Wondering where to go cycling in Dubai? Take your wheels or rent a bike to any of these top 12 cycling spots
11 May 2023
| Last updated on 15 May 2023These are the top 12 places to go cycling in the emirate.
Cycling in Dubai can be intimidating for those starting out, with the cityscape seemingly more focused on building busy highways and roads for vehicles.
But with a bit of research and planning, you can enjoy a pleasant ride, challenge yourself, or train for your next two-wheel race with our list of Dubai's best locations for cycling.
Riding a bike in Dubai also provides a great chance to soak in the sights, local neighbourhoods, and whip through one area to the next without worrying about traffic.
Ahead, here are our 12 favourite cycling routes to discover Dubai.
1. Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)
Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) is a mixed-use neighbourhood where you'll find offices and apartments.
The path around the lake is a great spot for walking pet dogs, going on a stroll or run, discovering unique restaurants, and of course, riding your bicycle. JLT is better for a casual-paced ride as there are mostly families, people using e-scooters, executives, and dog-walkers around.
2. Dubai Marina
The promenade and canal in Dubai Marina is another great spot for casual cycling. Riders can enjoy lovely views plus there are loads of restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, shops, and the nearby Dubai Marina Mall whenever you want to take a break.
3. Al Meydan Cycling Passage
A dedicated passage just for cyclers opened up in May 2023 Dubai's Al Meydan area. Spanning 6.6 metres wide and 160 metres long, the cycling tunnel and path can allow up to 800 riders per hour.
Credit: RTA Dubai
4. Al Qudra
Al Qudra is one of the best places to ride a bicycle in Dubai. This area's cycling track is the longest circuit in the emirate, with two paths to take: the longer 50km route and the shorter 18km path.
This is a great spot in Dubai for cycling as you'll find riders from different skill backgrounds, ranging from casual cyclists to professional athletes training for their next race. Don't have your own bike? Not to worry, you can also rent bicycles here.
5. Nad Al Sheba
Formerly a camel track, Nad Al Sheba's 13km route is now a cycling path for riders with 4km, 6km, and 8km loops. There is also a separate route for children. Amateur cyclists and veterans are welcome to this pathway, with open deserts and views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai skyline.
6. Dubai Autodrome
Although the Dubai Autodrome is best known for its motorsports activities, this Motor City spot also has a 2.5km long route for amateur and experienced cyclers to use. We recommend inquiring ahead of your visit to check if the route is available for use.
7. Expo City Dubai
The Expo 2020 site was built to be friendly to pedestrians and cyclists. Now, its legacy site continues on with long cycling tracks where you can bring your own bike or rent the available bicycles onsite.
SEE ALSO - Expo City Dubai Guide: Opening Hours, Paid and Free Things to Do, and More
You can visit some of the pavilions that remained after the world's fair, including the Women's Pavilion, Sustainability Pavilion, the UAE Pavilion, Al Wasl Plaza, and more.
8. Hatta Dubai
For more cycling routes in Dubai, we also recommend heading to the mountainous area of Hatta! In addition to exciting outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking, you can visit their free-to-ride mountain biking trails (open from 6AM to 11PM) to try their challenging and casual routes for all levels of cycling abilities.
If you don't have a bicycle of your own, you can rent normal and e-bikes at the Hatta Trails from AED 65 per person.
For more information, check out the Visit Hatta official website.
9. Jumeirah Beach
Ride your bike in Dubai while enjoying the fresh sea breeze at Jumeirah Beach! Cycle along a 16km track with views of the shore and sea, which also connects to the Jumeirah Street bicycle path that is parallel to the Dubai Water Canal and the route in Dubai Internet City.
10. Mushrif Park Dubai
Rich with greenery and native wildlife, Mushrif Park is one of the best places to go cycling in Dubai, with a bicycle-friendly sand track that you can ride amidst the national park's lush forest.
The bike track is in the works to be 50km long, and so far 20km has been completed and it is open for the public to ride.
11. Palm West Beach Dubai
You'll find hip and unique restaurants, cafes, and other eateries while riding your bicycle along Palm West Beach in Dubai, or if you are craving something a bit more fabulous, visit our ExpatWoman Food section to browse the best places for brunch in the neighbourhood.
If you don't have your own set of wheels, you can rent a bicycle at any of the nearby bike rental stations for only AED 1 per minute using an app.
12. Al Barsha Pond Park
Al Barsha Pond Park has a dedicated path for joggers, walking, and cycling. Take in the scenic greenery and huge park pond, with plenty of shaded areas and benches to relax at. There are various sports courts, workout spots with fitness machines, and kids' jungle gyms.
Bicycles are also available for rent.