Major Dubai Roads Close for UAE Tour
Dubai Traffic Alert: 18 Roads Temporarily Closed on Friday Due to UAE Tour Bicycle Race
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has cautioned drivers to plan their journeys in advance and start earlier to ensure a smooth arrival at their destination. On Friday, February 21, several roads in Dubai will be temporarily closed due to the UAE Tour bicycle race.
The race's Dubai stage will commence at 12:30 PM and continue until 4:30 PM. According to the RTA statement, as part of traffic management procedures, certain roads will be completely closed for 10-15 minutes. Roads affected by the race include some of the city's major thoroughfares, such as Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, Al Qudra Road, and Dubai-Al Ain Road.
Which roads are affected?
Temporary closures will be in effect on the following roads:
- Sheikh Zayed Road
- Al Naseem Street
- First Al Khail Street
- Al Jamayel Street
- Al Asayel Street
- Al Khamila Street
- Al Khail Road
- Al Fay Street
- Hessa Street
- Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street
- Al Qudra Road
- Saih Al Salam Street
- Tripoli Street
- Rebat Street
- Nad Al Hamar Road
- Ras Al Khor Road
- Al Meydan Road
- Dubai-Al Ain Road
The RTA emphasized that the closures would be brief, but they advise motorists to avoid the affected areas if possible or to start earlier to prevent inconvenient traffic congestion.
The race route
Racers will start from the American University in Dubai, proceeding through Sheikh Zayed Road, passing along Al Naseem Street, Al Khail Road, Al Jamayel Street, and Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street before reaching the finish line located opposite the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University. The Dubai stage spans a total of 160 kilometers and is the fifth stage of the UAE Tour.
The 2025 UAE Tour
This year's men's UAE Tour began on Monday, February 17, and consists of seven stages. The race features 140 cyclists competing under the organization of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The Dubai stage has always been one of the most spectacular and exciting parts of the race, as the city's iconic buildings and modern infrastructure provide a stunning backdrop for both the competitors and spectators.
Tips for motorists
If you're driving in Dubai on Friday, consider the following:
- Plan your route in advance! Use navigation apps to avoid affected roads.
- Start earlier! Due to closures, traffic may be heavier, so it's wise to set out in good time.
- Use public transport or alternative routes! Where possible, consider using the metro or other public transport options, or choose routes that don't intersect with the race path.
The UAE Tour is not just a sporting event but an opportunity to showcase Dubai's dynamism and organizational capabilities. The temporary traffic restrictions may present a small challenge, but the city's transport infrastructure and the RTA's preparations will surely assist everyone in commuting smoothly.
