As an adventurous resident in Dubai, I’ve always wanted to try the famous Al Qudra cycling track. But there was one problem: I didn’t own a bike and had zero experience cycling long distances, except for my Careem Bike Adventures. I also heard that the track, officially labeled Cycle Track at Saih Al Salam, is mostly used by experienced cyclists, which made it even more intimidating for a complete beginner like me.
After a lot of mental preparation (and a bit of financial convincing), I finally gave it a try. We cycled the Blue Track and transitioned to Link 1 (Yellow Route). In this guide, I’m sharing my full experience cycling in Al Qudra without owning a bike, plus everything beginners need to know before attempting it in 2026.
Al Qudra Cycling Track Overview & Quick Facts:
Officially called the Cycle Track at Saih Al Salam, this cycling destination in the desert offers multiple routes suitable for different fitness levels.
- Number of Routes: 4 main tracks + 2 link routes
- Distance: 19 km to 49 km
- Difficulty: Intermediate (challenging for total beginners)
- Time Required: 2–8 hours, depending on route and pace
- Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or sunset (avoid midday heat)
- Highlights: Desert landscapes, Wildlife spotting (gazelles, camels, oryx), Al Qudra Lakes nearby, Peaceful, traffic-free cycling experience
Cycling Route Taken in Al Qudra - Blue & Yellow
Out of all the available routes, we followed the Blue Track (Route 1) and transitioned to the Yellow Route (Link 1) to shorten the overall distance.
Our Cycling Stats:
- Total Distance: 46.23 km
- Total Time: 6 hours 34 minutes (including breaks)
- Total Ascent: 318 m
- Pace: Beginner-friendly with multiple stops
As a beginner without my own bike, this route was extremely challenging but achievable, especially with enough breaks and proper pacing.
Where is Al Qudra & How to Get There from Dubai
The Al Qudra Cycling Track, officially known as the Cycle Track at Saih Al Salam, is located in the desert outskirts of Dubai, near Al Qudra Lakes and Last Exit Al Qudra.
Unlike the cycling tracks in the city, this cycling track is completely surrounded by desert, which is part of its charm. But that also means getting there requires a bit of planning.
By Car (Recommended):
The easiest and most convenient way to reach Al Qudra is by private car.
- Drive towards Al Qudra Road (D63)
- Head to Last Exit Al Qudra (main access point)
- Free parking is available near the cycling track and rental shops
💡 Tip: If you’re planning to cycle at sunrise, driving is your best option.
By Taxi/Hala Taxi (Best for Non-Drivers):
If you don’t drive (like me), taking a taxi via Careem (Hala Taxi) is the most practical alternative.
- Pin Last Exit Al Qudra or Al Qudra Cycling Track as your destination
- Travel time: ~40–50 minutes from central Dubai
- Estimated cost: AED 60–100 (one way)
💡 Tip: Book your return ride in advance or arrange a pickup time. Taxi availability in Al Qudra can be limited, especially after long rides. If you know a driver, it’s even better to schedule them ahead of time.
By Public Transportation (Least Recommended):
Public transport to Al Qudra is possible—but it requires extra time and effort.
- From BurJuman Metro Bus Stop, take Bus 67 to Dubai Int’l Endurance City
- Get off at Seih Al Salam Farm 1
- From there, you’ll need to:
- Walk ~25 minutes or
- Take a short taxi (~1.9 km) to reach the track
⏱️ Total travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours (one way)
💡 Because of the long travel time and additional transfer, this option is not ideal, especially if you’re planning an early or physically demanding cycling session.
Bike Rental Options in Al Qudra
Similar to my biking experience in Mushrif Park, there are several bike rental options available around Al Qudra, even if you don’t own your own bicycle.
Popular Bike Rental Shops:
- Trek Bikes UAE (5:30 AM - 10 PM)
- Wolfis (5 AM - 10 PM)
- Careem Bikes
Both Trek Bikes UAE and Wolfi’s are conveniently located at Last Exit Al Qudra (Google Pin Here!), the main starting point for many cyclists. Another option, Hello Bike, is located further north in Al Yalayis 1.
I rented the Trek FX Sport 3 (Hybrid Flat Bar) from Trek Bikes UAE for AED 160 (6 hours). Here’s what was included:
- ✅ Free helmet
- ➕ Optional saddle cover (AED 15) — highly recommended for long rides
Fortunately, we weren't charged any additional fees even though we exceeded the 6-hour rental duration.
