Dubai Ride brings a record 41,836 cyclists onto the city’s streets

Sheikh Zayed Road took on a different rhythm on Sunday morning as 41,836 cyclists joined Dubai Ride, setting a new participation record for the annual community event.

With traffic temporarily cleared, riders travelled past the Museum of the Future, Burj Khalifa and other familiar landmarks, experiencing parts of Dubai usually seen through a car window from the saddle instead.

Held on November 1, the seventh edition of Dubai Ride, presented by DP World, opened the flagship event programme for the 10th Dubai Fitness Challenge, bringing families, friends and cycling enthusiasts together at the start of a month dedicated to movement.

A new record for community cycling

This year’s turnout exceeded the previous record of 40,327 cyclists in 2025 by 1,509 participants, an increase of approximately 3.7 per cent.

Compared with the 37,130 riders who took part in 2024, participation has grown by nearly 13 per cent, reflecting the event’s expanding place in Dubai’s community calendar.

The free ride began at 6.15am. Its untimed format allowed participants to cycle at their own pace, making the morning accessible to people with different levels of experience.

Two routes through familiar landmarks

The 12km Sheikh Zayed Road route offered cyclists the opportunity to ride along one of Dubai’s best-known roads, passing the Museum of the Future and Dubai Water Canal.

A shorter 4km Downtown route welcomed families and beginners, taking riders along Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard with views of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera.

The choice gave participants different ways to experience the event: a longer city ride for those comfortable covering more distance, or a shorter outing that parents and children could enjoy together.

Making room for more riders

Accessibility was built into the morning’s arrangements. A dedicated entry point supported 53 People of Determination, with participants using handcycles, tandem bikes and adapted bicycles.

The event also brought generations together during the UAE’s Year of Family, with parents, grandparents and children sharing the routes.

That mix of participants gave the record its human dimension. Alongside experienced cyclists were families making a morning of it and riders taking the opportunity to join a large community event.

Music, costumes and decorated bicycles

Entertainment added to the atmosphere along both courses. On the Downtown route, Spider-Man, Pokémon characters and other mascots greeted families, while DJs travelling on buggies supplied music.

On Sheikh Zayed Road, presenter Katie Overy welcomed riders at the start, with DJs RHUM G and CIMEO contributing to the soundtrack.

Drummers, the Filipino Marching Band and cheerleaders added to the celebrations. Participants also decorated their bicycles and dressed up for competitions recognising creative bike designs, themes, family costumes and group outfits.

A month of movement continues

Dubai Ride is part of the wider Dubai Fitness Challenge, running from October 31 to November 29. Launched in 2017 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the initiative invites residents and visitors to complete 30 minutes of activity each day for 30 days.

The next flagship events include Dubai Stand-Up Paddle at Hatta Dam on November 7 and 8, followed by Dubai Run on November 22, when Sheikh Zayed Road will again become a community fitness venue.

Dubai Yoga returns to DIFC on November 29 to close the programme. Throughout the month, free Fitness Villages, Community Fitness Hubs and classes across the city offer further opportunities to keep moving beyond the major event days.