<strong>Sand, sea, sun, cycling:</strong> Abu Dhabi has been designated a Bike City by sport cycling's governing body UCI. Though hotter than most cycling destinations, it has some unique bike-related attractions.
Sand, sea, sun, cycling: Abu Dhabi has been designated a Bike City by sport cycling's governing body UCI. Though hotter than most cycling destinations, it has some unique bike-related attractions.
Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
<strong>Race riding:</strong> A highlight of cycling in Abu Dhabi is the Yas Marina Circuit. The Formula One track is opened for regular free cycling sessions on some mornings and evenings.
Race riding: A highlight of cycling in Abu Dhabi is the Yas Marina Circuit. The Formula One track is opened for regular free cycling sessions on some mornings and evenings.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>F1 families: </strong>Though popular with hardcore race riders, the Yas Marina experience is open to all comers, young and old.
F1 families: Though popular with hardcore race riders, the Yas Marina experience is open to all comers, young and old.
Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
<strong>Ready to go: </strong>For visitors or those without bikes, there's a selection of free-to-use road and hybrid bikes, plus helmets, available at the race track.
Ready to go: For visitors or those without bikes, there's a selection of free-to-use road and hybrid bikes, plus helmets, available at the race track.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Thrill ride: </strong>Even for non F1 fans, Yas Marina offers a thrilling ride amid the grandstands.
Thrill ride: Even for non F1 fans, Yas Marina offers a thrilling ride amid the grandstands.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Al Hudayriyat: </strong>This leisure island south of Abu Dhabi City is home to a series of cycling circuits that include an over-water loop.
Al Hudayriyat: This leisure island south of Abu Dhabi City is home to a series of cycling circuits that include an over-water loop.
Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
<strong>Abu Dhabi Cycling Club: </strong>With swanky new premises on Al Hudayriyat, the ADCC is responsible for coordinating cycling activities and investment in the emirate.
Abu Dhabi Cycling Club: With swanky new premises on Al Hudayriyat, the ADCC is responsible for coordinating cycling activities and investment in the emirate.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Bike bus:</strong> Cycling on Abu Dhabi's roads isn't for everyone, but there's a handy bike bus that can take riders to and from the Al Hudayriyat track.
Bike bus: Cycling on Abu Dhabi's roads isn't for everyone, but there's a handy bike bus that can take riders to and from the Al Hudayriyat track.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Fun times: </strong>"I'm a beginner, but all of my coworkers are cyclists and they told me, 'try it and you'll have fun'," says Ricky Bautista, on the far right. He joined his colleagues from Beyond Bikes, a shop in Dubai for a session in Al Hudayriyat.
Fun times: "I'm a beginner, but all of my coworkers are cyclists and they told me, 'try it and you'll have fun'," says Ricky Bautista, on the far right. He joined his colleagues from Beyond Bikes, a shop in Dubai for a session in Al Hudayriyat.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Bike shop:</strong> Wolfi's bike shop offers a range of upscale cycles for sale and rent at Al Hudayriyat.
Bike shop: Wolfi's bike shop offers a range of upscale cycles for sale and rent at Al Hudayriyat.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Wheels of glory:</strong> Wolfi's has some celeb bikes on display. This steed took Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar to Tour de France victory in 2020.
Wheels of glory: Wolfi's has some celeb bikes on display. This steed took Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar to Tour de France victory in 2020.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Al Wathba cycle track:</strong> Out in the desert dunes of Al Wathba, there's a purpose-built 30-kilometer track that's perfect for racing. Bikes can be rented cheaply on site.
Al Wathba cycle track: Out in the desert dunes of Al Wathba, there's a purpose-built 30-kilometer track that's perfect for racing. Bikes can be rented cheaply on site.
Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
<strong>Into the night:</strong> In the heat of summer, the Al Wathba track is best tackled before sunrise or after sunset. Solo riding on the illuminated track can be a surreal experience.
Into the night: In the heat of summer, the Al Wathba track is best tackled before sunrise or after sunset. Solo riding on the illuminated track can be a surreal experience.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Road to nowhere:</strong> Jebel Hafit, Abu Dhabi's only real mountain, is popular with hardcore riders who like to tackle its switchback road.
Road to nowhere: Jebel Hafit, Abu Dhabi's only real mountain, is popular with hardcore riders who like to tackle its switchback road.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>More to come: </strong>Abu Dhabi has invested more than $460 million in cycling, with 445 kilometers (277 miles) of cycle track under construction. On the way are a new indoor velodrome and a bike path that will link up Abu Dhabi with Dubai.
More to come: Abu Dhabi has invested more than $460 million in cycling, with 445 kilometers (277 miles) of cycle track under construction. On the way are a new indoor velodrome and a bike path that will link up Abu Dhabi with Dubai.
Barry Neild/CNN