Sheikh Hamdan shares perfectly timed photo of ostrich on Dubai cycle track

Two-metre tall bird was seen sprinting across the desert

An ostrich dashes across the Al Qudra cycling track in Dubai. Courtesy: Sheikh Hamdan's Instagram 

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed had a close call with an ostrich that sprinted across his path on a cycle track.

A companion of the Crown Prince of Dubai snapped the moment the bird – which can grow up to 2.5 metres in height – dashed in front of their group.

The picture appeared to be taken at Al Qudra cycle track, which runs through the Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.

On occasion, cyclists spot giraffes and other exotic animals wandering freely in the fenceless reserve.

Ostriches are flightless, but they can sprint at more than 70 kilometres per hour.

They are the fastest birds in the world.

Sheikh Hamdan's animal photography