Dubai is gearing up for one of its biggest cycling events of the year! Sheikh Zayed Road is turning into a massive bike track, where riders of all ages and abilities can cycle through the heart of the city.
Dubai Ride, part of the annual Dubai Fitness Challenge, is expected to bring together thousands of participants, and authorities have prepared plans to manage traffic flow and ensure public transport options are available for everyone.
Ahead of the event, important advisories about road closures and metro timings were issued. If you missed them, here’s a simple guide to everything you need to know for Dubai Ride.
Road Closures and Open Routes
Since Dubai Ride will take place on Sheikh Zayed Road, the entire highway will be closed for the event. Other roads around the area may also be affected. From 3:30 am to 10:00 am, the following roads will be closed:
- Part of Sheikh Zayed Road between the Trade Centre Roundabout and the second bridge
- Lower Financial Centre Road, from Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Khail Road
- One lane from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard
You can check a map of closed routes (marked in red) and alternative routes (marked in green).
Dubai Metro Timing for Dubai Ride
The Dubai Metro, usually opening at 8:00 am on Sundays, will start earlier to accommodate Dubai Ride participants. On Sunday, November 10, both the Red and Green Lines will operate from 3:00 am to 12:00 am.
Getting to the Starting Point
The ride kicks off promptly at 6:15 am, so you should be at your starting point by then. If you’re running a little late, you might still be able to join with a few minutes of grace. However, entry gates will close at 7:30 am. There are five starting points for the 12km ride:
- Museum of the Future
- Al Satwa
- Coca-Cola Arena
- Business Bay
- Lower Financial Centre Street
For those signed up for the 4km family route, the starting point is at Dubai Mall. Check your registration details to confirm your starting point. If you’re unsure, look out for Dubai Ride team members along the route who can help guide you.
Event Schedule
Dubai Ride will run from 6:15 am to 8:15 am. This year, a new challenge, speed laps, will take place from 5:00 am to 6:00 am.
What to Bring for Dubai Ride
To ensure you’re ready for the ride, here’s a checklist of things to bring:
- Your numbered bib: You must have this to participate, which can be collected from the Dubai Municipality Zabeel Park 30 x 30 Fitness Village until November 9.
- Your bike: Any bike with two wheels and working brakes is acceptable. E-bikes are allowed, but scooters are not. Children with training wheels are not allowed to ride on Sheikh Zayed Road. If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one for free (details below).
- A helmet: This is required for all participants.
- A refillable water bottle: Make sure to fill it before you leave and refill it at stations along the route.
- Bike lights: Recommended, especially for riders starting before sunrise.
How to Rent a Bike for Free
Thanks to a partnership with bike-sharing company Careem and the RTA, Dubai Ride participants can rent bikes for free. Rental stations are located at:
- Entrance A: Museum of the Future (MOTF), Trade Centre St
- Entrance E: Lower FCS, Financial Centre Road
To rent a bike, log into the Careem app and use the code DR24 for a one-day pass. Remember, bikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cycling to the Event and Back
If you want to take it to the next level, you can cycle to the event from your home. Just be sure to follow all cycling rules in the emirate. Keep in mind that after the event, roads will reopen, making it more challenging to cycle back due to heavier traffic.
Finish Time for the Ride
While Dubai Ride is not a race, it’s ideal to finish by 8:15 am. If you started from one of the official starting points, try to finish at the same location. Marshals will be stationed along the route to help if you need assistance or directions.
