Abu Dhabi’s cycling infrastructure

The hi-tech velodrome isn’t the first step, and nor is it scheduled to be the last

In November 2021, Abu Dhabi became the first Asian destination to receive the UCI’S ‘Bike City’ title. The UAE capital boasts 300km of tracks along the Corniche waterfront, at the nearby Al Wathba desert circuit and on Hudayriyat Island. While still in its construction phase, the latter recently hosted the time-trial in the UAE Tour, where American Brandon Mcnulty led home a UAE Team Emirates clean sweep on the podium.

Scheduled to open in 2025, the 3,500-seat Velodrome Abu

Dhabi is the centrepiece of the Hudayriyat sports complex and will be the venue for the 2029 Track World Championships. It will be adorned with a rooftop track, connected to the ground via a 600m cycling ramp winding around the outer walls, giving 360-degree views of the Abu Dhabi skyline. Elsewhere in the city, cyclists of all ages, abilities and genders can ride on the Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit during four-hour slots twice a week – including free bike hire. As part of an ongoing commitment to transform Abu Dhabi into a world class cycling hub, future plans include over 1,000km of protected cycle lanes and the ambitious Abu Dhabi loop – a 109km track connecting key attractions across the city.

Should the heat be too unbearable, there’s always Mywhoosh.