While many people head to the French Alps or Dolomites to train and soak in the sensational views, some of the best cycling in the world actually happens to be right on our doorstep. Here are eight of the best spots close to the UAE. Salalah (Oman) The city of Salalah is home to some of the most striking scenery and cycling in the region. It’s green and lush — banana trees and coconuts line...
November 2022 marks the inaugural edition of the Bike Abu Festival, a week-long celebration of pedal power featuring pro riders, events for amateurs, and entertainment for the family. And it’s all just part of the capital’s plans to become a major hub for velo lovers There’s a revolution happening in Abu Dhabi – and it’s taking place on two wheels. Cycling has become increasingly popular in the nation’s capital in recent years. Riders of all...
Cycling, and in particular road cycling, is one of the fastest growing sports in the UAE, and riders are well and truly spoiled for choice when it comes to races over the next few cooler months. From climbing adventures in RAK to UCI qualifiers in Dubai, there’s something for anyone who loves life in the peloton. The season kicked off over the weekend with the Khorfakkan Clouds Challenge on October 30. This coastal town in Sharjah...
The Sober Curious movement has spawned a wealth of books, social media organisations and support groups to help those who want to quit drinking alcohol.
This article is published as part of a series marking Movember, a month highlighting men’s health, mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Back in June 2014, a cheery wave from a small hand would change my life for good. The hand belonged to my then two-year-old daughter, and she was waving at me as I was being wheeled into a Dubai hospital for surgery. My op was the culmination of a...
The UAE is home to the boozy brunch but more and more people are choosing to give up or reduce their alcohol intake and join the sober curious movement.
It’s one of the most popular sports in the UAE, spurred on by the annual flagship tournament: the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC). Heading into its 13th year in 2022, the competition usually takes place in April, when the world’s best going up against local talent. There are also competitions for junior fighters under the age of 18. In total, some 2,000 athletes are expected to compete over the next few days and...
There’s no denying there are many reasons why 2020 was a year to forget, but it did produce a few positives and one of them was the growth of the UAE’s cycling scene. The sport took off in a big way last year. A survey of 3,100 riders by the country’s Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre of at the end of 2020 revealed that 20 per cent of them had got into the sport because...
If you aren’t quite ready to hit the roads outdoors or just want to stay in the comfort of your own home, or do a bit of both, indoor cycling is a great option. What you need: an indoor trainer There are a variety of indoor machines you can buy that attach to your outdoor bicycle so you can use it in the comfort of your home. Some of them are cheap and cheerful, while...
Iconic car-free tracks, challenging mountain climbs and breathtaking scenery are just a few of the reasons why cycling is becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in the UAE. Here’s where to go: Cycling tracks Yas Marina Circuit When it comes to cycling, the UAE is known for its many car-free (and therefore safe) tracks, the most famous being Abu Dhabi’s iconic Formula One circuit. The facility on Yas Island hosts the likes of racing superstar...