Dubai's famous cycling tracks: All you need to know

Dubai: Dubai is fast-tracking its journey to become one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world, with major developments underway to expand its cycling infrastructure.

Dubai, currently, boasts of 557km of dedicated cycling tracks, with 100km under construction and a further 185km planned over the coming years.

The RTA’s goal is to extend the total network to 1,000 kilometres by 2030, connecting residential areas, commercial districts, and major attractions.

In 2024 alone, Dubai recorded 47 million cycling trips.

Sheikh Hamdan was also briefed on an initiative to assign names to cycling tracks to enhance the user experience, establishing a unique identity for each route, and strengthening partnerships with the private sector. The initiative also seeks to attract investment, expand services catering to cyclists, and support the hosting of sports and recreational events along the tracks. The project is also expected to help expand services tailored to cyclists, such as rest stops, cafés, and rental stations.

The scale of usage reflects the growing popularity of cycling in the city, with 47 million cycling trips recorded in 2024 alone, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Dubai Urban Plan 2040

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the RTA, said the initiative aligns with directives from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. Sheikh Hamdan recently reviewed the emirate’s current and planned projects aimed at boosting sustainable transport and enhancing quality of life. He also reviewed the existing and future cycling infrastructure across Dubai.

Bicycle-friendly city

“Our goal is to transform Dubai into a bicycle-friendly city by offering safe, interconnected cycling options. This aligns with the broader Dubai Urban Plan 2040, which envisions Dubai as the world’s best city for living,” Al Tayer said during a recent briefing.

He added that expanding the cycling infrastructure supports the RTA’s mission to encourage sports and leisure activities while improving urban mobility and reducing environmental impact.

Speed limits and safety measures

• 30km/h on tracks shared with vehicles and those meant for amateur cyclists.

• 20km/h on urban tracks shared with pedestrians.

• No speed limit on professional training tracks.

These regulations are part of the RTA’s effort to implement international safety standards while accommodating cyclists of all skill levels.

The plan aims to increase the overall length of Dubai’s cycling tracks from the current 544 km to 1,000 km by 2030. This expansion will connect coastal areas like Jumeirah, Al Sufouh, and Marina to external tracks at Al Qudra, Seih Al Salam, and Nad Al Sheba via Al Barsha, Dubai Hills, and Nad Al Sheba.

Al Tayer affirmed that all new tracks are being designed and built in compliance with top international standards, tailored to the area’s specific needs. Special attention is paid to design features, user comfort, and the integration of first- and last-mile solutions.

“Cycling has emerged as a viable, healthy, and sustainable transport option in Dubai. Our goal is to offer a seamless experience that encourages both residents and visitors to adopt cycling as part of their daily lives,” he added.

Some popular cycling tracks

Al Quoz 4 Track

3 km length. The track serves the residential area in Al Qouz Fourth, connecting with various attraction points in the area.

Dubai Canal Track

7km length. The track extends through the road and connects between Jumeira St. and Al Meydan

Dubai Marina

5 km length. The track serves Dubai Marina, which is one of the most important areas in Dubai.

Jumeira Street Track

19km length. The track runs parallel to Jumeirah road and connects to Dubai Canal Track.

Khawaneej Track

19 km length. The track serves Al Khawaneej Community and connects to Mushrif Park track.

Meydan Track

13 km length. This track, in District One community, is a special track with connection to Nad Al Sheba cycle track.

Mushrif Track

15 KM length. The track consists of Mushrif Park track and the community of Mirdiff and connects to Warqaa from south and to Khawaneej from north

Al Qudra Track

67km length. One of the longest tracks in Dubai which connects Al Barrari area with Bab Al Shams through Al Qudra road.

Warqaa Track

7.4 km length. The track continues from Mirdiff all the way to Al Warqaa, serving Al Warqaa Park.