DUBAI: The UAE Tour 2025 is set to bring temporary road closures across Abu Dhabi and Dubai this weekend as elite cyclists take to the streets for the seventh edition of the prestigious race.
The closures will impact major thoroughfares on Saturday, February 22, as the peloton moves through urban, desert, and coastal routes. Additionally, Dubai will see road restrictions for the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge on the same day.
Abu Dhabi road closures
Motorists in Abu Dhabi should plan ahead as multiple roads will be closed at different times today (February 22, 2025). The Abu Dhabi Police and Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) have issued the following schedule of closures:
- Hudayriat Island – 12:10 PM to 1:00 PM
- Al Mushrif – 12:20 PM to 1:10 PM
- Khalifa City (multiple roads) – 12:40 PM to 1:45 PM
- Al Raha – 1:30 PM to 2:20 PM
- Yas Island – 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM
- Yas Island to Saadiyat Island (via Jubail Island) – 2:10 PM to 3:10 PM
- Saadiyat Island – 2:25 PM to 3:15 PM
- Zayed Port to Al Maryah Island – 2:35 PM to 3:20 PM
- Reem Island – 2:40 PM to 3:30 PM
- Abu Dhabi City – 3:05 PM to 4:10 PM
Authorities have advised residents to use alternative routes and allow extra time for travel.
Dubai road closures
Dubai will also see traffic disruptions on Saturday, February 22, as the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge takes place. Organised by the Dubai Sports Council and Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the 40-km race will begin at 6:00 AM and conclude by 9:30 AM.
Affected Roads in Dubai:
- Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street (partial closure)
- Hessa Street (temporary closure during race hours)
Cyclists will start from Expo City Dubai, follow Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, make a U-turn at Hessa Street, and return to the finish line at Expo City. The RTA has urged motorists to leave early and use alternate routes to avoid delays.
UAE Tour 2025
The UAE Tour, the only UCI World Tour race in the Middle East, features seven stages covering 1,013 km from February 17 to 23, 2025. Cyclists will race through a mix of mountainous climbs, desert stretches, and urban circuits, showcasing the UAE’s diverse landscapes and world-class infrastructure.
Stage breakdown
- Stage 1 (Feb 17) – Madinat Zayed to Liwa Palace (138 km) – Featuring steep climbs at Moreeb Dune.
- Stage 2 (Feb 18) – Al Hudayriyat Island ITT (12.2 km) – A flat, fast-paced time trial.
- Stage 3 (Feb 19) – Ras Al Khaimah to Jebel Jais (179 km) – A 20-km mountain climb at gradients up to 9%.
- Stage 4 (Feb 20) – Fujairah to Umm Al Quwain (181 km) – The longest stage, featuring desert terrain.
- Stage 5 (Feb 21) – Dubai Circuit (160 km) – Passing landmarks like Al Qudra Cycletrack and Meydan Racecourse.
- Stage 6 (Feb 22) – Abu Dhabi City Sprint (167 km) – A fast-paced urban stage through Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Qasr Al Hosn.
- Stage 7 (Feb 23) – Al Ain to Jebel Hafeet (176 km) – The decisive stage with a 10-km final climb at gradients of 8-9%.
More traffic disruptions expected
Motorists should also expect delays on Sunday, February 23, as road closures remain in place for the final stage of the UAE Tour, alongside the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge and the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy match on the same day.
Authorities urge residents to stay updated with official announcements and plan their journeys accordingly.