Dubai drivers are being advised to plan as the UAE Tour Women 2026 brings rolling road closures across the city this weekend. The international cycling championship, which runs until Sunday, February 8, will impact traffic in several areas, with Friday, February 6 expected to be the busiest day on Dubai roads.
Authorities have confirmed that parts of the city will see temporary closures as cyclists move through the official race route. While roads will reopen once the riders pass, delays are likely, especially during peak afternoon hours.
For residents heading to work, schools, beaches, or weekend plans, this is one of those days where timing makes all the difference.
Friday, February 6: Where and when roads will close in Dubai
According to the latest advisory from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), rolling road closures will be in place from 12 pm to around 4.30 pm on Friday.
The Dubai stage of the UAE Tour Women 2026 will begin at Dubai Police Academy in Al Sufouh, an area familiar to many residents for its proximity to offices, universities, and coastal roads.
From there, cyclists will move along Umm Suqeim Road, continuing towards Dubai Investment Park. The route then stretches across Al Qudra Cycle Track, before passing through Dubai Sports City and Meydan Racecourse, finally ending at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University.
These areas connect several residential communities and major arteries, so even short closures may cause traffic to build up on nearby roads.
What rolling closures mean for everyday commuters?
Unlike full-day shutdowns, rolling closures mean roads will reopen once cyclists clear each section. However, motorists should still expect slower movement, diversions, and congestion on surrounding streets.
Residents living in or around Al Sufouh, Umm Suqeim, Dubai Sports City, Meydan, and Dubai Investment Park are likely to feel the impact the most. School pick-ups, deliveries, and afternoon errands may take longer than usual.
Public transport users should also allow extra travel time, especially for bus routes operating near the race corridor.
For those who regularly follow Dubai traffic updates, major sporting events, and weekend road closures, Friday’s situation is similar to previous large-scale races, but still requires planning.
UAE Tour Women 2026: Four days across four emirates
The UAE Tour Women 2026 is a four-day championship that brings elite female cyclists from around the world to the UAE. Each stage highlights a different part of the country, from coastal roads to desert highways.
- Thursday, February 5: Opening stage from Al Mirfa to Madinat Zayed
- Friday, February 6: Dubai stage, starting at Dubai Police Academy and finishing at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University
- Saturday, February 7: Race continues through Abu Dhabi
- Sunday, February 8: Final 156-kilometre stage from Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain to Jebel Hafeet
The final climb up Jebel Hafeet is considered one of the toughest stages and draws attention from cycling fans across the region.
Another busy day on Dubai roads: Burj2Burj Half Marathon on Sunday
As if Friday wasn’t enough, Dubai will see another round of road closures on Sunday, February 8, due to the Burj2Burj Half Marathon.
The race will start near Jumeirah Emirates Towers and finish at Al Dharmeet Street, affecting several central routes during the morning hours.
According to the RTA advisory, expected closures include:
- Al Mustaqbal Street
- Financial Centre Road
- Al Safa Street
- Al Wasl Road
- Jumeirah Beach Road
- Parts of 2nd December Street
Residents heading to Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah, or the beach early Sunday should expect diversions and plan alternative routes.
How to move around Dubai this weekend without stress?
With two major sporting events happening within days, planning is key. Motorists are advised to check live traffic updates, leave earlier where possible, and avoid affected routes during peak closure hours.
Those working remotely or with flexible schedules may find it easier to travel outside race windows. For weekend plans, metro-accessible areas or neighbourhood spots closer to home can help avoid long delays.
Dubai is used to hosting world-class events, and while road closures are part of the deal, a little preparation goes a long way.
The UAE Tour Women 2026 puts Dubai on the global sporting map once again, but it also means temporary traffic disruptions that residents need to keep in mind. With rolling road closures on Friday and marathon-related closures on Sunday, planning travel in advance will help avoid unnecessary delays.
Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news and things to do in Dubai and across the UAE, including travel alerts, food and lifestyle stories, Bollywood updates, and weekend guides.
Read More
