Cooler winter months make the Gulf one of the best regions for long, scenic rides, and cyclists planning cycling routes in the UAE, cycling in Oman, or cycling routes in Qatar now have a strong mix of purpose-built tracks, coastal loops and mountain roads to choose from. The season is ideal for early starts, clear visibility and longer distances without heat interruptions. If you’re mapping out weekend bike trips in the Gulf, this guide highlights routes known for views, comfort and well-maintained surfaces, with details that help you decide where to cycle next.

The Lusail cycling path in Qatar is a standout for anyone looking for smooth, uninterrupted road riding. This 33 km purpose-built cycling highway was constructed in 2020 as part of the infrastructure for the UCI Road World Championships. It is completely free of cars and traffic crossings, making it one of the safest and most consistent cycling routes Qatar offers.

Early mornings work best due to open exposure along the route. Wide shoulders and clean asphalt make it especially appealing for interval training and long, steady weekend sessions.

The Al Bidda Park loop is a shorter option at 5–7 km, ideal for relaxed spins or beginner sessions. The path is fully inside the park, meaning it’s car-free, tree-lined and surrounded by greenery. It’s popular on weekend mornings, so early starts are recommended if you prefer quieter rides. For those browsing road cycling routes in Qatar near Doha, this loop suits families, new cyclists and anyone looking for a short, scenic workout.

Cyclists searching for more demanding cycling routes in Qatar often head towards the Dukhan Highway. Distances range between 60 and 120 km, depending on the chosen start point. The road is known for long stretches of uninterrupted tarmac and very light traffic, although there is no shade at all along the desert corridor. Winter mornings are the only comfortable time to ride here, and the route suits experienced riders rather than beginners.

One of the most famous cycling routes in the UAE, the Al Qudra Cycling Track offers over 200 km of dedicated, protected asphalt looping through the Dubai desert. There are also several extensions that stretch much farther, depending on your distance goals.

The route is mostly flat with occasional rolling winds, particularly between December and March. With rest stops, clear signage and wide lanes, Al Qudra remains one of the strongest options for where to cycle in Dubai on weekends, especially for long-distance sessions with open views. The desert sunrise is one of the main reasons riders start before dawn.

For cyclists drawn to mountain scenery, the Hajar Mountains cycling experience is easily one of the most impressive in the region. The Forts Route (MB1) covers 21 km on mostly paved terrain with moderate difficulty. The loop begins near a designated parking point and is suitable for riders with basic fitness, offering varied scenery, gentle gradients and the kind of rugged landscape Oman is known for.

The Musandam Peninsula is famous for dramatic cliffs and a fjord-like coastline, and the Musandam road cycling routes around Khasab highlight this scenery perfectly. The stretch from Makhi towards the coast, covering approximately 90–100 km, features clean tarmac, manageable gradients, and sweeping sea views that make it ideal for scenic weekend rides. Traffic remains light, and winter provides the best conditions thanks to cooler temperatures and low humidity.

For anyone planning cycling in Oman, the winter season (roughly November–March) provides the most comfortable riding weather, with cooler mountain mornings and mild coastal days. Visibility is clear, road surfaces stay dry, and wind conditions are more stable than in summer. This is why many Gulf cyclists schedule weekend bike trips in the Gulf region during these months.

Cyclists exploring cycling routes in the UAE, Oman or Qatar should keep a few essentials in mind:

• Start early to avoid rising temperatures.

• Wear reflective gear and a helmet at all times.

• Carry enough hydration, especially on exposed desert routes.

• Expect stronger winds on coastal or open-desert tracks.

• Check for event closures or weather updates before long rides.

These simple habits make cycling safety tips for riding in the Gulf easy to follow and ensure more enjoyable weekend sessions.