From casual tours to high-intensity races, Dubai offers an exciting array of cycling events for enthusiasts of all levels. This guide covers the range of Dubai cycling events to help you find the perfect events to participate in.
Annual Mass Participation Rides
Dubai cycling tours like the annual Dubai Ride and Dubai Cycling Tour allow recreational and serious cyclists to ride together in an inclusive, car-free environment.
The Dubai Ride
This event, held each February, attracts over 15,000 cycling enthusiasts for 14 km or 42 km rides. Pop-up cycling lanes provide a safe route past landmarks like Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah. Riders of all ages and abilities can enjoy the thrilling experience of biking on main city roads without traffic worries.
Dubai Cycling Tour
This event offers routes from 20 km up to 105 km for different experience levels in October. The fully closed loops let riders focus on enjoying Dubai’s iconic scenery along the coast and city rather than competing.
Competitive Road Cycling Races
Serious cyclists can test their endurance and racing skills in various Cycling races in the Middle East hosted right in Dubai.
Dubai Gran Fondo
This challenging race, held each December, includes timed climbing segments on the Hajar Mountains. Riders compete individually over distances from 60 km to 140 km. This race is modeled after Europe’s Gran Fondos and provides a world-class competitive cycling challenge.
If you are looking for another popular Dubai sport to get involved in, check out our guide to padel tennis in Dubai for information on courts, leagues, and tournaments.
Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge
This November race is part of the UCI World Cycling Tour, which attracts dedicated international racers. The flat, fast course through Dubai is ideal for competing over 92 km or 61 km distances. Riders race both individually and in teams.
Mountain Biking Trails
Beyond road cycling in Dubai, extensive dedicated mountain biking trails draw MTB enthusiasts from across the UAE and beyond.
Jebel Jais Trails
Racers and thrill-seekers flock to the rugged trails at Jebel Jais, the highest mountain peak in the UAE. Trails range from beginner to extreme, including the Jebel Jais Flight, the world’s longest downhill mountain bike course.
Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre
This hub in the Hajar Mountains has over 80 km of trails through diverse terrains to challenge all bike handling skills. Hatta hosts several UAE cycling races and events.
Multi-Discipline Cycling Events
For those seeking diverse Dubai cycling challenges, events like the 6Cycle Challenge Dubai offer varied disciplines.
6Cycle Challenge Dubai
This annual week-long Dubai cycling festival each November allows participants to log kilometers in activities from road and mountain biking to stationary cycling over 5 days. Teams compete to clock the most kilometers for charity.
Cycling for a Cause
Dubai cycling charity rides provide a philanthropic way to pursue the sport with events like:
- Tour de Cure – Annual fundraising ride through Dubai for breast cancer research
- Ride for Values – Supports children’s education in Africa
Year-Round Cycling Opportunities
Beyond special events, Dubai provides year-round Dubai cycling routes, clubs, and programs.
Dubai Cycling Calendar
Packed with sportives, training rides, and recreational group rides nearly every week of the year hosted by Dubai cycling clubs.
Nad Al Sheba Cycling Track
This velodrome hosts UAE cycling races and training throughout the year and has programs for youth development.
With its perfect weather, terrain diversity, and growing cycling culture, Dubai offers boundless options for cycling enthusiasts to challenge themselves while seeing the city from a unique perspective.
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