Alert: Road closures across UAE for cycling tour

Watch out for rolling road closures across all seven emirates, when the inaugural UAE Tour cycling gets underway next week.

The traffic diversions will be in place for six days between February 25 and March 2 during the race.

The first stage on February 24 will not be affected as it will take place on dedicated cycling paths.

The event will see some of the biggest names in the sport cover a 1,090 km distance across the country

Stage 2 (184 km) on February 25 will see participants cycle across Abu Dhabi, starting from Yas Mall towards Khalifa Port, returning to the city along Channel Street.

Then they ride from Yas Island to Saadiyat Island, past the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Corniche until the finish line at Abu Dhabi Breakwater.

Stage 3 (179 km) on February 26 is the first of the UAE Tour’s two mountain stages.

The route around Al Ain takes in many of the landmarks – including Al Ain Zoo, Al Qattara, Al Hili and Al Ain Oasis – goes up to Green Mubazzarah where the final climb takes place at Jebel Hafeet.

Stage 4 (197 km) on February 27 is the longest stage of the Tour. It starts from Palm Jumeirah and ends at Hatta Dam.

Stage 5 (181 km) on February 28 is another opportunity for the sprinters.

After crossing the desert between the University of Sharjah and the University of Khalba, the route follows the coast north through Fujairah, up to the finish line in Khor Fakkan.

Stage 6 (180 km) on March 1 is the second of the two mountain stages. It runs from Ajman to Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, passing through Umm Al Quwain.

Stage 7 (145 km) on March 2 is the UAE Tour’s final showdown.

After departure from the Dubai Safari Park, the route covers Dubai Design District, Mushrif Park, Al Mamzar Beach, Deira, and Rashid Port to reach Jumeirah Road and finish in Citywalk.