ABU DHABI (United Arab Emirates) – What if we told you it's not uncommon to see someone on a bicycle in Abu Dhabi ? What if we told you about a city in the United Arab Emirates that has made cycling a true way of life and a way of sharing a passion for sport?
Our journey takes us to wealthy Abu Dhabi , in the southern Arabian Peninsula, where the petrodollar has transformed into tourism, sport, and wellness, pushing towards a culture of pleasure , beauty, and jaw-dropping architecture. And we discover that the bicycle is a symbol.
Abu Dhabi, a world apart
In all likelihood, anyone who visited the United Arab Emirates in the pre-Covid era and, for various reasons, returned only recently, found this land completely different. It's not just about the skyline that characterizes the Arab city-state, because the reference is directly to the people, the people who populate, live, and travel in Abu Dhabi . It's a busy place that never stops, day or night, yet it's not a hive of activity. Everything is orderly, despite the numerous construction sites visible everywhere, from the sea to the hinterland. Everything is in its right place, there's cleanliness and respect. The most common saying among people is: "You're in the safe town."
There are Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and SUVs that are unheard of in Europe. The wealth is always there, but there's no kitsch or excess that tires at second glance. Cars stop when a pedestrian crosses and move aside when they encounter slow-moving traffic, i.e., bicycles. It's also true that the number of shared car-bicycle lanes can be counted on one hand , because bike lanes are like thoroughfares. Bike lanes, dedicated to bicycles, not shared lanes where pedestrians and animals also share the path.
A bike-friendly place
" A bicycle-friendly destination ." We echo the words of David Lappartient , president of the International Cycling Union , who described Abu Dhabi this way. A few years ago, there was little or nothing here, and now the opportunities for sports are almost endless. It's true, there aren't hills, mountains, or the Alps looming on the horizon , and to tackle the first climb you have to travel many, many kilometers, but there are plenty of opportunities for cycling.
During the travelling days we spent in the Emirate, where the famous F1 Yas Marina Circuit (open two days a week for bicycles only), We met Mauro Gianetti, Team Principal of the UAE Team Emirates, WorldTour cycling team, and responsible for the development of cycleways and cycling in general in Abu Dhabi.
It all starts in 2014
"Anyone who has never been to Abu Dhabi and the Emirates," says Gianetti, "struggles to understand the primary role that cycling plays in these places . Until 2014, there wasn't a single road a bicycle could tackle, and there were only two bike shops in the entire Emirates. Witnessing over 2.000 kilometers of cycle paths at the beginning of 2024 is something extraordinary.
"We're reaching a figure close to 300.000 people who have started cycling ," Gianetti continues, his eyes almost shining, "developing a cycling culture and a passion that have taken root in a very short time. The professional team is a driving force, a driving force, but it's only the pinnacle of a growing movement that also involves women . "
The bike project
"Even in my wildest fantasies, I wouldn't have imagined a development of this magnitude," Gianetti continues, "because beyond resources, they're curious, they ask questions, and they want to know. They want people to play sports . Hudayriyat Island ( Abu Dhabi is also made up of several strips of land that extend into the sea, in addition to the mainland, ed.)," Gianetti tells us, "was initially intended to become a city, and instead it will become a multifunctional sports center among the largest in the world , if not the largest.
"The cycling circuit is already there and is also used by the cycling school for the little ones, and the foundations have been laid for the velodrome that will host the 2028 track world championship . I reiterate that the competitive and professional activities linked to Abu Dhabi and the Emirates," Gianetti continues, "are only a reflection of everything that is happening behind them, at all levels."
