Top 7 Scenic UAE Jogging and Running Routes | ExpatWoman.com
 

Top 7 Scenic UAE Jogging and Running Routes

Get your 10k daily step count at any of these scenic walking routes in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the UAE

Posted on

8 November 2023

Last updated on 9 November 2023
Best walking and jogging trails in the UAE

These routes offer not only breathtaking views and a break from urban life but also promote physical wellbeing.

With its natural landscapes and impressive cityscapes, the UAE offers a plethora of perfect walking spots to embrace during the cooler months and with every step, comes several health benefits too.

From improved cardiovascular health to mental rejuvenation, the act of walking is an ode to holistic wellbeing.

For those eager to hike with friends or enjoy an active family outing, Abu Dhabi 360 has collaborated with Dr. Michelle Champlin, Chief Podiatrist of the Dubai Podiatry Centre, to highlight seven scenic walks in the UAE.

1. Abu Dhabi Corniche, Abu Dhabi

If you walk the whole 8km beachfront path of Abu Dhabi Corniche, you can expect to achieve around 10,000 steps. It's one of the most scenic walking and jogging routes in the UAE capital, with views of the Gulf and Abu Dhabi skyline.

The path is also friendly to cyclists, roller skaters, scooters, and electric scooters.

Best walking and jogging paths in the UAE | Abu Dhabi Corniche

2. Dubai Water Canal, Dubai

The Dubai Water Canal is a 6.4km-long waterfront track that can get you 8,000 steps easy, with gorgeous views of the Downtown Dubai skyline as the backdrop.

The canal's five pedestrian bridges, with their unique design, are an attraction in themselves. Evening walks here are particularly enchanting with the city lights illuminating the path.

Best places to go walking and jogging in the UAE | Dubai Water Canal

3. Jubail Mangrove Walk, Abu Dhabi

A top attraction, Jubail Mangrove Walk boasts three paths, ranging from 1km to 2km, roughly 1,500 to 2,500 steps, winding through mangroves and natural landscapes. A floating platform allows visitors to observe marine life.

Best walking and jogging paths in the UAE | Jubail Mangrove Walk in Abu Dhabi

4. Al Qudra, Dubai

Located a short drive from Dubai, Al Qudra offers a desert oasis experience. For those inclined to cycle, the Al Qudra Cycling Track is worth considering.

Best walking and jogging paths in the UAE | Al Qudra Dubai

5. Love Lakes, Dubai

Not too far from Al Qudra's cycling path lies the family-friendly Love Lakes of Dubai. It's another great location for walks, jogging, or cycling. You might even come across some desert foxes, birds, Arabian oryx, or other UAE wildlife.

Best walking and jogging paths in the UAE | Love Lake Dubai

6. Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi

An ideal spot for sports enthusiasts, Hudayriyat Island also offers beautiful walking paths.

Highlights include the marina walkway and the Hudayriyat Heritage Trail, adorned with educational pit-stops and modern sculptures.

Best walking and jogging paths in the UAE | Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi

7. Wadi Shawka, Ras Al Khaimah

Situated in the Hajar mountains, this is a beginner-friendly hiking spot. Offering a range of routes, visitors can opt for a brief walk or extend it to include the Shawka pools. The well-marked trails, suitable for families and dog-friendly, promise panoramic views.

Best walking and jogging paths in the UAE | Wadi Shawka in Ras Al Khaimah

Benefits of Walking Daily

"Walking is a simple yet powerful activity. As we walk, the heart and lungs work together to circulate oxygenated blood throughout the body, nourishing every organ," said Dr. Champlin.

"The more we walk, the more efficient this circulation becomes," she added.

With the onset of the cooler months in the UAE, now is the perfect time to reconnect with the outdoors, whilst working towards better health and effortlessly increasing our daily step count.

The Abu Dhabi 360 government app embodies this health-focused ethos, believing that each step we take not only brings us closer to better health but also resonates with the idea that small, daily choices contribute to a more enriched and healthier life.

Taking this philosophy forward, Dr. Champlin recommends, "Although carving out time for walks can be tricky, it's the tiny, consistent steps in our routine that bring about substantial health advantages The UAE is abundant with natural beauty and green spaces."

Instead of a sit-down coffee chat, why not 'walk and talk'? You'll not only reach your daily step target but also immerse yourself in the true essence of wellness.

 
 

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