Al Qudra is Dubai's cycling track: about 80 km of continuous desert path, free to ride, 35-45 minutes from the city centre by car. Bike hire at the shops near the main car park costs roughly AED 50-100 for a few hours. Ride from October to April, and before 10 AM or after 4 PM at the edges of the season; in summer the heat decides for you. Below: the routes, the Love Lake detour, hire, heat rules, night riding, getting there, and how a ride sits next to our full-day desert safari.
By SB Excursions · Published 29 October 2026 · Updated 29 October 2026
Tour on this route: Full-Day Desert Safari in Dubai — From $45 per person, 7 hours.
How long is the Al Qudra cycle track?
The RTA gives 80.6 km for the continuous path, recognised by Guinness as the longest, and says sub-tracks extend the network by a further 135 km. Other sources quote 86 km or 180 km because they count different parts. The usual first ride is a loop of about 50 km, and a straight section called The Stick is about 17.5 km.
This guide also answers:
- Is the Al Qudra cycle track free?
- What is the best time to cycle at Al Qudra?
- Is Al Qudra good for beginners?
Five rides at Al Qudra and one off the bike
#1
The classic 50 km loop
The ride most visitors mean when they say Al Qudra: a paved loop of about 50 km through open desert, flat enough that wind matters more than hills. Allow 3-4 hours with stops, start at sunrise in the shoulder months, and turn back early if the headwind is stronger than you planned. There is shade at the rest areas but almost none on the track itself.
#2
A short ride to Love Lake
Two interlocking heart-shaped lakes, with the word LOVE spelled in the sand beside them. From the ground it is a pleasant lake with a path around it; the hearts only read from the air, so do not expect the famous picture without a balloon or a drone, and drones are tightly regulated in Dubai. Go at sunrise or late afternoon, when the light is soft and the air is cooler.
#3
The sunset ride after 4 PM
The cooler alternative to a dawn start. Be on the track after 4 PM and plan to finish in daylight: parts of the track are lit, but not all of it, so carry front and rear lights and wear reflective clothing if there is any chance of dusk. The light on the dunes is the reward, and the track empties out as the day cools.
#4
A slow ride for wildlife and the lakes
Water birds, flamingos among them, are regular at the Al Qudra Lakes, and Arabian oryx live in the protected desert reserves around Dubai; sightings are never guaranteed, so treat anything you see as a bonus. Keep your distance, never feed animals, take your rubbish home and follow the signs at the water. A slow 15-20 km out and back from the car park is plenty for this kind of ride.
#5
Not on a bike: the dunes by 4x4
The track is flat and quiet; dune bashing is neither. Our full-day desert safari goes to the Lahbab Red Dunes for 30-45 minutes of dune bashing, sandboarding, a camel ride, sunset and a BBQ dinner with shows at Al Khayma camp. It takes 7 hours, runs from $45 per person with hotel pickup, and you agree the date on WhatsApp and pay on the day.
Cycling in Dubai: the short answer
Al Qudra is the place to cycle in Dubai. It is a paved desert track of about 80 km that the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) runs, recognised by Guinness as the longest continuous cycling path, with side routes on top. Riding is free, the surface is smooth and flat, and the usual first ride is a loop of about 50 km from the main car park. Shops nearby hire bikes and helmets for roughly AED 50-100 for two to four hours, depending on the bike and the day; check the price before you commit, because shops set their own.
The limit is heat, not distance. From October to April it is a pleasure for most of the day; at the edges of the season go before 10 AM or after 4 PM; from May to September skip it, or ride only before sunrise with a lot of water. Most of the track is open desert with almost no shade, and help is a phone call and some minutes away, not round the corner.
This guide covers the routes, the Love Lake detour, bike hire, the heat rules by month, night riding, getting there and back, and other places to ride. For the rest of the city by rail and car, start with how to get around Dubai.
The Al Qudra track: routes, length and Love Lake
The track lies in the desert of east Dubai, close to Arabian Ranches and Studio City, and the Al Qudra Lakes and the Love Lake are nearby. The RTA gives 80.6 km for the continuous path and says sub-tracks extend the network by a further 135 km, which is why you will see 86 km, 50 km and 180 km quoted in different places: they describe different slices of the same network. Along the way there are emergency phones at about 30 points, shaded rest areas with seats, and some cafes and toilets, mostly near the main entrance.
| Route | Length (about) | Who it suits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main loop from the car park | 50 km | Fit beginners, most casual riders | The usual first ride; allow 3-4 hours with stops |
| The Stick, a straight section beside the main road | 17.5 km | Riders who want an easy out-and-back | Doubles to about 35 km if you turn round at the end; headwind on one leg |
| Shorter loops (routes 2 and 3) | Shorter than the main loop | Experienced riders | Described as tougher; ask the bike shop which sections are rougher or windier |
| The whole network | 80.6 km continuous, plus side routes | Club riders, long training days | Carry food, a spare tube and more than 2 litres of water |
Lengths are approximate and quoted differently by different sources; check the RTA or the shop on the day.
