Dubai traffic alert: Road closures, delays expected on Friday

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced temporary road closures in Dubai on Friday, February 21, due to the UAE Tour MEN 2025 cycling event.

Certain roads in Dubai will be closed briefly to traffic as participants begin their race at 12:30pm from the American University in Dubai.

The route will include Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Naseem Street, Al Khail Road, Al Jamayel Street, and Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, before finishing near Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, covering a total distance of 160 km.

As part of traffic management, the RTA stated that some roads will be closed for 10 to 15 minutes at intervals until 4:3 0pm.

The RTA advises motorists to use alternative routes such as Ras Al Khor Road and Emirates Road until the event concludes. Drivers are also encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and leave early to ensure a smooth trip.

UAE Tour 2025: Exciting 7-Stage Race

The seventh edition of the UAE Tour takes place from February 17 to 23, 2025, covering 1,013 km across seven stages. The race will feature a mix of desert, mountain, and urban routes, highlighting the UAE’s diverse landscape and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Stage 5: American University Dubai to Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (160 km)

This stage begins in Dubai, passing iconic landmarks such as the Al Qudra Cycletrack and Meydan Racecourse, before culminating in an exciting sprint finish.

Expect Delays on Dubai Roads

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that delays are expected on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Hessa Street today due to the start of the ICC Champions Trophy at Dubai Sports City.

Delays are expected between 11am and 2pm, and again from 9 pm to 11 pm, the RTA confirmed.

The authority advises motorists to plan their trips in advance and leave early to ensure smooth travel during the event.

The RTA also advised that in conjunction with the launch of Dubai Games 2025, which runs from Thursday, February 20 to Sunday, February 23, motorists should plan their trips in advance and depart early to ensure timely arrivals at their destinations.

UAE Tour 2025: Thrilling 7-stage race

The seventh edition of the UAE Tour runs from February 17 to 23, 2025, covering 1,013 km across seven stages, including desert, mountain, and urban routes.

The race will feature mountainous, desert, and urban city routes, showcasing the UAE’s diverse geography and world-class infrastructure.

Stage-by-stage breakdown

Stage 1: The Desert Challenge (138 km)

The race kicks off on wide, straight roads leading to Liwa before entering an area of pronounced dunes. Cyclists will tackle two laps of the Moreeb Dune cycle path (18.1 km each), featuring steep climbs and double-digit gradients before heading back to Liwa for the finish.

Stage 2: Al Hudayriyat Island ITT (12.2 km)

A fast, flat time trial with only a few turns, designed for high-speed racing.

Stage 3: Mountain Ascent to Jebel Jais (179 km)

After crossing Al Marjan Island, the race heads toward Jais Mountain, where cyclists will face a 20 km climb with gradients of up to 9 per cent in the final stretch.

Stage 4: Fujairah to Umm Al Quwain (181 km)

The longest stage, featuring desert landscapes and crossing the most Emirates in a single day. Wind and sandstorms may play a key role.

Stage 5: Dubai Circuit (160 km)

Starting in Dubai, this stage passes key landmarks like the Al Qudra Cycletrack and Meydan Racecourse, before ending with a sprint finish.

Stage 6: Abu Dhabi City Sprint (167 km)

A city-stage passing through Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Qasr Al Hosn, concluding with a sprint finish at Abu Dhabi Breakwater.

Stage 7: The Jebel Hafeet Showdown (176 km)

The decisive mountain stage, featuring a 10 km final climb at gradients up to 11 per cent, determining the UAE Tour winner.

The UAE Tour, the only UCI World Tour race in the Middle East, highlights the country's diverse landscapes and world-class infrastructure, cementing its reputation as a top global sporting destination. This event is a significant platform to highlight the UAE’s tourism potential and ability to host major global sporting competitions.