Cycling in the Middle East
Cycling in the Middle East is an adventurous and growing pursuit, best suited to those who relish dramatic scenery, quiet back roads, and a physical challenge in a warm climate. Cappadocia’s fairy-chimney valleys and Jordan’s varied terrain from the Dead Sea to Petra offer some of the region’s most rewarding riding, on both road and mountain bikes.
Oman’s mountain roads deliver serious climbing amid spectacular canyons, Iran’s grand cultural loop links historic cities on long-distance touring routes, and the Gulf states have built dedicated cycling tracks to beat the heat. Bike-packing across deserts and mountains is increasingly popular with intrepid tourers.
Spring and autumn are ideal for the deserts and lowlands, with high mountains rideable in summer. Riders should prepare for heat, long distances between services, and, in some areas, evolving travel conditions.
Cycling & Bike Touring#
Cappadocia, Turkey Quiet roads and mountain-bike trails wind through the surreal valleys of fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches, and vineyards. Gentle distances between highlights make it one of the region’s most enjoyable and scenic areas to ride.
Jordan by bike A compact country of huge variety, from the Dead Sea depression up to Petra and Wadi Rum, increasingly popular for cycle touring and organised charity rides. Big climbs, desert scenery, and historic sites reward riders on the King’s Highway and beyond.
Oman mountains The switchback roads up Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams offer punishing, spectacular climbs on smooth tarmac amid canyon scenery. Oman’s excellent roads and dramatic terrain make it a serious road-cycling destination in the cooler months.
Dead Sea region, Jordan & Israel Riding along the lowest road on Earth, cyclists tackle dramatic descents to the shore and testing climbs back up to the plateau. The desert-and-sea scenery and thin, oxygen-rich air create a unique cycling environment.
Iran cultural loop Long-distance tourers ride between Tehran, Kashan, Isfahan, Yazd, and Shiraz, linking Persia’s great cities across desert and mountain. Warm hospitality and rich heritage make Iran a rewarding, if demanding, bike-touring country.
UAE cycling tracks The Emirates have built world-class dedicated cycling loops, including desert circuits near Dubai and Abu Dhabi lit for cooler evening riding. Smooth, traffic-free tracks let road cyclists train and tour despite the heat.
Lycian coast, Turkey The hills and coves behind the Turquoise Coast offer challenging road riding with sea views, quiet lanes, and ancient ruins. A scenic if hilly complement to the beaches and gulet cruises of the Mediterranean shore.
Golan & Galilee, Israel The volcanic uplands and green hills of the north offer varied riding past streams, wineries, and viewpoints. Cooler highland roads make it a popular cycling region within a compact area.
Negev Desert, Israel The arid south offers a growing network of gravel and mountain-bike routes across craters, canyons, and desert plateaus around Mitzpe Ramon. Dramatic emptiness, big descents, and star-filled nights make it a rewarding off-road cycling frontier.
Kavir & central desert, Iran Long-distance tourers cross Iran’s arid plateau between oasis towns like Yazd and Kashan on quiet desert roads. Vast horizons, mud-brick caravanserais, and warm hospitality reward riders willing to take on the heat and distance.
Hatta, UAE The mountain enclave near the Omani border has become the Emirates’ mountain-biking hub, with purpose-built trails winding through rugged Hajar peaks above a turquoise reservoir. Cooler air and dramatic terrain draw riders from Dubai in the winter months.
Lebanon mountains The high ridges of Mount Lebanon offer demanding road climbs and mountain-bike trails between cedar forests, monasteries, and terraced valleys. Riders can ascend from the coast into snow-capped highlands within a strikingly compact country.