How Abu Dhabi became the world's hottest cycling city
Abu Dhabi was designated by sport cycling’s governing body as an official “Bike City” last year. The emirate has seen miles of dedicated bike paths spring up beside new highways in the past few years. It has introduced international races and nurturing homegrown talent. It's also cooked up some exhilarating cycling experiences that could be a major draw for both cycling fanatics and anyone looking to try something very different.
In winter, milder climates are perfect for daylong riding. From May to September, the best time for riding is before sun up or after sundown. Andy Coleman and Dan Baltrusaitis are cycling on Al Hudayriyat, an island south of Abu Dhabi. Ricky Bautista's team all work at a cycle shop in Dubai and have been cycling since the first glimmer of daylight. For visitors, there's a hire shop — Yas Mena Cycles — which opens early to rent out a fleet of road bikes for under $20 an hour.
Abu Dhabi Cycling Club is a free-to-join organization that works with the government to develop cycling in the emirate. About 1.7 billion dirhams has been invested in cycling since 2017. The main objective is to encourage participation and tourism. ADCC's director is often found training around the Yas Marina Circuit. The Yas is an open-air racetrack loop that hosts Formula One events. Visitors can book a session on the track for free.
There are many cycling experiences to be had in Abu Dhabi. For those who are adverse to breaking into a sweat, there are rental bike rides along the waterfront Corniche or inland on the palm-sheltered pathways of the Al Ain Oasis. Hardcore cyclists will want to head to Jebel Hafit, Abu Abu's only real mountain. In the desert, one of highlights is the surreal Al Wathba cycle track, a purpose-built cycleway in the middle of nowhere.
Abu Dhabi is a Bike City, which gives it a special status for promoting cycling. There are 20 Bike Cities from Bergen in Norway to Wollongong in Australia. The emirate has a lot of money invested in cycling and is committed to promoting it.
Abu Dhabi is the world's hottest cycling city. It's a cycling destination thanks to the relentless desert sunshine.
