See Abu Dhabi from a different perspective by exploring on two wheels. Cycling is a huge trend in the city, with new tracks being built all the time to offer dedicated routes and scenic views to cyclists.
Enjoy the fresh air and discover some of Abu Dhabi’s mesmerising landscapes by cycling around the Al Wathba track. Take your bike to Al Hudayriat Island for breathtaking views of the city’s most impressive buildings.
Not only is cycling a fun way to soak up the sun during your holiday in Abu Dhabi, it’s also a great way to keep fit and get those endorphins rushing. It’s the perfect activity for those who love to keep active or are looking to experience Abu Dhabi from a unique viewpoint.
Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island is the go-to place for health and fitness in Abu Dhabi, home to the iconic Formula 1™ track and available for running, walking and cycling.
Get up close and personal with one of the most prestigious tracks in the world, while also achieving a cardio workout.
Take a closer look at some of the extreme corners the drivers face at your own own pace.
You can rent bikes by the hour at the circuit and there are multiple water stations on the way around to help keep you hydrated. Early risers can also join the TrainAM Cycling Club for a 6am session.
The Al Wathba track is one of the most scenic places to go cycling in the UAE. The route snakes through the desert and around a majestic oasis, giving you a front-row seat to mesmerising and ever-changing desert landscapes.
The track is illuminated so you can enjoy safe riding both during the day and at night. Choose to tackle the whole 18-mile route (30 kilometres) or pick and choose sections that suit your ability. The five-mile (8 kilometres) and 10-mile (16 kilometres) sections are ideal for beginners.
We recommend timing your trip with the sunset for the most spectacular views as you cycle.
Fancy some sea views alongside your cycling experience? Head to Al Hudayriat Island, which offers both a three-mile (five kilometres) and six-mile (10 kilometres) track along the coast. The island, a 17-minute drive from the centre of Abu Dhabi, is wholly dedicated to beach and sports activities.
This is where you can enjoy some of the quietest cycling in Abu Dhabi, and you might even be lucky enough to have the whole track to yourself.
Set off after 4pm to keep your cool and avoid the hottest temperatures. Afterwards, take a dip in the refreshing ocean waters to soothe your muscles. You can bring your own bike or rent one for the day from Yas Cycles for a small fee.
There are so many places to enjoy cycling in Abu Dhabi, from the beachfront Corniche Road to the isolated desert track in Al Wathba.
You can reach Yas Marina Circuit via the E12 or E10, by following the signs for Yas Island and then continuing towards Yas Marina Circuit.
To reach Al Hudayriat Island, follow Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street E20 and cross Al Hudariyat Bridge onto the island.
Al Wathba cycle track is just over an hour away central Abu Dhabi. Head away from the city and follow the Al Ain Road (E22) into the desert.
While you enjoy the Abu Dhabi sun on your cycling trip, it’s also important to take care in high temperatures, especially while exercising.
We recommend choosing the early morning or late afternoon or evening for your cycling trip, when temperatures are slightly cooler. This should make your bike ride around the city more comfortable.
It’s also a good idea to pack plenty of water, especially if you’re cycling a long route and aren’t sure if there will be any water stations along the way. Make sure to bring a hat and wear plenty of sun protection which you can top up throughout the day.
Cycling is gaining more and more popularity in Abu Dhabi and, as a result, there are plenty of places to safely enjoy cycling. It’s better to stick to purpose-built cycling routes and tracks rather than take your bike on the streets or roads, where there tends to be no dedicated lane for cyclists.
You may also be restricted to roads where the maximum speed limit is 25mph, so it’s worth planning your route in advance to make sure.
There are plenty of places where you can rent a bike in Abu Dhabi. On the Corniche, check out Fun Ride Sports, while on Yas Island there’s Yas Plaza Bike Rental Station. If you’re planning to try out the Al Wathba track, head to Front Line Sports which is located close by.
Rental prices vary between companies, but you can generally expect to hire a bike by the hour in Abu Dhabi. This rate may change depending on the type of bike you choose, with economical day rates available.
You must wear a helmet whenever cycling in Abu Dhabi. It’s also recommended that you wear high-visibility clothing if cycling at night, as well as knee and elbow pads.
Start your day with a challenging cycle up to the peak of Jebel Hafeet, a mountain in Al Ain, 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi. This is one for the seriously energetic, though there are plenty of stopping points on the way up and you’ll be rewarded with seriously spellbinding views.
Make your way back to Abu Dhabi and rest your legs with a gentle ride down the Corniche. From here, you’ll be able to admire some of the city’s most iconic buildings.
Spend the hottest part of the day cooling off in the sea or having lunch in one of the restaurants along the beachfront.
As the temperatures begin to cool off, make your way to Al Hudayriat Island. The cycle track here will take you onto bridges high above the sea.
Watch the sun set against the skyline before making your way back into the city centre for dinner.
Nature-lovers can’t miss the Mangrove National Park, which is home to a fascinating landscape of mudflats, salt marshes and 75% of the UAE’s mangrove forest.
Discover more
Take to the waters of the Arabian Gulf during your time in Abu Dhabi. Take a trip around the Louvre Abu Dhabi exterior at sunset or hit the rapids at Wadi Adventure.
Find peace and calm in the centre of the city at Umm Al Emarat Park. Stroll through the lush gardens or head to the Animal Barn to meet some furry friends.
All imagery provided by © Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
