Dubai Ride 2026: Sheikh Zayed Road to close for cycling event on November 1

Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai will transform into a cycling track on Sunday, November 1, as the Dubai Ride returns for the opening weekend of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. The free event offers two routes: a 12km stretch along Sheikh Zayed Road for experienced cyclists and a 4km Downtown Family Route for children, families, and newer riders.

Registration and bib collection

Registration is compulsory for all participants, even though the event is free. Cyclists must sign up online in advance and collect their bib number before the ride. Organisers advise registering as soon as possible to secure a place; turning up on the day without registration is not allowed.

Every rider must have a bib number. Those without one will not be permitted to take part. Adults must register individually. Parents or legal guardians may register up to three children and must accept the waiver for anyone under 18.

Bibs can be collected from the Dubai Municipality 30×30 Fitness Village at Zabeel Park, Gate 2, until Saturday, October 31. Collection hours are from 8am to 11pm on Saturday. Riders need to bring their registration QR code or email confirmation. A friend or family member can collect a bib on someone else’s behalf if they have the QR code. Participants who selected an event T-shirt during registration can pick it up along with their bib.

Event timing and routes

The event is scheduled to start at 6am, with cycling routes opening at 6.15am. All riders are expected to begin by 7.30am, and the route closes at 8am. Organisers recommend arriving between 4am and 6am, especially for those driving to a start gate. Roads around the route will be closed early, so late arrivals risk missing the ride.

The 12km Sheikh Zayed Road route is designed for experienced cyclists. It passes landmarks including the Museum of the Future, the Dubai Water Canal, and Burj Khalifa. Riders can enter through one of five start points: Museum of the Future, Al Satwa, Coca-Cola Arena, Business Bay, and Lower Financial Street.

The 4km Downtown Family Route is a flatter loop around Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera, and Burj Khalifa. It is intended for riders of all ages and abilities. Dubai Ride is not a race; participants must adhere to a 25kmph speed limit and finish at the gate linked to their chosen starting point.

Metro and parking

Dubai Metro will start operating at 3am on Sunday, earlier than its usual Sunday timing, to help participants reach the event. However, bicycles are not allowed on the Metro. Cyclists using public transport will need to arrange another way to bring their bike to the start area. The RTA has advised Metro users to keep at least Dh30 on their Nol card.

Three parking locations have been identified: Dubai World Trade Centre Parking, Dubai Mall Parking, and Dubai Mall Zabeel Parking. Parking is limited, so riders should arrive early and follow signs and staff instructions.

What to bring and what is allowed

Participants must bring a fully working bicycle, a helmet, and an attached bib number. Helmets are compulsory for every rider, including children travelling in bike seats or trailers. Organisers also ask riders to bring their Dubai Ride T-shirt and a filled water bottle. Large bags are not permitted, and there will be no bag-drop or changing facilities. Riders should wear closed sports shoes and comfortable clothing; it may feel cool before sunrise but will warm up quickly.

Pedal-assisted e-bikes, tandem bicycles, children’s bikes, and trailers are allowed if they are safe for the route. Electric scooters, electric motorbikes, and other motorised vehicles are not permitted. Bike mechanics, marshals, medical teams, and water stations will be available along the route.