Dubai this week launched the new Dubai Cycling Pass: an initiative designed to encourage cycling as part of everyday life across the city, while strengthening the Emirate's position as a destination for active tourism.
Introduced by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Sports Council, the pass forms part of a wider push to integrate sport, wellbeing and movement into the emirate’s lifestyle offering.
At the heart of the initiative are nine designated cycling routes across Dubai, catering to a wide range of abilities and interests. The routes span urban, coastal and mountainous environments, offering both residents and visitors varied ways to experience the city by bike, including routes that follow:
- Nad Al Sheba to Meydan
- Jumeirah Corniche
- Dubai Water Canal
- Hatta Mountain Bike Track
Together, they highlight the scale and diversity of Dubai’s cycling infrastructure — from family-friendly paths to more demanding endurance routes.
The Cycling Pass comes with a digital passport so riders can collect virtual stamps as they complete each track, turning pedal miles into a gamified journey. There’s even a physical passport for the serious riders out there.
Officials say the initiative supports broader goals around public health, sustainability and tourism, while encouraging people to explore Dubai beyond its usual landmarks. By linking cycling with travel and lifestyle, the city aims to position active living as a core part of its identity.
For both residents and visitors, the Dubai Cycling Pass offers a structured way to engage with the city’s growing cycling network, and a reminder that Dubai’s ever-growing sport culture extends well beyond stadiums and gyms.
