Anyone been to the UAE?

[Mile195]

And specifically Abu Dhabi?

I believe you can rent bikes... worth taking my kit with me though? Never considered that Middle-Eastern drivers would be terribly hospitable towards cyclists. Any thoughts?

 

[RhythMick]

I spent a week in Dubai. I didn't see a single bike out there. Very very hot.

The roads were quite wide, but I would think the issue is they won't be used to cyclists at all.

 

[Kies]

I have been to Abu Dhabi and Dubai a few times, the roads are silky smooth, but you know what ..... Never saw anyone on a bike??????

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I went with a theatre company (I was doing sound and lights) to Dubai and Abu Dhabi and didn't see a single cyclist. It wasn't the height of summer but we were warned if we went outside without water for too long we might die.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

On the other hand you might get some Strava KOMs that none of your competitors back home could nick off you

 

[Ticktockmy]

Same for me I have been there many times, never seen a cyclist, as a rich nation I think it would be below them to use a bike, also too hot, and dry, and if the dust devils pick up I would think it would be very unpleasant, however I found this site on the web... http://www.dubairoadsters.com/

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Same for me I have been there many times, never seen a cyclist, as a rich nation I think it would be below them to use a bike, also too hot, and dry, and if the dust devils pick up I would think it would be very unpleasant, however I found this site on the web... http://www.dubairoadsters.com/

That site has some great photos, I want to ride in Dubai now!

 

[ushills]

We went for a walk from the hotel in Dubai along the roads and towards the desert, next thing a police car turn up asking if we need a lift back to the hotel as they hadn't seen anyone walking let alone cycling.

 

[Durian]

I've driven around the UAE and once you get outside the towns and cities the locals drive fast, very fast. The aftermath of some of the accidents I saw were amazing. No way would I ride a bike on those roads.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I've driven around the UAE and once you get outside the towns and cities the locals drive fast, very fast. The aftermath of some of the accidents I saw were amazing. No way would I ride a bike on those roads.

Even although the cars emit that irritating BEEP BEEP BEEP when you're driving over the speed limit!

 

[Beebo]

I've driven around the UAE and once you get outside the towns and cities the locals drive fast, very fast. The aftermath of some of the accidents I saw were amazing. No way would I ride a bike on those roads.

I'm with Durian, the locals drive like nutters and wont be used to bikes. The death rate for cars is very high, they have the belief in "Allah's Will", which basically means if they are going to die it is predestined, so it does matter how they drive!!!

 

[Durian]

Even although the cars emit that irritating BEEP BEEP BEEP when you're driving over the speed limit!

I'd forgotten about that and yes, it was irritating but definitely made me slow down! I guess the locals either disconnected theirs or turned up the stereo!

 

[Cycleops]

Only reason anyone would ever go there is for work.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I'd forgotten about that and yes, it was irritating but definitely made me slow down! I guess the locals either disconnected theirs or turned up the stereo!

Our driver told us we'd tune it out after a while, but the only two people in the people carrier who tuned it out were the two actors that were up drinking till 6am (we had to leave Dubai for Abu Dhabi by 7am).

I wonder if you can guess from these two photos which of the two (out of four) actors found out that alcohol DOES exist in Dubai:

 

[Durian]

Our driver told us we'd tune it out after a while, but the only two people in the people carrier who tuned it out were the two actors that were up drinking till 6am (we had to leave Dubai for Abu Dhabi by 7am).

I wonder if you can guess from these two photos which of the two (out of four) actors found out that alcohol DOES exist in Dubai:

View attachment 22367
View attachment 22368

Looks like the bottom one is wearing a neck brace. Must have been a good session!