Thousands of Riders of All Ages Fill Sheikh Zayed Road for Dubai Ride 2026

Thousands of participants from across the UAE gathered on Sheikh Zayed Road on 1 November 2026 for the annual Dubai Ride, an event that brings together everyone from first‑timers to families creating shared memories.

Some residents travelled from other emirates to take part, while others brought young children along for the experience. The ride started promptly at 6.15am, led by a convoy of Dubai Police, followed by elite cyclists and a group of Talabat riders, before the general participants set off.

First‑Time Participants and Special Moments

Emirati person of determination Badir Jasim Alhammadi came from Khorfakkan for his first Dubai Ride. A national basketball player, he said he wanted to experience cycling down Sheikh Zayed Road. “I wanted to know what it felt like riding past the Dubai landmarks in a cycle,” he said. Using a specially made hand‑driven cycle, he added: “No one looks at me with sympathy or stares at me. I am one among the crowd, and I love it.”

Air traffic controller Dick Stevens and his wife Elouise Stevens used the Dubai Ride to kick off their 23rd wedding anniversary. “We decided to come dressed as a bride and groom for fun,” said Dick. “We have been doing the Dubai Ride since the first year it started, and it felt like the best way to celebrate.” The couple planned to return home for a home‑cooked meal prepared by their son. “We are looking forward to relaxing at home and recovering from the ride,” said Elouise.

Family Bonding on Two Wheels

For many families, the event was a chance to bond. UAE resident Daryl has taken part in the Dubai Ride for three years, but this year he wanted to experience it with his family. He came with his wife Andrea and their one‑year‑old son Yuno. “He was sleeping when we left our home in Meydan,” said Daryl. “We picked him up and put him in the car. He woke up just before the ride began. He is still very sleepy.”

Russian cyclist Dmitry Popov said the Dubai Ride is one chance he gets to spend time with his sons, nine‑year‑old Adrian and five‑year‑old Max. “I’m a cyclist, and I usually ride long distances, but this is the one chance we all get to ride together,” he said. “Last year we did the 4km, but this year we are doing the full 12km.” The family have been living in the UAE for one and a half years.

UAE resident Nazeer Abdul Rahiman has taken part in every edition of the Dubai Ride and said it is an experience he never misses. “I ride for two hours every day for approximately 50 kilometres,” he said. “But the Dubai Ride is something I never miss. I have to slow down because it is a fun ride, but I still love it. I love the vibe of it. Today I am hoping to finish two rounds of the 12km track.”

Early Starts and New Traditions

Brazilian expat Ricardo and his wife Aline took part in their first Dubai Ride, bringing their eight‑year‑old daughter Manuela and one‑year‑old Antonela. “The ride is fairly easy,” said Ricardo. “But the hardest part is to convince Antonela to keep her helmet on. She rips it off every five minutes, and we have to stop to reset it.”

Dubai residents Aliya and Yumna met at a networking event in February 2026 and discovered a shared love for sports. They now play padel together every week. On Sunday they took part in their first Dubai Ride together. “It has been such a fun experience,” said Aliya.

Twelve‑year‑old Kush Vishal Ranpara was participating for the second year, but for the first time on his own. He woke up at 3.45am and cycled to the starting point with his father from their home in Makhool. However, his father was not allowed to ride because he did not have an appropriate helmet. “But I wanted to ride anyway because it is something I was looking forward to,” said Kush. “So my father asked me to go ahead without him. I finished the entire round on my own.”

It was not just riders who had first‑time experiences. Support staff member Kareem was working for the Dubai Fitness Challenge for the first time. He said he arrived at Sheikh Zayed Road on Saturday night at 10:30pm. “We spent the whole night putting in place the various requirements,” he said.

Now in its sixth edition, the Dubai Ride, presented by DP World, introduced its first‑ever Dress Your Ride competition this year, with Dh10,000 up for grabs. The ride kicks off the Dubai Fitness Challenge, and for many of the riders it is a tradition they intend to keep.