, flat roads. There are also events and group rides here, so that again provides more of a challenge.
Pushing the boundaries: Al Ain - Jebel Hafeet
Abu Dhabi's pearl lies almost on the border with Oman. Near the city of Al Ain, you will find the Jebel Hafeet. For lovers of hairpin bends: this is the place to be! The climb to the top of this magical hill is about 10 kilometres long. You get a total of 800+ altimeters. So that's 8% on average. Add to that the percentages that regularly exceed 15%, with an outlier to 30(!)%, and you can imagine that this is a climb you'd love to avoid.
It is advisable to stay in Al Ain after this climb or at least arrange transport back, as the distance (one way) back to Abu Dhabi is 100 kilometres. But that does give you a chance to photograph the sunset or sunrise, for instance. The pictures speak for themselves.
Jebel Hafeet (C) Kent Tupas
Discovering new paths
Plans to expand Abu Dhabi's cycle path offerings are ambitious. There is to be a veritable 109-kilometre-long cycle path around the city. There are also wild plans for an indoor track on the popular island of Hudayriyat. This velodrome should accommodate 3,500 visitors and will again provide more cycling opportunities in and around the city. Exciting stuff!
When to go
Like all other destinations in this region, it is not wise to go to Abu Dhabi in summer. Unless you are training for an ultra race and looking to push your extreme limit. Abu Dhabi is a beautiful winter destination. Always watch out for sandstorms though, they can pick up from one moment to the next and before you know it you are under them.
Bike service
There are plenty of opportunities to rent a bike in the region. Specifically, check out the Yas Cycles shops. With Specialized and Eddy Merckx, they have the right bikes for everyone.
