Dubai Ride turns Sheikh Zayed Road into cycling track

Sheikh Zayed Road, one of the busiest roads in the UAE, was closed to traffic on Sunday morning as thousands of cyclists joined a Dubai Fitness Challenge event. Almost 35,000 people, some as young as 3, came to the third edition of Dubai Ride as Sheikh Zayed Road turned into a giant cycling track yet again.


Part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), the Dubai Ride saw record participation from people of all ages and fitness levels cycle across iconic landmarks including the Museum of the Future, Coca Cola arena and Burj Khalifa as they got in their 30 minutes of exercise. Some participants came from other emirates to participate in the event.

The Dubai Ride had two routes – a longer 12km ride on Sheikh Zayed Road for experienced riders and a shorter 4km family route on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid boulevard. There were six start and finish gates including MOTF, Satwa, Coca Cola arena, lower financial centre road and Business Bay.

Dressed in red and black T-shirts, the cyclists of Dubai Riders club were one of the most prominent groups in today’s ride. More than 450 participants between the ages of 6 and 65 joined the club’s founder Sajin Gangadharan for the event. “Last year, we were only 100 participants,” he said. “This year, we have a much bigger participation from women and children. One of our bikers Dr Ashok Lodha suffered a shoulder injury but he didn’t want to sit the ride out, so he rode using just one hand.”

For some riders, it was a great chance to catch up with their friends. Doctors Hussain, Reza, Emad, Nargis and Humayun met as colleagues at the Iranian hospital and have been cycling together for over three years. “We cycle at least a few times a week together,” said Dr Hussain. “Even though some of us moved jobs, our love for cycling has ensured that we remain connected. Today, we decided to catch up with each other during the Dubai Ride.”