Dubai’s dynamic Ladies’ Tour de Dubai cycling race brings thrills and temporary road closures / Image: file
Dubai is set to host the second stage of the UAE Tour Women 2026 this Friday, February 6, bringing world-class professional cycling to the heart of the city. The race kicks off at 12:50 PM from the Dubai Police Academy in Al Sufouh and winds through some of the emirate’s most iconic landscapes.Cyclists will cover approximately 145 kilometers, heading out toward the desert and passing through Dubai Investment Park, the Al Qudra Cycle Track, and Dubai Sports City. The challenging route will eventually lead the peloton back toward the city, passing the Meydan Racecourse before concluding at the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University at approximately 4:30 PM.
What roads will close?
To protect competitors, several key roads in Dubai will be temporarily shut down for 10–15 minutes at a time as the cyclists pass.Cyclists will ride through major routes including:
- Umm Suqeim Street
- Hessa Street
- Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street
- Expo Road
- Lehbab Road / Al Qudra Road
- Saih Al Salam Street
- Saih Al Dahal Street
Each closure will be rolling and brief, reopening once the riders have safely passed. This smart staging helps balance city traffic flow with race safety.The RTA has urged motorists to plan ahead, start journeys early, and use alternative routes where possible to ease delays.
UAE Tour Women 2026
The Ladies’ Tour de Dubai stage is just one piece of a larger celebration of women’s cycling in the UAE. The UAE Tour Women runs multiple stages across Emirati cities, combining sprint challenges with longer endurance stages.While Dubai hosts the opening segment this Friday, riders will continue through other parts of the UAE in the coming days. This multi-day event attracts top international stars and underlines the UAE’s growing role in global cycling.Dubai’s connection with competitive cycling also fits into the broader rise of two-wheeled sport and recreation across the city. Cycling events, races, club rides, and cycling tourism have all increased in recent years, attracting both elite athletes and casual riders.
What’s next?
On the day of the race, traffic planners and commuters will face temporary disruptions, but city authorities have coordinated closures carefully to minimise impact where possible.While some drivers may experience short delays near key race sections, the planned closures will rotate and clear once cyclists move through each stretch.This method helps drivers still make progress on their journeys, while cyclists enjoy a safe, uninterrupted route. The RTA’s advice to leave early and check navigation apps reflects common sense travel planning on busy event days.