As the weather started to calm down (well, just a little bit), everyone, including me, couldn't resist the outdoors any longer. It's been on pause for a few months already, and we're really itching by now. Running was there for me, but I couldn't count it as outdoors per se. So, to kick off the season, I tried something different this time, which is biking in Mushrif Park!
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Mushrif Park in Dubai, UAE
Often described as an adventure park, Mushrif Park is not your typical green space in Dubai. While it offers plenty of picnic spots, it also features sports facilities and continues to improve year by year. Among its most popular attractions are the biking trails, obstacle courses managed by Aventura Parks, and—according to some—swimming pools. There are also “hiking trails,” though that might be a stretch depending on your definition.
How to Get to Mushrif Park in Dubai
Located between the quiet neighborhoods of Mirdif, Al Warqaa, and Al Khawaneej, Mushrif Park feels far removed from the usual city traffic and chaos.
Thankfully, it’s accessible both by private car and public transport.
Public Transportation:
If you’re taking public transport, here are your options:
- Dubai Metro: The nearest stations are Centrepoint (Red Line) and Etisalat by e& (Green Line)
- RTA Bus: The closest stop is MUPK1. You can take Bus 11 or 16 from Rashidiya Bus Station (now called Centrepoint Metro Bus Station)
- Hala Taxi
Do note that the Dubai Metro won’t take you directly to the park—you’ll need to take a taxi from the nearest station. Also, the metro doesn’t operate 24/7; on Sundays, it starts at 8 AM. If you’re planning an early visit, taking a bus or a Hala taxi would be more convenient.
Biking Trails
Since my visit was mainly for biking, I’ll focus on that for now. I may update this post or create a separate one as I explore more.
The park features three main biking trails: Green, Blue, and Red, each varying in difficulty—easy, moderate, and difficult, respectively.
A trail map is available at the starting point, showing guidelines and distances. For beginners, the Green Trail is ideal, offering both a shorter loop (5 km) and a longer one (13.8 km).
The Blue Trail sits between easy and difficult, with varying distances. While the shorter routes are manageable, a decent fitness level helps, especially on the uphill sections.
The Red Trail, on the other hand, includes more technical sections and should be approached with caution or enough prior experience.
Bike Rental Options
Luckily, there are bike rental options around the park too for those who don't own a bike (like me). They are located in different parts/sides of the park so make sure you park close to them. As of October 2024, these are the bike rental providers in the park:
- Edge Cycling
- Be Cyclist
- Al Motamaiez Bicycles
I’ve only tried Edge Cycling, where rates start at AED 60 per hour. Aside from rentals, they also operate as a bike shop offering servicing.
While they generally have enough bikes available—even on weekends—I’ve seen many recommendations online to book in advance. I’d suggest doing the same, especially during the peak winter season.
Biking Experience
As a total beginner, I tried the Green Trail (5 km) and the shortest of the Blue Trail (2.4 km) which nearly overlaps with the Green Trail. It was my first time biking outdoors and I was a little nervous about how different it was from biking on a paved road (during childhood and Bike Ride 2021).
Some shallow downhill and slight curves made my heart skip a beat already. Some parts along the Blue Trail made me scream and nervous to the point that I had to get off my bike. My friend was kind enough to guide me on how to navigate those sections but you can definitely tell I'm a beginner.
Too fast to be captured by our cameras, we even saw lots of squirrels and an Arabian Gazelle. And it made our experience more fun and memorable. I mean, how lucky could we be? Manifesting an Arabian Oryx in Qudra soon, please!
All in all (well math ain't adding up though), the bike ride for today was 8.8 km and it was more than enough for me for the first time. With the right amount of challenge, thrill, and shade (that's quite important in Dubai lol), biking in Mushrif Park was definitely the way to start the weekend!
Personal Thoughts on Biking in Mushrif Park
Although not as lush as a forest, Mushrif Park's biking trails were such a treat for outdoor enthusiasts like me. The park itself is accessible compared to Hatta and having multiple options for different fitness levels made it quite motivating.
While I'm no biker in nature, I'm happy to be able to experience a short ride outdoors without needing to buy my own bike. It was also a nice form of cross-training (as if I'm serious about that) to improve my current fitness level.
Until the first hike this season, I think I'll see myself in the park in the next few weekends to come. So, shall we meet there? 😉