How to Rent a Bike (Beginner-Friendly Process)
To secure your bike, I highly recommend booking in advance, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Here’s what the process looked like for me:
- Reserved the bike online via the provider’s website
- Signed an electronic waiver in advance
- Present a valid ID (Emirates ID or passport) upon arrival
💡Tip: If you’re new to cycling, Mr. A (my boyfriend) recommended starting with a flat bar bike instead of a drop bar. Flat bars offer better control, comfort, and confidence, especially for long-distance rides in the desert. You can always upgrade to a road bike once you’re more experienced.
Cycling Experience
As a total beginner in serious cycling, the 46-kilometer ride was easier said than done.
The first part felt exciting, everything was new. The desert, the open road, fast cyclists passing by, and nothing but the sound of cars in the distance and the wind.
But as soon as we transitioned to the Yellow Route (Link 1), the real challenge began. That’s where I encountered my first proper uphill sections and had to quickly learn how to shift gears. Learning it on the spot? Not ideal.
Then came the wind.
It started getting ridiculously strong to the point where every pedal felt like forever. Add that to the uphills and the fact that we still had over 25 km to go… it was brutal.
By then, I was just counting down every distance to the next shade (Shade #7). There were no rest stops along the Yellow Route, so finally reaching one felt like a reward. I was so exhausted that I even took a quick nap before pushing on to Shade #8.
After that came the highest uphill (so far) that we had to get off our bikes and walk. Thankfully, what followed was a gradual downhill, which felt amazing.
But the most unexpected part came next.
In the middle of the desert, we spotted what looked like a turquoise lake. But based on the map, there was no lake. So, it was completely because of the rains from the previous days.
As we got closer, we realized the track itself was submerged. I was a bit nervous as cycling through it didn’t look predictable at all. We tried to find a way around it, but eventually had no choice but to get wet and cross it. Wet shoes and socks it is!
Strangely enough, that’s when my mood shifted. It stopped feeling like a struggle and started feeling like an adventure.
We still had a long way to go (and yes, my legs and everything else were already on fire!), but I genuinely enjoyed the final stretch. We made one last stop at Shade #11 to dry off… only to end up crossing another flooded section shortly after. This time with clear running water, which we managed to cycle through.
At the end of the track, we saw signs pointing to nearby spots like Al Qudra Lakes and bird-watching areas. I was way too exhausted to explore, but it’s definitely something I’d come back for. We also finally spotted a Careem bike station, which I was curious to find!
What to Bring & What to Expect (Beginner Tips)
Even if it’s your first time cycling in the desert, a little preparation goes a long way.
🎒 What to Bring:
- Water (2–3L) + light snacks – no facilities along the track
- Sunscreen & sunglasses – strong sun + wind exposure
- Phone + power bank – for navigation and emergencies
- Small cycling bag – I used my Osprey Katari 3
- Face cover (buff/scarf) – helpful during windy or sandy conditions
💡 What To Expect:
- No shade – start early (sunrise is best)
- Long, steady ride – pace yourself and take breaks
- Weather Matters – rain can flood parts of the track; strong winds make cycling harder
- Remote location – cycling with a companion is safer
- Marked rest stops – use shaded areas (“shades”) to recover
Personal Thoughts on Cycling in Al Qudra Cycling Track in Dubai:
Compared to biking in Mushrif Park & regular cycling tracks around the city, cycling in Al Qudra was by far my most adventurous experience in Dubai. But it is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
It’s not just about distance—it’s a real test of endurance, patience, and mental strength. The combination of long stretches, wind resistance, and desert conditions makes it far more challenging than your usual city ride.
That said, the open desert views, wildlife sightings, and complete escape from the city made it all worth it. It feels remote and wild yet still relatively accessible.
Who Is This Track For?
This ride is a great fit if you:
- Want to challenge yourself beyond casual cycling
- Are okay with long distances (20–50 km)
- Don’t mind cycling under the sun with minimal shade
- Enjoy quiet, scenic desert landscapes
This ride may NOT be ideal if you:
- Prefer short, easy, or leisurely rides
- Are not used to long-distance cycling or endurance activities
- Expect frequent stops, shops, or facilities along the way
As a beginner, I found it really tough, mostly because of the distance. But the moment I finished, I felt nothing but pride. It pushed me out of my comfort zone once again, in the best possible way. If you want the same experience, this is your sign!
💡 Ready for more cycling adventures in the UAE? Check these out:
