The Al Qudra Cycle Track Was Quite a Ride! Here’s Why You Should Give It a Try
If there’s one place in the world where boredom doesn’t exist, we’d bet it’s Dubai! It doesn’t matter if you’re a kid, a lazy traveller or an adventure seeker, there’s always something for you in this city.
And if you’re like me who loves to ride bikes, you can’t miss visiting Al Qudra Cycle Track. It’s one of my favorite places to ride my bicycle while admiring the vast desert.
So of course, I have to share this place with you through this guide that will tell you everything you need to know about Al Qudra Cycle Track.
What is Al Qudra Cycle Track?
Al Qudra Cycle Track is an 86-kilometer cycling track in the middle of the desert where fitness enthusiasts, adventure seekers and regular tourists can go on rides while enjoying Dubai’s nature and wildlife.
The cycling track is divided into four routes with varying difficulties to cater to both beginner and professional cyclists.
Route 1 stretches for 50 kilometers and is the easiest route to tackle, making it perfect for beginners. Routes 2 and 3 are shorter, but they are more difficult to traverse, making them ideal for professionals.
Route 4 stretches for 17.5 kilometers and it’s known to riders as “The Stick” since it’s a straight track running through D 36 Al Qudra Road.
As you ride these routes, you’ll not only enjoy the vast Arabian desert but you can also get up close with its inhabitants including the famous Arabian Oryx.
Best Time to Go
Al Qudra Cycle Track is open 24 hours daily and even on holidays. It’s an outdoor attraction without any shade, so it’s best to visit during the winter months.
During this time, the weather is cooler, so you won’t have any problems with the heat while riding your bicycle.
But if you’re visiting Dubai during summer, you can ride in Al Qudra Cycle Track before sunrise since the sun gets scorching hot at 9:00 AM and right before sunset.
It’s not advised to ride at night time since some parts of the track are not lit, making it hard and unsafe to navigate the routes.
Things to Know
Al Qudra Cycle Track doesn’t have an entry fee, so you can visit any time without paying for anything.
The track is located 35 minutes away from the city center. So, if you’re traveling for the first time, it’s best to ride a taxi or book a private car service to take you to the location.
If you want to ride a bicycle but don’t have any bike or gear, you can rent everything you need at the Trek Bicycle Store.
If you want to ride more comfortably, make sure to rent gel saddle seats for AED 16 at the bike rental store.
It’s okay to use a regular road bike since most of the track is flat and doesn’t require mountain bikes.
How to Get Around
Trains: There are no trains going to Al Qudra Cycle Track.
Buses: Take the F30 bus at the Mall of Emirates Metro Bus Station and stop at the Studio City Operation Office Station where you can take a taxi going to Al Qudra Cycle Track.
Taxis: You can ride a taxi from anywhere in Dubai to Al Qudra Cycle Track. Prepare to spend at least AED 100 for a two-way ride.
Car service: If you want to travel at your own pace, it’s best to book a private car service or chauffeured car to visit Al Qudra Cycle Track.
Where to Stay Near Al Qudra Cycle Track
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa
Address: Al Qudra Road opposite Endurance City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 809 6100
Pricing: $$$
This stunning luxury resort makes you feel like royalty with its beautiful Moorish-inspired rooms and suites, and world-class amenities like its own spa, pool and restaurants so you have everything you need in one place.
Bab Al Shams is definitely the best desert retreat in our book, so you have to check it out if you don’t mind spending more during your vacation.
Terra Solis Dubai
Address: Dubai Heritage Vision Exit – 29 Jebel Ali – Lehbab Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 459 8300
Pricing: $$$
This stunning luxury resort features rooms nestled right in the desert, giving a whole new meaning to “glamping.” It also has one of the most beautiful pools I’ve ever seen with daybeds right on the water.
And if you think that being away from the city means not enjoying any nightlife, this is where “Tomorrowland,” one of Dubai’s biggest parties, happens every year.
Where to Eat Near Al Qudra Cycle Track
Last Exit Al Qudra
Address: Al Qudra Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Pricing: $$
You may be in Al Qudra Cycle Track to burn some calories, but for sure, you can’t resist visiting Last Exit Al Qudra, one of the top foodie destinations in Dubai for those who love street food.
This area is filled with food trucks serving everything from salads to burgers – and everything in between – in a laidback, artsy, equestrian-inspired setup that’s perfect for relaxing and taking photos for the ‘Gram!
Hidden Cafe
Address: Al Qudra Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 50 152 3864
Pricing: $$
Hidden Cafe isn’t anything like your mainstream cafes in the city. It’s an off-the-grid pop-up that only opens near Al Qudra Cycle Track during the winter months.
But if you’re lucky enough to catch it open for business, you’ll know why it quickly rose to fame, especially to the artsy crowd. This cafe has that relaxing boho vibes complete with rope chairs and a mirror installation that’s the perfect spot for some photos.
But it’s really the food that makes Hidden such a hit among diners. In fact, it’s so popular that even His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum paid the cafe a visit.
Where to Shop Near Al Qudra Cycle Track
Trek Bicycle Store
Address: Al Qudra Lakes – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 832 7377
If you’re ready to go cycling in Al Qudra Cycle Track but you didn’t bring a bicycle or any gear with you, don’t fret because Trek Bicycle Store has you covered.
This bike rental and gear store is located right in Al Qudra Cycle Track, so you can easily rent a bike if you want to enjoy the track.
A two-hour rental would cost you AED 53 on weekdays and AED 95 on weekends. And since a lot of people visit Al Qudra Cycle Track, the store encourages online pre-booking to ensure that you have a bike on your visit.
The store also has all the gear that you need for rent or sale. Here, you can buy or rent suits, shoes, helmets and other accessories to make your ride more comfortable and safe.
What to Expect from Weather in Al Qudra Cycle Track
Summer: Summer season in Dubai runs from June to September and this is the hottest time of the year with temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius during the day.
Winter: Winter season in Dubai runs from December to March and it’s the best time to explore Al Qudra Cycle Track since the weather can drop to as low as 16 degrees Celsius.
Transition period: Dubai experiences two transition periods from April to May and October to November.
Apps to Download When Visiting Al Qudra Cycle Track
Visit Dubai: The official tourism app of Dubai that’s designed to offer information about the different attractions in and around the city
RTA Dubai Drive: Drive around Dubai safely and conveniently with this app that has detailed maps of the city’s streets and the best parking spots
S’hail: The tool to use if you’re commuting around Dubai since it has all the information you need about the city’s public transport system
Uber: The most useful app when booking a private car service to take you around Dubai
Careem: Dubai’s alternative to Uber if you want to book a private car service