Winter is when Al Qudra comes alive: cycling races, meteor showers, family camping and long weekends all land between October and April. Dates are scattered across organiser sites, so we have gathered what is announced as of 12 October 2026 in one place. Where an organiser has not announced a date, we say so rather than guess, and moon-dependent dates are approximate. Always confirm with the organiser. Heading out on a race day? Race days can close the cycle track to non-participants.
Easy to scan: each month below has its own section, so you can jump straight to the one you need. Prices mentioned are Zad shelf prices and may change.
October 2026: the season warms up
- 12 to 16 Oct: school mid-term break.
- 18 Oct: Spinneys Dubai 92 build-up ride on the Al Qudra track (organiser).
- 21 to 22 Oct: Orionids meteor shower peak. Dubai Astronomy Group lists a ticketed night at Al Qudra (details).
- Women's Cycling Challenge: past editions were in early October, but we have not found a 2026 date. Check womenscycling.ae.
Pick up at Zad: hot coffee and croissants for dawn riders, water and ice for the first warm-ish weekends. Rider Breakfast is AED 38 per rider for clubs of six or more. Highs are still around 36°C in October, so go early.
November 2026: Fitness Challenge and desert racing
- 31 Oct to 29 Nov: Dubai Fitness Challenge (30 minutes a day for 30 days). Headline events are on Sheikh Zayed Road (Dubai Ride on 1 Nov, Dubai Run on 22 Nov), and no Al Qudra activation has been announced (The National).
- 5 to 8 Nov: Dubai International Baja (FIA). In 2025 stages ran in the Al Qudra desert (FIA).
- 9 Nov: new moon, a good Milky Way weekend.
- 17 to 18 Nov: Leonids peak, with a Dubai Astronomy Group night (details).
- 22 Nov: Spinneys Dubai 92 build-up ride.
- 1 Nov to 30 Apr: Dubai Municipality winter camp season (see camping rules).
Pick up at Zad: firewood and charcoal as camping season opens (medium firewood AED 40, large AED 70), plus a Stargazing Kit for Two (AED 129) for the meteor nights.
December 2026: National Day and winter break
- 2 to 3 Dec: UAE National Day holiday (Eid Al Etihad). A five-day break is possible with a 4 Dec leave day.
- 9 Dec: new moon, dark skies ahead of the Geminids.
- 13 to 14 Dec: Geminids meteor shower peak, usually the best shower of the year. Best after midnight (see our stargazing guide).
- 14 Dec to 3 Jan: school winter break.
- Al Marmoom Dune Run: listed for December 2026 by FittGROUP, dates to be confirmed. An ultramarathon is mentioned as TBC. Check the organiser listing.
- 31 Dec: New Year's Eve. Zad is open all night.
Pick up at Zad: Campfire Night Kit (AED 129, up to 6), Lake BBQ Box (AED 125) for holiday picnics, and Camp Night for Two (from AED 289). This is peak demand, so pre-order on WhatsApp.
January 2027: clear skies and big rides
- 1 Jan: New Year's Day (Friday).
- 3 to 4 Jan: Quadrantids peak, a short sharp shower. Dubai Astronomy Group ran a Quadrantids night at Al Qudra in January 2026, but we have not seen 2027 dates.
- 8 Jan: new moon.
- 9 Jan: Spinneys Dubai 92 build-up ride.
- Al Salam Championship: the 2026 edition closed the track on 25 January. Next dates have not been announced, so watch alsalamchampionship.com.
Pick up at Zad: flasks of hot karak, firewood, warm snacks. January nights are properly cold.
February 2027: Dubai 92 and the start of Ramadan
- 6 Feb: new moon.
- 7 Feb: Dubai 92 race day at Expo City (not on the Al Qudra track).
- Around 8 Feb: Ramadan is expected to begin, depending on the moon.
In Ramadan, outdoor timing shifts to after sunset, with iftar and suhoor picnics. Pick up at Zad: ice, water and snacks. We are open 24/7. Check opening and event times separately during Ramadan, as organisers often shift hours.
March 2027: Eid and warm evenings
- 8 Mar: new moon, often hazier skies.
- Around 9 to 12 Mar: Eid Al Fitr holiday, moon-dependent.
- Heritage Festival camel racing ended on 2 April in 2026. 2027 dates have not been announced.
Pick up at Zad: picnic boxes (Lake Picnic Box AED 199 for four), ice and cold drinks for Eid outings. Average highs reach about 29°C.
April 2027: the last good weeks
- 5 to 11 Apr: school spring break.
- 7 Apr: new moon, the last good dark window before the heat.
- 22 to 23 Apr: Lyrids peak. A modest shower, and the moon is just past full, so expect fewer meteors.
- 30 Apr: official Dubai Municipality winter camp season ends.
Pick up at Zad: ice and water by the case. Highs climb to around 34°C, so shift rides and picnics to dawn.
Weekly rides and planning tips
Every week from autumn to spring, clubs gather for dawn rides at Al Qudra, usually on Saturdays and Sundays, and several use Zad as a coffee stop. Our cycling guide and cyclist page cover the loops and the fuel wall. For lake days see the family guide and for fire rules the BBQ guide. Our outings page also has a short season-at-a-glance.
Dubai Police has announced 14 cycling races to April 2027, with venues not specified, so watch for notices of track closures. Dates here come from organisers and press reports and can change.
Frequently asked questions
What events are on at Al Qudra in 2026-27?
Is the Dubai Fitness Challenge held at Al Qudra?
When is the next meteor shower near Dubai?
When is Ramadan 2027 expected?
What is the best month for camping in Dubai?
Can I buy supplies on the day of an event?
Stop at Zad on your way
Whatever the month, pick up coffee, ice, firewood and snacks on the way in, and pre-order for holiday weekends. We are open 24/7 at the Last Exit on Al Qudra Road, Seih Al Salam, the last shop before the desert. Free parking right outside.
Zad Food Store is open 24/7 at the Last Exit, Al Qudra Road (Seih Al Salam), Dubai, the last stop before the desert since 2013.