Imagine cycling not through city streets, but through a vast desert surrounded by enormous golden dunes.
That is what the Moreeb Dune area in Liwa feels like — one of Abu Dhabi's most impressive desert landscapes.
Moreeb Dune Cycletrack is a cycling route located around the dunes near Tal Moreeb. The area is known not only among cycling enthusiasts but also because the cycle path has been incorporated into UAE Tour racing routes.
WHAT IS MOREEB DUNE CYCLETRACK?
Moreeb Dune Cycletrack is a loop cycling route in the Liwa desert.
UAE Tour route materials list one lap at approximately 18.1 km. The route passes through a pronounced dune landscape and includes a series of short climbs and descents. Some sections feature double-digit gradients.
UAE Tour route documents specifically identify: Cycletrack Entrance; Moreeb Dune; Cycletrack First Lap Finish; Cycletrack Exit.
This means the cycle path is a defined circuit around the Moreeb Dune area rather than simply a normal road next to the dune.
CYCLING AMONG THE DUNES
The main attraction is the constant view of the huge surrounding dunes. Unlike urban cycling paths, this route is surrounded by open desert rather than buildings. The landscape is dominated by sand, sky and large dune formations. For road cyclists and people who enjoy long rides in unusual landscapes, it offers a very different experience from cycling in the city.
IMPORTANT: CHECK ACCESS BEFORE YOU GO
Moreeb Dune Cycletrack should not be treated as a standard urban cycle path that is guaranteed to be freely accessible at all times. The route is used for sporting events, including UAE Tour. Access, traffic organisation and individual sections may depend on events and current conditions. Check the current access conditions and rules before travelling.
DO NOT CONFUSE IT WITH AL WATHBA CYCLE TRACK
Moreeb Dune Cycletrack is located in Liwa near Tal Moreeb and is completely separate from Al Wathba Bicycle Track in Abu Dhabi. This distinction is important: the main location link must point to Moreeb Dune Cycletrack / Liwa, not Al Wathba.
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU SEE NEARBY?
The main landmark in the area is Moreeb Dune itself, one of the UAE’s most famous giant sand dunes. The area is also associated with the Liwa Moreeb Dune Festival, which features various sporting and automotive competitions. A trip can therefore become a full desert road trip: drive to Liwa, explore the dunes, take photographs and visit Moreeb Dune.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO
The enormous dunes surrounding the cycletrack create a dramatic setting for photography and video. If you arrive by car, vehicle photography should only be done in areas where vehicle access is permitted. Do not drive onto the cycling track without permission.
ROUTE PREPARATION AND DESERT SAFETY
Distance alone does not describe the effort. Short climbs, exposed surfaces and heat can make an 18.1-kilometre lap demanding, even for a rider comfortable on flat roads. Use a bicycle in good mechanical condition, check tyres and brakes, carry more water than you would for an urban ride and protect your skin and eyes from sun and blowing sand. Ride within your ability, take deliberate breaks and never rely on nearby services being available at the track.
LIWA ROAD-TRIP CONTEXT
Liwa is a destination for a longer desert drive, so build a realistic itinerary around the ride. The route can be one stop on a day devoted to the oasis region, dunes and Tal Moreeb rather than an isolated quick excursion from central Abu Dhabi. Leave time for the road, a pre-ride check, cooling down and the return journey. Fuel, food, navigation and emergency arrangements should be settled before entering the more remote desert landscape.
MOREEB DUNE, EVENTS AND RESPONSIBLE VISITS
Moreeb Dune itself is the defining landmark, while the wider area is associated with the Liwa Moreeb Dune Festival and its sporting and automotive programme. On event days the atmosphere, traffic and permitted movement can differ from a quiet visit, so verify arrangements rather than assuming the track is open. If you arrive by car, photograph it only where vehicle access is permitted; never drive onto the cycletrack without authorisation. Keep clear of riders and leave no waste in the desert.
LOCATION
Moreeb Dune Cycletrack Near Tal Moreeb, Liwa, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Frequently asked questions
Where is Moreeb Dune Cycletrack?
The cycletrack is located in the Liwa area of Abu Dhabi, near Moreeb Dune (Tal Moreeb). Use the dedicated Google Maps search for Moreeb Dune Cycletrack.
How long is Moreeb Dune Cycletrack?
UAE Tour materials list the Moreeb Dune cycle path at approximately 18.1 km per lap.
Is Moreeb Dune Cycletrack difficult?
The route includes climbs and descents through the dune landscape, with short but steep sections.
Can I visit the Moreeb Dune Cycletrack any day?
Open public access cannot be guaranteed at all times. Check current access conditions before travelling.
Is this the same cycling track as Al Wathba?
No. Moreeb Dune Cycletrack is in Liwa near Moreeb Dune. Al Wathba Bicycle Track is separate.