The Al Qudra cycling circuit, located 30 kilometres from the city centre, has become one of the main drivers of property appreciation in the emirate this year. The 86-kilometre track crosses the desert and offers a safe environment for cyclists of all levels, with no vehicular traffic and full services at several points along the route. Villas built in the areas close to the circuit are recording value increases of 15% in 2025, according to local real estate market data, driven by buyers who prioritise direct access to premium sports facilities and an active lifestyle.
Track designed for all levels
The main layout of the circuit covers 50 kilometres on its most accessible route, while the full routes can add up to 86 kilometres with different variants for experienced cyclists. Beginners choose Route 1, which offers a closed and completely flat circuit, while Routes 2 and 3 present greater technical difficulty with sections between dunes. The infrastructure includes bathrooms, petrol stations, specialised bicycle shops and supermarkets strategically distributed along the route.
The asphalt quality is exceptional, designed specifically for high-performance cycling, and the desert landscape allows sightings of species such as the Arabian oryx antelope in its natural habitat. Regular cyclists recommend doing the route at sunrise, when temperatures are more favourable and vehicle traffic on adjacent roads is minimal. The rest areas have benches and shaded zones located near Trek Bikes and at the junction of Bab Al Shams Road with Al Qudra, which are considered the most popular stopping points on the circuit.
Expanding real estate market
The residential areas close to the Al Qudra Cycling Track have been undergoing rapid transformation since 2024, with property developments that integrate direct access to the circuit. Typical buyers are high-income expatriate families, finance-sector professionals and European entrepreneurs looking to combine residential luxury with international-level sports facilities. The profile of these owners particularly values the possibility of cycling safely without having to travel long distances from their residence.
The main property developments in the area include:
- Detached villas with garages for sports equipment
- Residential complexes with bicycle maintenance workshops
- Properties with direct pedestrian access to the circuit
- Gated communities with bicycle rental services
The average prices of these properties range between 3.5 and 6 million dirhams (approximately 950,000 to 1.6 million euros), depending on size and exact proximity to the circuit. The 15% appreciation recorded this year significantly exceeds the average growth of the Emirati real estate market, which stands at around 8% per year.
Attractive to international investors
European and Asian investors view these properties as strategic assets within the Dubai real estate market, especially after the reforms to residence visas for owners. The city received more than 16.7 million visitors in 2019, consolidating its position as one of the most important tourist destinations worldwide, which supports demand for premium properties in exclusive areas. The business model includes both permanent residence and investment for holiday rentals aimed at sports tourists.
The Emirati government has strengthened the area’s infrastructure with improvements to access roads, expansion of public services and plans to extend the circuit by 2026. These urban developments attract high-value foreign capital, especially from northern European countries where cycling is a mass and socially valued activity. Real estate market projections anticipate that the appreciation trend will continue over the next three years, driven by new residential projects currently in the planning phase.
Lifestyle and sports community
The community of residents near the circuit has created local cycling clubs that organise group rides three or four times a week, generating a sense of belonging among owners. Complementary services include sports physiotherapy centres, nutritionists specialised in athletic performance and high-end equipment stores located in the vicinity. This sports ecosystem turns the area into a benchmark for those looking to integrate physical exercise into their daily routine without sacrificing urban comforts.
Additional sports facilities such as outdoor gyms, hiking routes and areas for yoga complement the offer of the main circuit. Families with children particularly value the safety of the environment, as vehicle traffic is minimal and residential areas have permanent private security. Resident satisfaction data show rates above 90% in terms of quality of life, access to nature and sense of community, factors that justify the price premium that these properties maintain on the market.
