With the cooler season here, now is the perfect time to get outdoors and explore Abu Dhabi on two wheels.
Where else can you cycle around a Formula 1 circuit for free on a weeknight, ride past desert dunes under solar-powered lights, and take on a proper mountain biking challenge over the weekend?
With the cooler season here and a new velodrome set to open in December, now is the perfect time to explore Abu Dhabi on two wheels.
From family-friendly cycling paths to challenging mountain trails, here are some of the city’s best places to ride, along with practical information to help you plan your trip.
1. Yas Marina Circuit: Ride Where the F1 Cars Race
This is the headline attraction. Through the TrainYAS programmes, the 5.281km Grand Prix circuit opens to the public for free walking, running and cycling sessions. The track is floodlit, traffic-free and smooth enough to make any bike feel faster.
Three programmes: TrainYAS (open to everyone), TrainYAS Ladies (women-only) and TrainAM (morning sessions for cyclists, who must bring their own bikes).
Free bike rentals: Abu Dhabi Cycling Club provides adult and children’s bikes at the ComYAS Village during evening sessions, although helmet availability is limited. The minimum age for using the loan bikes is 12.
Rules: Register online in advance to obtain a free digital QR pass. Helmets and closed shoes are compulsory for cyclists, while children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Timings: Evening sessions typically begin around 6pm, with cyclist entry closing at approximately 9.45pm and the track cleared by 10pm.
Before you go: Session days can change between seasons, so check the circuit’s online schedule before setting off. This year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place from December 3 to 6, so expect changes to the track calendar around race week.
2. Hudayriyat Island: The City’s Cycling Hub
If Abu Dhabi has a home for cycling, this is it. Located off Al Bateen, Hudayriyat Island offers around 28km of cycling tracks and is just a short drive from downtown.
Road loops: Purpose-built routes range from 1km to 10km, offering coastal scenery and views of the city skyline. The shorter loops are ideal for children and beginners, while the 10km circuit attracts training groups and experienced cyclists.
Hours: The island’s official website lists operating hours as 5am to midnight daily.
Bike rentals: Wolfi’s and Yas Cycles offer bike rentals on the island.
Trail X: Opened in November 2021, this is Abu Dhabi’s first purpose-built mountain biking trail. It features 15km of singletrack across four difficulty levels.
Coming in December: Velodrome Abu Dhabi, billed as the UAE’s first indoor velodrome, will feature a UCI Category 1 track and a rooftop cycling loop accessed via a 600m spiral ramp. Organisers say the SIXDAYS track cycling event, scheduled for December 11 to 13, 2026, will mark its opening.
Heads-up: Hudayriyat Island will host the World Triathlon Championship Series and Multisport Championships from November 13 to 22, 2026. Check for possible course closures before visiting during this period.
3. Al Wathba Cycle Track: The Desert Ride
Imagine a stretch of smooth tarmac winding through open dunes, with nothing but sand and sky on either side. Al Wathba is a favourite among serious cyclists looking for long, uninterrupted rides, with particularly striking views at sunrise and sunset.
- Distance: Routes range from approximately 8km to 30km, while government figures put the total cycling network at around 40km.
- Access: The track is free to use and open 24 hours a day, with solar-powered lights allowing cyclists to ride at night.
- Getting there: Located off the E22 Abu Dhabi-Al Ain road, near the Camel Race Track. The drive from the city takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes.
- Rentals: FLS Bikes (Front Line Sports) offers bike rentals on site, starting at Dh30 an hour. Listed operating hours are 4pm to 10pm from Sunday to Thursday and from 6.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.
What to bring: Carry plenty of water and snacks. The track is exposed, with little shade, so it is best to ride early in the morning or later in the evening, even during winter.
4. The Corniche: The Classic City Cruise
For a relaxed, scenic ride, the Corniche is an easy choice. Its dedicated waterfront cycling path stretches for approximately 8km, with turquoise waters on one side and the city skyline on the other.
It is ideal for an evening outing or a family ride, with plenty of cafes along the way for a break.
- No bike? Careem Bike operates docked bike-sharing stations along the Corniche, with bicycles available through the Careem app. Byky also has rental points in the area, offering options such as family bikes and pedal carts.
- Cycling etiquette: The path is shared with walkers, runners and skaters, so keep your speed under control and save faster training sessions for dedicated cycling tracks.
5. Saadiyat, Yas and the Islands: Explore by Bike Path
You don’t need a dedicated cycling track to explore Abu Dhabi on two wheels.
Saadiyat Island: Cycling paths run past the Cultural District, home to Louvre Abu Dhabi. Weekend group rides often follow the Saadiyat route between Yas Island and the Corniche. Work scheduled for completion in 2027 is expected to extend the island’s cycling path into a continuous 12km corridor linking it to Umm Yifeenah Island.
- Yas, Al Raha and Khalifa City: Green cycling lanes running alongside roads and pavements offer flat, easy routes for riders travelling between neighbourhoods.
- Al Maryah and Al Reem: Waterfront paths make these islands ideal for shorter rides. Careem Bike stations are available on Yas, Reem and other locations, making one-way journeys an option.
Looking ahead: The planned 109km Abu Dhabi Loop aims to connect key destinations through a dedicated, segregated cycling network. The project is still under development, making it one to watch as the city’s cycling infrastructure expands.
6. Jebel Hafeet and Al Ain: A Road Trip Worth Making
About 90 minutes from the capital by car, Al Ain offers some of Abu Dhabi’s most challenging cycling terrain.
Jebel Hafeet is the emirate’s highest peak and a regular feature of the UAE Tour. Its famous summit climb stretches 10.8km, with an average gradient of 6.6 per cent. Built in 1980, the mountain road features sweeping switchbacks, two uphill lanes and one downhill lane, culminating in panoramic views across Al Ain and the surrounding desert.
- Where to start: Cyclists typically park at Green Mubazzarah, at the foot of the climb.
- Best time to ride: Set off at first light, as there is little shade along the route. Take extra care on the descent.
Gentler cycling options in Al Ain:
- Al Ain Cycling Track: A flat, 23km route suitable for cyclists of different experience levels.
- Al Ain Oasis: Shaded, well-lit paths winding through date palms make this an ideal choice for a relaxed family ride. Wolfi’s offers bike rentals in Al Ain, while the Oasis and Al Ain Zoo also have rental options. Check availability at the entrance before visiting.