Love Lake is the detour most people want: two interlocking heart-shaped lakes in the sand, close to the track. From the ground it is a pleasant lake with a path around it; the hearts only read from above, so do not expect the famous photograph without a balloon or a drone. Drones are tightly regulated in Dubai, so read the drone rules guide and the official source before you fly anything.
Water birds, flamingos among them, are regular at the Al Qudra Lakes, and oryx and gazelles live in the protected desert reserves around Dubai. Treat any sighting as a bonus, keep your distance and never feed animals.
Bike hire: what to expect and what to check
Shops near the track rent road and hybrid bikes, helmets and safety gear; a Trek store at the end of the track is one of them, and some shops take bookings online by date and bike type. Prices we have seen listed run from about AED 55 for two hours on a weekday to about AED 100 for four hours on a carbon road bike, with weekends costing more. Treat that as a guide, not a quote: shops set their own prices and change them.
A few things make the hire go well:
- Choose a road or hybrid bike. The track is paved, and a mountain bike is slower and more tiring on it.
- Book ahead for weekend mornings, when the popular sizes go first.
- Ask what ID or deposit the shop takes, and what time it closes, so you are back with margin.
- Check brakes, tyres and saddle height before you leave the shop, not at kilometre 20.
- Wear the helmet. It is supplied with the hire, and the track is shared with fast club riders at weekends.
- Bring your own bike if you have one; nothing stops you, and the car park is the start.
Heat rules: when to ride and when not to
Dubai's heat is the reason Al Qudra is a cool-season activity. The general rule from local guides is to ride before 10 AM or after 4 PM, and in summer not to ride at all once the sun is up. The table turns that into months.
| Months | What to expect | Ride window | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| December-February | Mild days; desert mornings can feel properly cool | Any time; a light layer for the first hour | The best months |
| November, March | Warm, with a strong sun by midday | Before 11 AM or after 3 PM | Good |
| October, April | Hot from late morning | Before 10 AM or after 4 PM | Fine with an early start |
| May-September | Over 40°C by day, with almost no shade on the track | Before sunrise only, and only for experienced riders | Skip it |
These are general guides, not forecasts. Check the weather and the wind on the morning you ride.
Carry at least 2 litres of water, add electrolytes in warm months, and use sunscreen, sunglasses and gloves. There are water refill points near the main entrance, but not along the whole loop, so fill up before you leave it. A good rule is to turn back when half your water is gone.
Watch for the signs of heat illness: dizziness, a pounding headache, nausea, or suddenly stopping sweating. Stop, find shade, drink and rest, and if you do not recover quickly call 999 for the police or 998 for an ambulance. Wind is the second variable: a windy day can blow sand across the track, and a headwind on the way back doubles the effort. Our month-by-month guide to Dubai and the summer heat guide cover the weather around the ride.
Night riding, group etiquette and track rules
Parts of the track are lit at night, but not all of it, and the desert on either side is completely dark. If you ride at dusk or after, use a front and rear light and wear reflective clothing. Weekend mornings bring fast club groups, so keep right, hold your line and signal before you stop; do not stop in the middle of the track for a photograph.
Stay on the track, do not walk on it, take your rubbish with you and follow the signs at the lakes. The desert around Al Qudra includes protected areas, so do not ride off the paved route. If you are unsure about a section, ask the shop when you pick up the bike.
Getting there and back
Al Qudra is about 35-45 minutes by car from the city centre, and a car is the easy way: the main start is by a food-truck stop called The Last Exit, with parking and the bike shops close by. There is no Metro station, and public transport that far into the desert is limited.
A taxi or Careem to the track is straightforward; the return is the hard part, because few drivers are waiting in the desert. Book the ride back before you set off and leave margin for sunset. The taxi and Careem guide has the fare rules and booking tips. Local guides describe the track as open round the clock, while the shops keep their own hours, and opening can change during Ramadan or events.
Other places to ride in Dubai
If Al Qudra is too far or too hot, the city has flatter, shorter options. The Nad Al Sheba cycle track near Meydan is a loop of about 12 km that locals use for evening rides; check its lighting and hours. The Business Bay and Dubai Canal promenade is a flat urban ride with the skyline in view, and the paths along the Jumeirah coast suit a gentle sunset spin.
The Dubai Fitness Challenge also runs an annual Dubai Ride: The National reported it for Sunday 1 November 2026, with a 4 km family loop and a 12 km route, and pre-registration required. As of 29 October 2026 that is days away, so check the details in our Dubai Fitness Challenge guide first.
A ride and a desert day with us: how they fit
Al Qudra is a self-guided ride; our desert days are the other end of the spectrum. The full-day desert safari takes 7 hours and costs from $45 per person, or $65 with the 30-minute quad bike ride. A 4x4 collects you at your hotel in Dubai, Sharjah or Ajman, and you agree the date on WhatsApp and pay on the day with no prepayment. Cycling is not part of it.
