Dubai: Dubai’s Mushrif National Park will have a new 50km sand bike track, the first track of its kind to be built by Dubai Municipality, Dubai Media Office announced on Wednesday.
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has approved the development the track.
Winding through the forest
In a series of tweets, Dubai Media Office said the project comes in line with the vision to make Dubai the world’s best city to live. The new track, to be created in phases, will be set amidst the park’s forest of 70,000 trees. The track will add 276km to the total existing and planned cycle tracks in Dubai, bringing the total length of bicycle tracks in the emirate to 739km by 2026.
Leadership's vision
The project forms part of the implementation of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the world’s best city to live in. It is also part of Sheikh Hamdan's directives to transform Dubai into the globe’s most bicycle-friendly city and promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, by building the high-quality infrastructure needed for residents to practise cycling as a sport.
Friendly for beginners
Dawoud Al Hajri, Director-General, Dubai Municipality, said: “The first phase of the winding track, which is three metres wide, has the capacity to accommodate more than 3,000 cyclists per day. The track starts from near the main gate of the park and ends at the same point. It features three quick-return lanes linked to three rest stops as well as two bike rental and repair shops. The rugged track provides an enjoyable riding experience even for beginners.
The sand bike track has been designed and constructed according to the highest international standards, specifications and technical guidelines, in alignment with the unique topography of the region. The track has been built not only to meet the requirements of amateur and professional cyclists, but also to encourage residents and visitors to practise sand cycling.
Phased development
In its first phase, the track will feature three crossing bridges. On project completion, it will have a total of 10 bridges. Set to be an exciting new destination for sports and adventure enthusiasts, it will also serve as the venue for regional and international competitions in the future.
Located less than 20km from the city centre and 10km from Dubai International Airport, Mushrif National Park is one of Dubai’s oldest and most popular family-oriented parks. Rich with indigenous wildlife and greenery, the 5.25 square kilomete park is home to 70,000 trees belonging to native species and unique birds.
