Cycling in the UAE is massively popular amongst those that live there, yet strangely few people think of the UAE as a cycling holiday destination.

UAE’s cycling credentials

The UAE Tour is a World Tour event and now a big fixture of the early pro cycling season. The country’s pro credentials have also been enhanced by Tadej Pogacar’s Tour de France 2020 victory for UAE Team Emirates, which has thrown the spotlight on the country.

Meanwhile Dubai’s Crown Prince announced plans in August 2020 to transform Dubai into a bicycle-friendly city – they’re looking to have nearly 650km of cycle tracks across Dubai by 2025.

Beach + cycling holiday in the UAE?

Despite the rise of cycling in the UAE, it’s fair to say that the country is still best known as a beach and shopping focused holiday destination for those suffering winter in Northern Europe. After all, it’s just a 7 hour flight from London to Dubai and average highs in February sit at around 25°C.

But if you’re looking for a holiday destination capable of keeping you and more leisure-orientated members of your family happy, the UAE could well be for you.

The country’s top quality cycling tracks and circuits are impressive – from the 86km Al Qudra cycle track in Dubai to the 96km Al Wathba track and 5.5km Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit in AbuDhabi. There’s also some beautiful road cycling to be had in the UAE’s mountains, starting with the 20km Jebel Jais climb that’s often featured in the UAE tour.

The UAE is an underrated and little known cycling destination – could that be about to change?

Find out more in our guide to cycling in Dubai!

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