The desert landscape of the United Arab Emirates doesn’t sound like the perfect place for a cycling holiday – especially compared to the mountains of France and Italy, the varied terrain of mainland Spain, Mallorca and the Canaries.
However, with just little more time in flight (Dubai is seven hours), you’ll find a cyclist’s playground of empty roads, purpose-built cycle tracks and even mountainous tarmac.
The holiday industry is cottoning on to the attraction of cycling in the year-round heat of the UAE, with Jumeirah hotels launching their first luxury cycling package holidays this year, incorporating five-star accommodation with rides on the best roads the region has to offer. They even do bike hire.
Guaranteed good weather
The average temperature in Dubai during springtime is in the mid-20s. Opt for an autumn visit and it will be above 30 degrees on some days, a world away from the damp slippery roads of the UK. Naturally, cyclists love tanned legs. The UAE will give you plenty of tanning time on the bike but do make sure you take an extra water bottle with you on rides, as you must stay hydrated.
Dedicated bike tracks
A short drive from downtown Dubai is the Al Qudra cycle track – a 50-mile network of traffic-free, bike-only tarmac criss-crossing the desert. Its central hub includes a bike shop, toilets and shower facilities. At weekends, it’s heaving with cyclists. Expect to experience the UAE’s famed crosswinds and desert heat and, on a weekday, don’t be surprised if the only other living creature you see is an oryx sprinting alongside you.
Cycling community
Dubai’s cycling scene is definitely in the ascendant; at its heart is Wolfi’s bike shop. Owned by cordial Black Forest expat Wolfgang Hohmann, it’s a one-stop shop for kit, equipment and servicing. Attached to the shop is the Dubai Roadsters cycling club. Join the club on Facebook, and join up with its welcoming riders for a 5.30am Friday group ride through the deserted city streets. Friday is the first day of the weekend on the Arabian peninsular, so you’ll have the roads to yourselves.
Beach recovery
Stay at any one of Dubai’s beachfront hotels and you can spend a relaxing, revitalising afternoon on golden sands. If you’re riding on a Friday morning, take full advantage of the city’s most varied institution – the infamous Dubai brunch. Varying from lingering meals in secluded spots to full-on party central at 2pm, it’s an eye-opening experience no matter which way you cut it. Plus, if you’ve been for a big ride, you can afford to indulge yourself a little…
It’s not all desert
The UAE isn’t pan-flat, though some regions do resemble a Star Wars landscape. Two hours north of Dubai is the country’s highest peak – Jebel Jais. A constant 22-mile climb on perfectly surfaced roads to a snack bar and with stunning views the whole way up, it’s a hidden gem of a ride. There’s no need to layer up for the rapid descent, either – the extreme heat rising off the valley floor warms you, even with bare arms at 40mph. (Watch out for wandering mountain goats, though.)
Courteous drivers
For cyclists, the experience of the UK’s back roads is one of too-close-for-comfort passes from cars, sarcasm and verbal abuse, and possibly being struck in the face by a discarded McDonald’s wrapper. With road cyclists still a novelty for UAE locals, you’re given a wide berth, and even shouts of encouragement from passing drivers. Sometimes, it feels like having a rolling team of supporters.
A packed calendar
The February Dubai Tour and Abu Dhabi Tour races see the likes of British sprint ace Mark Cavendish competing on local roads, and they offer a chance to see many world-class race stars in action. A number of organised group ride events to train for will also give focus to your trip. The largest, in December, is Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge. This even has a kids category, so the whole family can get involved. If you're planning on going big, Jumeirah’s newly launched David Millar Ultimate Cycling Experience lasts four days during October and gives you the chance to enjoy the best of Dubai’s riding with ex-Tour de France racer Millar himself. Pack your bike, or hire one from Wolfi’s bike shop or Trek Bikes Dubai.
Travel essentials
Getting there
Emirates fly to Dubai from Gatwick and Heathrow.
Staying there
Jumeirah's David Millar cycling package takes place from 10-14 October, staying in the five-star Al-Naseem hotel. The package costs from £3155 per person on a full board basis.
Title Image Credit: Hunny Alrohaif (Image Cropped)