Running at Al Qudra: when to go and how to stay safe

Al Qudra is flat, open and quiet at dawn, which is why runners are drawn to it. It is also exposed, with little shade, nothing to buy along the way and a cycle track used by fast riders. A good run here is mostly good planning: right season, right hour, enough water and a clear idea of where you may run.

This page is general guidance, not medical or legal advice. Conditions and rules change, so check the forecast and signs on the day.

1. Check the rules first

The Al Qudra cycle track is described on our cyclist stop page as a vehicle-free, flat loop in the Al Marmoom reserve, and our cycling guide explains how it is built, as nested loops of roughly 8, 20, 50 and 86 km. It is a cycle track. RTA safety guidance for cycling-track users asks them to use a track only for its designated purpose, and the rules for shared and dedicated tracks differ between locations. Because we could not verify an official position on runners at Al Qudra, we recommend that you treat the track itself as the cyclists' space unless an official source or sign tells you otherwise.

The reserve is also protected, so stay on established tracks and hard-packed ground, keep away from wildlife and leave nothing behind. Race days and organised rides can close or change the track to non-participants, which is another reason to look at the events calendar before you go. If you are organising a run or a desert event, our outings page notes that Zad supplies ice, water, coffee and gels for event crews.

2. When to run

Season: the comfortable window is roughly October to April, with November to March the sweet spot. City average highs are about 31°C in November, 24 to 26°C from December to February and 29°C in March, according to the table in our best time to visit guide.

Hour: the cool, calm hour around sunrise is best. On the 15th of the month, first light is about 05:53 in October, 06:11 in November, 06:31 in December and 06:41 in January, with sunrise about 06:17, 06:35, 06:56 and 07:06, from our sunrise and sunset guide. Run when you can see where you are putting your feet, so start at first light or later, not before. The last hour before sunset is the other option, but plan to finish before dark, because lighting around the lakes is limited and the lakes can look alike without light.

Day: weekdays are calmer, and that matters when you share the space. Weekends and holidays are busier.

Summer: from May to September average highs sit around 38 to 41°C and there is little shade. If you run at all, do it only around sunrise, keep it short and carry far more water than you think you need. Many people will prefer to wait for October.

3. Heat and hydration

Heat is the main risk, and it builds fast once the sun is up. Our guides suggest at least 2 litres of water per person even in winter, and that is for sitting around, not running. Drink before you start, carry water you can reach while moving and finish what you carry before you head home. Salt is lost with sweat, so an electrolyte drink helps on long runs.

Know the early signs of heat exhaustion. The UK NHS lists tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea, heavy sweating with pale, clammy skin, cramps, strong thirst and a high temperature. If you notice them, stop, move to shade or a cool place, drink water and cool the skin with water and fanning. The NHS says to call emergency services if a person is not better within 30 minutes, feels hot and dry without sweating, is confused or collapses. In the UAE, the number is 999 for police and 998 for an ambulance. Our desert safety tips have more on this, and we are not medical professionals.

Never run alone in remote spots without telling someone your route and return time. Save a location pin before you head out, carry a phone with a charged battery and download an offline map, because signal can be patchy.

4. Sharing space with cyclists

Riders at Al Qudra move fast. A Dubai Eye report said no speed limit applies to cyclists on external tracks such as Al Qudra and Seih Al Salam, so assume riders can come up behind you quickly and quietly. Whatever path you use, these habits help everyone:

• Stay predictable: do not weave, stop suddenly or turn without looking. Keep to the edge, and run single file.
• Keep your ears free: leave at least one ear open so you can hear a call from behind, and do not rely on headphones.
• Do not block the way: if you stop to stretch, drink or take a photo, step well clear of the tarmac.
• Be seen: wear bright colours, and carry a light and a reflective item in low light.
• Watch for groups: club rides travel in lines and are hard to stop quickly. Give them space.
• Park clear: leave your car where it does not obstruct the track or entrances.

Keep away from wildlife, and take your rubbish home. Littering fines in Dubai start at AED 500.

5. What to carry

• Water and electrolytes: more than you expect to use.
• Sun cover: a cap or visor, sunglasses and sunscreen. See what to wear in the desert.
• A light layer: for the cool wait before sunrise.
• Phone, ID and a little cash: plus an offline map and a saved pin of your car.
• A light for the dark: torches and camp lighting are AED 12 to 55 at Zad, and you should start only at first light.
• A full tank: we do not sell fuel, so fill up before you leave the city.

6. Refuel at Zad

Nothing is sold along the way, so Zad at the Last Exit is both your pre-run and post-run stop. It is open 24 hours, and the coffee machine is hot long before sunrise. Water is AED 2 for 500 ml and AED 3 for 1.5 L. Pocari Sweat is AED 8 for 330 ml and AED 11 for 500 ml, and Precision hydration tablets are AED 40 to 80, from the cyclist stop fuel wall. Afterwards, a signature smoothie is AED 26, fresh orange juice AED 22, a chicken wrap AED 26 to 32 and a croissant AED 14 to 15. See the menu and our breakfast and coffee guide. Prices are indicative, so message us on WhatsApp to confirm stock.

Frequently asked questions

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.