UAE traffic alert: Abu Dhabi announces rolling road closures for UAE Tour 2025

Dubai: Abu Dhabi’s AD Mobility has announced rolling road closures in Madinat Zayed, in the Al Dhafra region, as the UAE Tour cycling race kicks off on Monday.

Motorists in the area should prepare for phased closures from 12:50 pm to 4:30 pm as part of the first stage of the prestigious cycling event.

Road closure schedule

The race will begin at Shams Solar Power Plant, with the first closure affecting Sheikha Salama Bint Butti Road from 12:50 pm to 1:45 pm. Subsequent phases will see additional closures near Liwa Palace and Liwa Hospital from 2:00 pm to 3:55 pm.

As the race progresses toward Moreeb Dune, the route will feature a challenging terrain of steep climbs and descents. The Tal Moreeb road will close in stages, with restrictions from 3:15 pm to 4:20 pm, and the final section shutting down from 3:45 pm to 4:30 pm.

The stage concludes back in Liwa, with the final closure on Sheikha Salama Bint Butti Road between 3:45 pm and 4:30 pm.

Authorities have urged motorists to use alternative routes and allow extra travel time during these hours.

Road closure timings:

• Sheikha Salama Bint Butti Road: 12:50 pm- 1:45 pm

• Liwa Palace & Liwa Hospital area: 2:00 pm- 3:55 pm

• Route to Tal Moreeb: 3:15 pm- 4:20 pm

• Final closure (Sheikha Salama Bint Butti Road): 3:45 pm- 4:30 pm

Ras Al Khaimah Police have announced temporary road closures for the UAE Tour 2025 security rehearsal.

Starting Monday, February 17, 2025, from 11:30 AM until the rehearsal concludes, the following roads will be temporarily closed:

• Al Qawasim Corniche - Al Maamoura

• Al Muairidh Shamal Al Rams Street - Emirates Street

• Al Daqdaqa Bridge - Al Kharran

• Rashid Street - Al Wakalat Street

• Al Jazirah Al Hamra - Al Shuhada Al Taween Street

• Al Marjan Area - Al Liwa Street - Jebel Jais

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.