Sheikh Zayed Road to turn into cycling track for Dubai Fitness Challenge

Sheikh Zayed Road is set to turn into a track for the city’s latest cycling event, Dubai Ride.

The non-competitive, free-to-enter, community event will be held on Friday, November 20 as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.

It will take cyclists of all abilities and experiences on a ride through the city’s main artery.

Participants can enjoy the thrill of an outdoor bike ride while experiencing a unique perspective of iconic sights across Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Downtown Dubai, Business Bay and Dubai Canal.

Dubai Ride will feature two distinct routes - a 4km family ride and a 14km open ride.

The 4km family-friendly event is open to participants aged five years and older, across all abilities and fitness levels. The route will take riders around Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.

Meanwhile, the 14km route, created for cycling enthusiasts who are 13 years of age or older, will take participants on a once-in-a-lifetime ride through Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Canal and Sheikh Zayed Road.

This will be the first time that visitors and residents will be allowed to cycle down a section of the 14-lane highway.

.@HamdanMohammed announces Sheikh Zayed Road to turn into a track for #Dubai Fitness Challenge’s cycling eventhttps://t.co/id8U9GB8qT @DXBFitChallenge pic.twitter.com/MMVDZLtxEG

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 4, 2020

From roadies to mountain bikers, seasoned riders to family groups, cyclists from across the city are invited to log in their rides, whether solo or with family and friends.

Riders must be able to cycle a minimum of 4km, bring their own bike and helmet and register to participate in the ride at www.dubairide.com. 

Speed limits will be set throughout the stretch to ensure public health and safety, closely monitored by pace cars. These will also ensure cyclists follow strict social distancing guidelines. 

Celebrating the city’s resilient spirit, Dubai Ride has partnered with Dubai Cares to support students whose lives have been affected by challenges posed by the pandemic.

While the event remains free-to-enter, participants are invited to support Education Uninterrupted, a nationwide fundraising campaign that tackles the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the education of children and youth in the UAE.

"Our greatest inspiration is His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who has long championed the integration of cycling into people’s lifestyles - be it to enhance our health and well-being, or promote environmentally friendly transport in our communities," said His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

"With the Dubai Ride, we celebrate this visionary objective. I invite you to join me and achieve a new milestone in your fitness journey," Sheikh Hamdan added.

#Dubai Ride, to be held on November 20, features two distinct routes - a 4 km family ride and a 14 km open ride. It is a free-to-enter event and is now open for registration for cyclists as young as 5 years, across all abilities and experiences. https://t.co/K5Ljhbg47o. pic.twitter.com/Yt8MADfqCQ

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 4, 2020