Dubai is increasingly becoming cycling-friendly and the city is gaining momentum as a top destination for cyclists, residents say.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Stewart Howison, Founder and Race Director of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, shared how the emirate has evolved as one of the best cities for cycling in a short span of time. He witnessed first-hand the advancements the city has made for cyclists.
“Having lived in Dubai for 16 years, I have seen and been a part of the massive developments that this amazing city we call home, Dubai, has done for us cyclists. Nowhere in the world has evolved and embraced a sport to the extent that Dubai has. We have dedicated cycle tracks that take us from the hustle and bustle of Dubai city to the most tranquil and remote parts of the desert, all on dedicated cycle tracks,” noted Howison.
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“I would rate Dubai in the top 10. Considering what has been achieved in such a short time, and comparing it to older, more established cities. Looking at future plans from the Dubai government and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), there is much more to come,” he added.
Howison also shared his personal favourite cycling track, saying: “My go-to cycle track is Al Qudra Cycle Track. I make use of it at least every weekend, and often on weekday mornings before work. Joining the hundreds, if not thousands, of riders who frequent the 200km facility in the pristine desert, passing through the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, witnessing the sunrise over the golden dunes, and spotting the wildlife — tell me, what is a better way to start the day?”
Howison, who is also owner of Revolution Cycles Dubai and Cycle Safe Dubai, acknowledged that there will always be improvements that cyclists desire. “There will always be things we would love to see as cyclists in Dubai. No matter how good we have it, we will always look for more — it’s human nature. One improvement would be better infrastructure for using bikes as a form of commuting safely to and from work and between communities. This is already happening on Hessa Street. My personal dream is to see Al Qudra linked to the Meydan Track, and I hear this is also in the plans.”
Connectivity between tracks
German expat Wolfi Hohmann, owner and CEO of Wolfi’s, who has been resident of Dubai for the last 22 years, likewise shared his thoughts on the city’s cycling infrastructure.
“As far as sports cycling is concerned, there is hardly any city in the world that can compete with Dubai. I believe we have the most amazing facilities here in Dubai,” Hohmann stated, adding: “My favourite cycling track is Meydan because it is so close to where I live. The Al Qudra Cycling Track is also fantastic.”
He expressed enthusiasm about the improvements being made, underscoring: “The connectivity between the tracks will be a great experience for us. The Dubai government and relevant authorities are doing an excellent job in further enhancing the facilities for cycling enthusiasts.”
‘One of the finest places to ride’
Anurag Chaturvedi, CEO of Andersen Tax Limited, also shared his insights on Dubai’s cycling scene.
“Dubai is one of the finest places to ride across the Middle East and boasts some fantastic cycling tracks covering the desert as well as many residential and scenic areas. Over the last decade, there has been a steep increase in new tracks around the city, and year on year, it is getting better. We are inching closer to sustainable transport, and new announcements will add another 90km to the cycling tracks by 2026,” he noted.
When discussing the safety and quality of cycling in Dubai, Chaturvedi said: “Dubai ranks as one of the top cities in the world for safety, both for cyclists and racing enthusiasts, as the roads are mostly safe. I have participated in various races around the city and would certainly rate Dubai within the top 10.”
He also shared his personal favourites. “My favourite tracks are Nad Al Sheba for weekly rides and Al Qudra Cycling Track for weekend rides, where you can cover over 80km across loops. The best time to ride is at sunrise because the views and the feeling of the morning breeze are unparalleled — though the sunsets are just as beautiful.”
Chaturvedi also had a suggestion. “Cycling should be embraced as a sport, and I recommend that the authorities create or dedicate lanes across all residential communities for cyclists. This will promote and encourage more people to take up cycling,” he felt.
Thanks to world-class amenities
Indian expat Rohit Garg, CFO of Al Habtoor Group, while sharing his thoughts on cycling in Dubai, said: “Dubai is not only the best city for cycling, but it also sets the standard for safety and provides world-class amenities such as parking arrangements, lockers, restrooms and emergency support.”
When asked how he would rate Dubai among the top cities for cycling, Garg responded: “I would rate Dubai as a top-tier city for cycling — definitely 10 out of 10.”
He also mentioned his favourite track: “There are many that I enjoy, but if I had to choose just one, it would be the Al Qudra Cycling Track.”
Regarding suggestions for further improvement, Garg said: “I believe the authorities have done an excellent job. Kudos to them for tirelessly working to enhance the cycling experience.”
Meanwhile, the RTA has recently completed the maintenance of 2,173 lighting units across four cycling and e-scooter tracks in Dubai. The tracks include Al Qudra, Jumeirah, Nad Al Sheba, as well as Mirdif and Mushrif cycling and e-scooter tracks.