Walking or Cycling to Work in Dubai: Tracks, Bridges and Rules

Dubai had 636km of cycling tracks at the end of 2025, up from 560km a year earlier, and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is targeting a 1,000km network by 2030, according to Dubai Media Office in March 2026. Cycling trips rose from 46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025, an increase of 23.5%.

The same update said 22.3% of Dubai's population has access to cycling infrastructure. If you are thinking of commuting on foot or by bike, here is what is in place, what is coming and the rules that apply.

Tracks recently completed

The RTA said in March 2026 it had completed 13 of the 15 tracks in its current cycling master plan, which totals 162km. Completed routes include:

• Al Khawaneej 2 (8km) and Al Barsha 2 (10.5km), inside residential neighbourhoods;
• Al Warqa'a entrance tracks (11km) and the Al Shindagha Corridor (about 10km);
• 7km of pedestrian, cycling and micromobility tracks linking ONPASSIVE Metro Station and Al Quoz Bus Station;
• 25km of bike and e-scooter tracks around Al Souk Al Kabeer, Hor Al Anz and Abu Hail, and near BurJuman, Sharaf DG, Palm Deira, Baniyas and Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro stations.

For leisure rides, the 16km Jumeirah Beach cycle track opened in February 2022, separate from the beach's running track; see where to run in Dubai.

Under construction

ProjectLengthNotes Hessa Street13.5kmAl Sufouh to Dubai Hills; 2.5m for bikes and e-scooters, 2m for pedestrians Hessa Street bridges528m and 501mOver Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road Neighbourhood tracks64km in totalIncluding Al Warqa'a, Al Nahda Street, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Jumeirah and Al Quoz Large crossings816m and 719mBridges over Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Dubai–Al Ain Road

The RTA said in March 2026 that tracks were scheduled to open during the second quarter of 2026; check current status before planning a route around them.

Walking: the Dubai Walk plan

For pedestrians, Dubai's walkways plan targets more than 6,000km of new and upgraded walkways across 160 zones by 2040, with 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses, Gulf News reported in March 2026. The first phase, from 2025 to 2027, starts in historic Al Ras, with 12km of walkways and 5km of cycle tracks linked to 11 metro, bus and marine stations. Shaded paths, misting and green corridors are among the planned features. The aim is to raise the share of walking and soft-mobility trips from 16% in 2025 to 25% by 2040.

Bikes and the Metro

Combining a bike with the Metro is possible with a folding bike. According to RTA guidance reported by Gulf News, you fold the bike in the station, use the lift and the wide gate, and place it in the luggage area by the door. Non-folding bikes can be left at the racks outside Metro stations. Cycling is prohibited inside Metro stations and on pedestrian bridges, though you can wheel a bike across a bridge.

The RTA rules for cyclists

• A helmet and a reflective vest are compulsory.
• Bikes need a white front light, a red rear light and red reflector, a bell, and brakes on both wheels.
• Do not ride on roads where the speed limit is above 60km/h; keep to the right.
• Bikes are banned from jogging and walking tracks.
• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
• Repeat offences within a year can lead to the bike being confiscated for 30 days.

Before you go

• Think about timing in summer: for comparison, the UAE bans outdoor work in direct sun from 12.30pm to 3pm between 15 June and 15 September.
• Ask your employer about showers, lockers and bike parking.
• Check whether your building or Metro station has racks.
• Sitting most of the day once you arrive? See setting up your desk to work comfortably.

For general information. Routes, opening dates and rules can change; check with the RTA before relying on them.