This morning, the streets of Dubai buzzed with excitement as the city hosted the region’s largest community cycling event, Dubai Ride, presented by DP World. The annual event, a key part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), saw an amazing turnout of 37,130 participants, from amateur cyclists to seasoned pros, all enjoying a unique chance to experience Dubai’s famous landmarks while cycling.
Participants could choose from two routes: a family-friendly 4-km loop around Downtown Dubai, passing the Dubai Opera and Burj Khalifa, or a 12-km stretch along Sheikh Zayed Road, where they cycled past the Museum of the Future, Dubai Water Canal, and more iconic spots.
A new addition to this year’s event was the Dubai Ride Speed Laps for experienced cyclists, which challenged participants to race down Sheikh Zayed Road at speeds of 30km/h before joining the main event.
Among the participants were renowned athletes like American triathlete Taylor Spivey, who won a silver medal in the Paris 2024 Olympics, and UAE’s own Safia Al Sayegh, a road cyclist who represented the country at the Paris Olympics. Their involvement, alongside the community, highlighted the event’s focus on fitness and served as an inspiration to all attendees. Taylor is in Dubai for the Dubai T100 Triathlon World Championship Final at Meydan from 16-17 November.
Adding to the excitement, Dubai Police supercars led the start of the ride, followed by a fleet of talabat riders. DJs from UNTOLD Dubai played upbeat music while Modesh and Dana, beloved characters from Modesh World, joined the fun along the Downtown route, bringing extra joy to the participants.
More than just a cycling event, Dubai Ride, presented by DP World, blends fitness, entertainment, and community fun. It aligns with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, to make the city one of the most active places in the world.
Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, said, “The overwhelming success of Dubai Ride shows how committed our community is to making Dubai the world’s most active city. The record-breaking turnout reflects our dedication to promoting a healthy lifestyle and improving quality of life for everyone in the community. We look forward to offering more fitness opportunities in the future.”
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), added, “Dubai Ride not only highlights the vibrant spirit of our city but also supports Sheikh Hamdan’s vision of a healthier, more active lifestyle. The sense of unity and community was incredible, as people of all ages cycled through the city’s landmarks. It’s inspiring to see such a positive impact, demonstrating the power of community involvement in creating a healthier future for Dubai.”
Organized by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Sports Council, this year’s Dubai Ride was supported by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Emaar, and Decathlon, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. Decathlon also provided free bike repairs at its stores leading up to the event.
Dubai Ride 2024, presented by DP World, also had support from The Brain & Performance Centre, Decathlon, RTA, talabat, and Emaar. Other partners included Dubai Chambers, Emirates, Mai Dubai, Dubai Police, and the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services.
With two weeks left to register, it’s not too late to join the challenge. Visit www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com for more details, and remember to use #ShareYour30 on social media to inspire others to get active.
