Cycling is a great way to stay fit and explore Abu Dhabi at the same time. And if you haven’t seen the city from the saddle before, now’s the ideal time to give it a spin.
Whether you’re looking to take in a spot of nature, get a snap of a stunning landmark or just pedal along while chatting to your pals, there are loads of opportunities to cycle in Abu Dhabi – and some of them are really cool.
From mountain biking at the zoo to racing around an F1 track, here are the very best places to cycle in Abu Dhabi. Prefer your bikes stationary? Check out the indoor spinning classes here.
Al Ain Zoo
What? Cycling in a zoo? Yes, well, sort of. Al Ain Zoo has launched a new mountain biking experience and it’s pretty great. Get on your bike and take on one of the paths along the rugged terrain at the foot of Jebel Hafeet. There are two tiers to choose from, one is aimed at mountain bikers with a trio of cool tracks of three, seven and nine kilometres and a track for younger cyclists still finding their balance and mastering their technique. For more about it, click here.
Pit stop: Who isn’t going to stop and take a snap of nearby Jebel Hafeet? Sorry, we simply can’t resist doing it for the ’gram.
Open Sun-Thu 10am-6pm (mountain bike and tricycle), Fri & Sat 7am-6pm (mountain bike) 1pm-7pm (tricycle). Nahyan The First St, Shiab Al Ashkhar, Abu Dhabi, www.alainzoo.ae (800 966).
Al Hudayriat Island
You’ve probably taken the drive over the bridge (which is impressive in itself) to Al Hudayriat Island for a weekend sunbathing session before, but did you also know you can hire bikes here? Yas Cycles rents them out for Dhs50 an hour and the dedicated bike tracks loop the island and offer magnificent views of Etihad Towers, the bright blue Gulf and the Downtown skyline.
Pit stop: Who doesn’t like a post-workout trip to a food truck? Yes, extra cheese, please.
Free. Open daily 8am-7pm. Al Hudayriat Island.
Al Wathba
Surrounded by dunes on all sides and with multiple routes this Al Wathba Cycle Track is a dream for families and emerging triathletes alike. The road is reserved for cyclists making it a safer place to take to the saddle too. The track is split into several routes and whether you’re up for the 8km, 16km, 20km, 22km or full 30km track you’ll be in for a super ride. Surrounded by miles of desert on either side it’s a beautiful place to cycle in Abu Dhabi. Get here early or later at night to make the most of the cool weather.
Pit stop: Take plenty of refreshments for when you’re in need of a breather.
Free. Daily 11am-11pm. Al Wathba Cycle Track, Abu Dhabi.
The Corniche
Back again. Riding a bike doesn’t have to be about thrills, adventure or workouts. If you just want a simple ride, some grade-A people-watching and the odd karak break, then there is no better spot than Abu Dhabi’s Corniche. Plus, with the skyline on one side and the Gulf on the other, in terms of backdrops you’ll struggle to find many better.
Pit stop: A’l Bahar for a quick caffeine boost at one of the cool coffee shops.
Free. Open daily 24 hours. The Corniche, Abu Dhabi.
Yas Marina Circuit
Formula One cars hit speeds of more than 330 kph so it is a relief they aren’t allowed on the track during cycling sessions. Instead, cyclists are the speedsters as they zip past joggers on the asphalt of one of the world’s great sports venues. You’ll enjoy the rush as you whizz round.
Pit stop: A post-cycle drink at Yas Marina is always inviting. It’s thirsty work, after all.
Free. Sun and Tue 5-10pm. Yas Marina Circuit, www.yasmarinacircuit.com.
