Dubai will host the second stage of the 2026 Emirates Women’s Tour this Friday, February 6, bringing world-class professional cycling to the heart of Dubai. The race begins at 12:50 pm at the Dubai Police Academy in Al Sufouh and winds its way through some of the emirate’s most iconic landscapes.Cyclists will travel approximately 145 kilometers into the desert, passing through Dubai Investment Park, Al Qudra Cycle Track and Dubai Sports City. This challenging route will eventually lead the peloton back into the city, past Meydan Racecourse, before finishing at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University at around 4:30 p.m.
Which roads will be closed?
To protect participants, several major roads in Dubai will be temporarily closed for 10 to 15 minutes while cyclists pass by.Cyclists will traverse major routes including:
- Umm Suqim Street
- Hersa Street
- Sheikh
Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan street - Expo Road
- Lehbab Road/Al Qudra Road
- Syed Asaram Street
- Syed Adahar Street
Each closure will be rolling and short-lived, reopening once passengers have safely passed through. This smart stage helps balance urban traffic flow and race safety.The RTA urges motorists to plan ahead, start early and use alternative routes where possible to mitigate delays.
UAE Women’s Tour 2026
The Women’s Tour of Dubai stage is just part of a larger celebration of women’s cycling in the UAE. The Emirates Women’s Tour features multiple stages in cities across the UAE, combining sprint challenges with longer endurance stages.While Dubai will host the opening race this Friday, riders will continue traveling through other parts of the UAE in the coming days. The multi-day event attracts top international stars and highlights the UAE’s growing role in global cycling.Dubai’s association with competitive cycling also fits in with the wider rise in two-wheeled sports and entertainment across the city. Cycling events, competitions, club rides and cycle tours have all increased in recent years, attracting both elite athletes and recreational riders.
What to do next?
Transport planners and commuters will face temporary disruption on game day, but the city has carefully coordinated closures to minimize the impact.While some riders may experience brief delays around key race sections, planned closures will rotate and clear once cyclists have passed through each section.This approach helps drivers keep moving forward on their journey, while cyclists enjoy safe, uninterrupted routes. The RTA advises starting early and checking navigation apps, reflecting common sense when planning travel on busy event days.
