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Introduction: A Landmark Moment for Cycling in the UAE
In a city rapidly becoming a global hub for active mobility, Abu Dhabi’s newest jewel is about to rise: the Hudayriyat Velodrome, the first indoor cycling track of its kind in the UAE and the region.
Scheduled to open in late 2025, this state-of-the-art venue on Hudayriyat Island will host elite competitions, club training, community rides, and youth development programs—all under one futuristic roof.
It’s more than just a cycling track. It’s a statement of intent: that Abu Dhabi is serious about becoming a UCI Bike City and regional capital for cycling.
What Is the Hudayriyat Velodrome?
A UCI-Certified Indoor Track in Abu Dhabi
The Hudayriyat Velodrome will feature a UCI-standard, banked indoor cycling track, capable of hosting:
- Track cycling competitions
- Elite athlete training
- Time trials and sprints
- Community challenges
It places Abu Dhabi alongside cities like London, Paris, and Berlin when it comes to top-tier velodrome facilities.
Who Is It For? Competitive, Community, and Youth Cyclists
Whether you’re a:
- Pro rider chasing milliseconds,
- Junior cyclist in training,
- Or a fitness enthusiast curious about track racing,
the velodrome has zones, coaching programs, and community events tailored to every skill level.
Key Features of the Hudayriyat Velodrome
Indoor Cycling Arena Built to International Standards
- Climate-controlled arena for all-season access
- UCI-compliant track geometry, surfaces, and barriers
- High-capacity seating for events and spectators (3500 seats)
600m Rooftop Ramp: The First of Its Kind in the Region
The standout architectural feature?
A 600-meter rooftop ramp winding over the structure — offering an elevated track experience with skyline views and open-air training opportunities.
This dual-level experience bridges:
- High-performance indoor cycling.
- And recreational rooftop riding under the Abu Dhabi sun.
Full-Service Amenities: Rentals, Retail, and Repair
Expect the velodrome to house:
- Wolfi’s Bike Shop and Yas Cycles outlets
- Fitting, service, and rentals for all age groups
- A dedicated repair and tech support zone
- A Health Cafe
- A High Altitude training centre unit.
Plus, cafés and lounges for post-ride refueling.
Where Is It Located? Cycling Heart of Hudayriyat Island
The velodrome sits at the epicenter of Hudayriyat Leisure and Sports District, just steps from:
- Paved cycling loops (5, 10, 15 km)
- Trail X MTB trails
- OCR parks, skateparks, and the Circuit X complex
For any rider, it means you can move from track training to mountain biking to beach chilling in one session. Read more about Al Hudayriyat’s Island amenities here.
UAE’s Position as a Global Cycling Destination
Part of Bike Abu Dhabi & UCI Bike City Vision
The velodrome is the centerpiece of Abu Dhabi’s long-term cycling strategy, launched under:
- The Bike Abu Dhabi initiative
- The city’s designation as a UCI Bike City (the first in Asia)
This places Abu Dhabi firmly on the international cycling map.
Hosting Future International Races and Camps
Once operational, the velodrome is expected to:
- Host UCI-sanctioned events, most notably the 2029 UCI Track World Championships.
- Attract track cycling teams for winter training camps
- Serve as a base for regional championships
FAQs About the Hudayriyat Velodrome
Q1: When will the Hudayriyat Velodrome open?
It is scheduled to open by late 2025, with final construction phases underway on Hudayriyat Island.
Q2: Is the velodrome open to the public or only professionals?
It will be open to everyone, elite athletes, amateurs, cycling clubs and the general public.
Q3: What is the capacity of the venue?
The velodrome is designed to seat around 3,500 spectators, supporting both local events and major international competitions.
Q4: What’s the purpose of the rooftop ramp?
The 600-meter rooftop cycling ramp offers elevated outdoor training space with views over Hudayriyat and the city skyline, a rare feature globally.
Q5: Will rental bikes and repair services be available on-site?
Yes. A track cycling bike hire retail shop will be on-site of Al Hudayriyat Velodrome.
Q6: Is it part of a larger cycling network?
Absolutely. The velodrome is centrally connected to Hudayriyat’s outdoor cycling tracks, the Trail X mountain biking trail, and Abu Dhabi’s broader 1,270 km island cycling expansion.
Conclusion: Raising the Bar for Middle East Cycling
The Hudayriyat Velodrome isn’t just another sporting venue, it’s a landmark investment in cycling culture, community wellness and elite athletic development.
With its innovative design, community-first approach and global standards, it positions Abu Dhabi as a cycling leader not just in the UAE, but across the Middle East, Asia and the World.
As part of the Bike Abu Dhabi program and the city’s UCI Bike City legacy, this velodrome will be a space where dreams are built, medals are earned, and everyday people fall in love with the ride.
📱 Stay Connected with GOCYC
Whether you’re training on the rooftop ramp, tracking intervals inside the velodrome, or exploring Hudayriyat’s extensive cycling loops, GOCYC keeps you connected to every pedal stroke.
With the GOCYC app, you can:
- 📍 Discover real-time route data across Abu Dhabi and the UAE
- Find events like group rides, training camps, and races
- Bicycle rentals anywhere in Abu Dhabi
- Order a service van to work on your bicycle at-home
Available now on iOS and Android, GOCYC is your cycling dashboard, in your pocket.