Thousands of cyclists participated in Dubai ride 2023

Thousands of cyclists took over Dubai's 14-lane Sheikh Zayed Road on Sunday for the fourth Dubai Ride.

One of the flagship events of Dubai Fitness Challenge, the community cycling non-race event is one of the biggest of its kind in the world.

Open to cyclists of all ages and fitness abilities, participants gathered at the break of dawn at five predetermined starting points depending on which of the two routes they've chosen. Both the routes, 4km and 12km, were flagged off at 6.15am.

Streamers, long balloons and colourful costumes added an oomph to the non-competitive ride as several riders dressed up for the event. Some residents drove from various emirates while others stayed over with their friends and family to make it to the ride on time.

Dubai Police supercars led the start of the ride that saw people of all ages and abilities cycle collectively over 546,000 km. Hundreds of safety officers and Dubai Ride marshals worked tirelessly to ensure a seamless event.

Filipinas Yuri and Leng were volunteering as marshals for the first time at Dubai Run and said they took their responsibilities very seriously. “We have just been riding along the route and making sure those who are stopping on the roads are staying behind the yellow line and staying safe,” said Yuri. “We want to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable ride.”

According to Leng, the two of them met while cycling and bonded over their love for the sport. “Since then, we have been good friends,” she said. “So, when she was registering to volunteer as a marshal, I decided to join too. It has been a great experience for us to meet a lot of people.”

This is the fourth edition of the Dubai Ride initiative, which is an integral part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC). Cyclists have the option of choosing between a family friendly 4km route and a more challenging 12km ride. The family-friendly 4km stretch followed Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard and went past Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera and Burj Khalifa. The more strenuous 12km route took place on Sheikh Zayed Road with five starting points for the loop: Museum of The Future, Al Satwa, Coca-Cola Arena, Business Bay and Lower Financial Street.

Serbian expat Alexandra participated in the ride along with a group of seven people including her husband, daughter and friends. She borrowed her daughter’s helmet to look “cool” and said she loves being a part of the Dubai Ride. “I love the camaraderie of this initiative,” she said. “It is a wonderful experience and that is why I keep coming back for it. This is my third time participating in the Dubai Ride.”