Doing both on one day is possible in the cool months but tiring: after 50 km on a bike, a bumpy dune-bashing session is not everyone's idea of rest. Ride in the morning, rest in the afternoon, and book the safari for another day, or choose the evening. If you want an engine rather than pedals, the evening quad bike safari gives you 60 minutes on a self-drive quad from $70 per person on a bike shared by two ($105 for your own); the quad biking guide has the age rules.
For an early start of a different kind, the sunrise hot air balloon flies over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve from $275 per person; it collects you before dawn and takes 4-5 hours door to door, so it needs a morning of its own. The Lahbab Red Dunes guide describes where the safari goes.
FAQ
How long is the Al Qudra cycle track?
The RTA gives 80.6 km for the continuous path, recognised by Guinness as the longest, and says sub-tracks extend the network by a further 135 km. Other sources quote 86 km or 180 km because they count different parts. The usual first ride is a loop of about 50 km, and a straight section called The Stick is about 17.5 km.
Is the Al Qudra cycle track free?
Yes, there is no charge to ride the track itself. You pay only for bike hire if you need it, roughly AED 50-100 for two to four hours depending on the bike and the day; the shops set their own prices, so check before you hire.
What is the best time to cycle at Al Qudra?
December to February is the best, with mild days, and October, November, March and April work with an early or late start. As a rule, ride before 10 AM or after 4 PM, and from May to September skip it: it is over 40°C by day with almost no shade.
Can I hire a bike at Al Qudra?
Yes. Bike shops near the track rent road and hybrid bikes, helmets and safety gear, and some take online bookings by date and bike type. Book ahead for weekend mornings, choose a road or hybrid bike rather than a mountain bike, and ask what ID or deposit the shop wants.
Is Al Qudra lit at night?
Parts of the track are lit, not all of it, and the desert on both sides is dark. If you ride at dusk or after, use front and rear lights and reflective clothing, and keep to the paved route.
Where is the Love Lake?
It is close to the Al Qudra track in the desert of east Dubai, a short detour for riders. It is two interlocking heart-shaped lakes; from the ground it is a lake with a path around it, and the hearts only show from the air. Check the map or ask at the bike shop for the current route.
Is Al Qudra good for beginners?
Yes, with care. The surface is paved and the ground is flat, so the difficulties are wind, heat and distance. Start with a shorter out-and-back from the car park instead of the full 50 km loop, carry 2 litres of water and tell someone your plan.
How do I get to Al Qudra without a car?
By taxi or Careem, about 35-45 minutes from the city centre; there is no Metro station. The risk is the return, because few drivers wait in the desert, so book the ride back before you go. The Dubai taxi and Careem guide covers fares and booking.
Recommended Dubai tours for this guide
Full-Day Desert Safari in Dubai
It is the slow-travel version of the classic safari: more time on the dunes, sunset without the crowds and a full evening programme at a premium camp with air-conditioned tents, unlimited drinks and a large BBQ buffet with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Everything is arranged from the hotel door — a licensed English-speaking driver, the 4x4, the camp and the shows.
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Area
- Lahbab Desert, Dubai
- Format
- Full-day desert safari
- Best for
- families, couples and first-time desert visitors who want the full evening programme
From $45 per person No prepayment
View tour
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon in Dubai
It is the desert from above at first light: gazelles, oryx and camels in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the Hajar Mountains on the horizon and the dunes turning gold. After landing a vintage Land Rover or SUV takes you to a private Bedouin camp for a gourmet breakfast (veg and non-veg options), a short camel ride and a falcon photo, and every guest gets an electronic flight certificate signed by the pilot.
- Duration
- 4-5 hours
- Area
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
- Format
- Shared sunrise balloon flight with breakfast
- Best for
- couples, photographers and anyone who wants the desert at sunrise from above
From $275 per person 30% deposit
View tour
Evening Quad Bike Desert Safari
It is the desert safari for people who want to drive, not just ride along: a full hour on a self-drive quad is part of the price, from $70 per person on a bike shared by two guests or $105 on your own quad. The rest of the evening is the classic camp programme — sandboarding, a camel ride, sunset photos, Arabic coffee and dates, henna for women, a live BBQ buffet and the shows — with hotel pickup and no prepayment.
- Duration
- 6-7 hours
- Area
- Lahbab Desert, Dubai
- Format
- Shared quad safari
- Best for
- couples, friends and active travellers who want to drive a quad on the dunes, not just ride in a 4x4
From $70 per person No prepayment
View tour📚 Keep reading
Photos: Aerial view of the turquoise Al Qudra Lakes with tree-dotted islands set in pale desert sand — Charbel Zakhour, CC BY-SA 4.0, A slow ride for wildlife and the lakes — Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons).