Abu Dhabi’s (K)night rider

Cycling is having a boom. Everywhere. So are cycling holidays but would you cycle in Abu Dhabi? Not only is it unbelievably hot in the daytime for most months of the year, but cars rule the transport system.

That is changing.

Aboubaker Al Sakaf is trying to encourage it. Why? He says, “It’s all really taking off now. A couple of years ago people here were a little bit wary about riding bicycles, there was no established bike riding culture like there is in Europe. I lived in France while at university and when I came home I wanted to bring back this concept of healthy transportation. And visitors love it – as well as Emiratis – what could be better than riding along the Corniche, by the ocean, relaxing with the views and getting fit at the same time.”

He set up a company to rent bycycles so that people could cycle along the eight-mile length of the Corniche and on the wide boulevards of Yas Marina Circuit – home to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

But what about the heat? It seems that people in the hottest times of the year are opting for early morning or evening trips whilst in the winter the temperatures are only in the twenties – which makes “perfect” cycling weather. That still seems too hot for cycling in my book but hotels are reporting that there is a fast-growing demand for bike hire amongst guests staying with them. It won’t have hindered the burgeoning appeal of cycling by having Sir Chris Hoy cycling down the Cornich either!