Fitness, fun and amazing views! Time to go cycling in Abu Dhabi
Several workouts combine fitness and fun, but none come close to the exhilarating experience of cycling in the stunning outdoors. The sport is a healthy way to get some exercise and fresh air, but it can be perilous to pedal on the roads with incoming traffic. Luckily, Abu Dhabi isn’t short of cycling routes and tracks that keep the activity safe for amateurs and professional cyclists alike. So, let’s take a look at the best places to go cycling in Abu Dhabi.
TOP CYCLING TRACKS IN ABU DHABI
Corniche Bike Track
Cycling along the Abu Dhabi Corniche is often on every cyclist’s bucket list. Stretching along the capital’s coastline, the scenic Corniche bike track takes cyclists past the iconic Emirates Palace Towers to the Presidential Palace. Popular with residents and tourists, the track is a great way for people to take in some of the city’s leisure destinations like Al Bahar beach, some volleyball courts, coffee shops and two beach clubs.
It’s a great option for residents in Corniche Road, especially those looking for a means of staying fit instead of opting for an expensive gym membership.
Al Wathba Cycle track
Located 40 or so minutes away from Downtown Abu Dhabi, this track in Al Wathba is a great spot for cyclists. Situated away from the bustle of the big city, the track features a clever design allowing fitness enthusiasts to cycle for short and long distances.
In total, there are five different scenic loops on the track covering various distances— 8 km, 16 km, 20 km, 22 km and 30 km. The track is lit by solar-powered lights at night so cyclists can find their way in the dark.
Considering that this cycle track in Abu Dhabi is located far from the city centre, you will have to drive there. However, this also makes the spot ideal for those who want to avoid crowds.
YAS MARINA CIRCUIT
The Yas Marina Circuit is another great place for cycling in Abu Dhabi and is perfect for anyone who has ever wanted to pedal on an F1 track. For example, you can register for various health and fitness programs that include TrainAM™ by Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, ADNOC TrainYAS™ – Cycle, Run & Walk Abu Dhabi by Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and ADNOC TrainYAS Ladies Presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Cyclists who wish to participate in both activities must register for them online on the Yas Marina Circuit website. So the next time you plan on a Yas Marina Circuit tour, register for a cycling trip too.
Al Hudayriat Island
Al Hudayriat Island Bike Park is a dedicated cycling track in Abu Dhabi. Considered a place with one of the best cycling routes in Abu Dhabi, the Bike Park at Al Hudyriyat Mar Vista features a 5 km and 10 km cycling track where you can ride your bike while taking in the scenic sea views along the way.
The Bike Park has three cycling trails in Abu Dhabi that cater to various skill levels, such as beginners, intermediate and experts. It also features a dedicated kids’ track as well.
All cyclists are required to wear bike helmets. We recommend cycling during the cooler hours of the day, especially if you want to catch the sunset when the whole island is bathed in a beautiful orange glow. Of course, you can always hop off the bike to relax on the public beach or try anything from the food trucks on the way.
Qasr Al Sarab
The Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara offers fat biking in its activity programme for guests. With 4.8-inch wide tyres that give the bike its name, a fat bike is perfect for conquering the Empty Quarter, the largest uninterrupted stretch of desert in the world.
Specially adapted for the desert terrain, the bikes allow cyclists to ascend dunes and descend at full speed while taking in breathtaking views. Meet the locals, explore the surroundings and don’t be surprised if you encounter a herd of camels along the way.
Jebel Hafit
The valleys and rugged terrain at Jebel Hafit is another popular attraction for cyclists. The bicycle ride amidst the stunning mountain backdrop makes for a thrilling ride along the slope. Make sure to plan your trip at dawn, as it gets hotter during the day. The cooler winter months are perfect to enjoy the Jebel Hafeet bicycle ride in Al Ain. While you’re there, don’t forget to visit Jebel Hafit Desert Park.
AL AIN CYCLING TRACK
Go for a relaxing ride underneath the dappled shade of the palm fronds in Al Ain. This is your chance to explore Abu Dhabi’s heritage while working to shed some extra pounds. This Abu Dhabi cycle track is modern, suitable for both professionals and noobs alike. So get your two-wheeler ready and explore the Al Ain garden city or the oasis.
AL DHAFRA REGION
This is where dessert meets the sea, Al Dhafra makes up over two-thirds of the capital. With the biggest dunes of the Sahara and dramatic scenery, it is one of the most picturesque cycling tracks in Abu Dhabi. If you venture deep into the Western region, you’ll find breathtaking desert roads cutting swathes between rolling dunes. You can join Abu Dhabi Cycling Club to explore this amazing track.
Safety tips for cyclists
Even if you are a seasoned cyclist, it still pays to err on the side of caution when cycling in Abu Dhabi. For example, as tempting as it is, we don’t recommend cycling on the streets. Additionally, it is wise to adhere to these precautions.
- Wear safety gear at all times
- Bring sunscreen for day trips
- Check the condition of a rented bike before getting on it
- Wear brightly coloured or fluorescent clothing to stay visible to passing motorists, especially during night trips
- Always stay on the track
- Use seat padding for longer routes
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN I GET A BICYCLE FOR RENT IN ABU DHABI?
Yes, several bike rentals in Abu Dhabi, like ADCB Bikeshare and BYKY, offer bicycles for rent at varying costs. For the more adventurous, Bike Park in Hudayriyat Leisure and Entertainment District and Yas Marina also offer bikes for rent.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST PLACES FOR RUNNING AND JOGGING IN ABU DHABI?
For those who wish to stay healthy with a run, there are several jogging tracks in Abu Dhabi, such as the Corniche, Al Raha Beach and Umm Al Emarat Park, to name a few.
That’s all for our review of the best places for cycling in Abu Dhabi. If cycling stems from your love of the outdoors, our picks for other sporting activities in Abu Dhabi will have you spoilt for choice.
The emirate offers several activities that are easier on your budget too. To find out what they are, check out our list of free things to do in Abu Dhabi. Do you live in Dubai instead? If so, check out the best cycling trails in Dubai.
