Dubai Gears Up for UAE Tour Women 2026 Stage 2 This Friday
Dubai is poised to host the second stage of the prestigious UAE Tour Women 2026 this Friday, February 6, bringing elite professional cycling to the vibrant heart of the city. The race is scheduled to commence at 12:50 PM from the Dubai Police Academy located in Al Sufouh, promising a thrilling journey through some of the emirate's most breathtaking and iconic landscapes.
Race Route and Key Details
Cyclists will embark on an approximately 145-kilometer challenge, venturing out toward the expansive desert and navigating through notable landmarks including Dubai Investment Park, the Al Qudra Cycle Track, and Dubai Sports City. This demanding route will guide the peloton back toward the urban core, passing the renowned Meydan Racecourse before culminating at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University around 4:30 PM.
Temporary Road Closures for Safety
To ensure the safety of all competitors, several major roads in Dubai will experience temporary shutdowns for brief periods of 10 to 15 minutes as the cyclists progress through the course. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has implemented a rolling closure system, where each affected road will reopen promptly once the riders have safely passed. This strategic approach aims to balance city traffic flow with essential race safety measures.
Key roads impacted by the closures include:
- 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
Traffic Advisory and Planning
The RTA has strongly urged motorists to plan their journeys in advance, consider starting trips earlier than usual, and utilize alternative routes wherever possible to mitigate potential delays. While some drivers may encounter short interruptions near critical race sections, the coordinated closures are designed to rotate efficiently, allowing traffic to resume normal flow as cyclists move through each stretch.
UAE Tour Women 2026: A Celebration of Women's Cycling
The Ladies’ Tour de Dubai stage represents just one component of a larger celebration of women's cycling across the United Arab Emirates. The UAE Tour Women encompasses multiple stages in various Emirati cities, blending sprint challenges with endurance tests over several days. While Dubai hosts the opening segment this Friday, riders will continue to compete in other parts of the UAE in the subsequent days, attracting top international stars and highlighting the UAE's expanding influence in the global cycling arena.
Dubai's Growing Cycling Culture
This event aligns seamlessly with Dubai's burgeoning connection to competitive cycling and the broader rise of two-wheeled sports and recreation throughout the city. In recent years, cycling events, races, club rides, and cycling tourism have all seen significant growth, drawing both elite athletes and casual enthusiasts to the emirate's diverse and scenic routes.
Minimizing Disruption and Looking Ahead
On race day, traffic planners and commuters should anticipate temporary disruptions; however, city authorities have meticulously coordinated the closures to minimize impact where feasible. The RTA's recommendation to depart early and consult navigation apps reflects prudent travel planning during such high-profile event days, ensuring that drivers can still make progress on their journeys while cyclists enjoy a secure and uninterrupted route.
