TLDR:
Record turnout at Dubai Ride event
Olympic stars join Dubai’s cycling scene
Community celebrates fitness and unity
DUBAI (The Thursday Times) — Dubai Ride 2024, a highlight of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, brought together 37,130 cyclists in a record-breaking display of community and fitness on Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai. Presented by DP World, this annual event offered both amateur and seasoned cyclists a unique view of Dubai’s landmarks from the saddle, showcasing the city’s vibrant community spirit and commitment to an active lifestyle.
Participants could choose between two routes: a family-friendly 4-km loop around Downtown Dubai, passing iconic sites such as the Dubai Opera and Burj Khalifa, or a more challenging 12-km stretch on Sheikh Zayed Road. The event introduced Dubai Ride Speed Laps, inviting experienced cyclists to push their limits along the Sheikh Zayed Road route, offering a thrilling experience for those looking to enhance their endurance and speed.
Olympians join the ride
Dubai Ride attracted high-profile participants, including top Olympic athletes. Taylor Spivey, a silver medalist in triathlon at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and UAE’s own Olympian Safia Al Sayegh joined the 12-km route, energising the crowd and promoting the importance of active living. Their presence underscored Dubai’s appeal as a global hub for sports and fitness, bringing the excitement of international athleticism to local enthusiasts.
Community-led energy
This year’s event kicked off with a parade led by Dubai Police supercars, joined by talabat riders and musical entertainment by UNTOLD Dubai’s DJs. The popular Dubai character duo, Modesh and Dana, added a playful energy to the Downtown route, creating a family-friendly atmosphere that was enjoyed by participants of all ages. Organisers ensured a smooth experience, coordinating with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and Emaar, while Decathlon provided on-site bike repair services, supporting the thousands of participants along the route.
Dubai Ride aligns with the vision of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, to make Dubai one of the world’s most active cities. The event reflects a commitment to promoting health and fitness while uniting the community under a common goal. With each turn of the pedal, the participants contributed to Dubai’s vision of an active, interconnected, and health-conscious society.
Fitness and wellness
Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, highlighted the event as a powerful testament to Dubai’s collective commitment to an active lifestyle. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, echoed this sentiment, emphasising that Dubai Ride captures the city’s vibrant spirit, encouraging people from all backgrounds to embrace health and wellness.
Organised by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Sports Council, with support from the RTA, Emaar, and Decathlon, Dubai Ride 2024 brought together numerous partners, creating an inclusive environment for fitness enthusiasts. Government entities such as the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services and Dubai Police ensured a safe event, while Decathlon’s free bike repair services ahead of the event helped participants prepare.
Dubai Ride 2024 presented a unique fusion of fitness, entertainment, and community spirit, as thousands joined the citywide celebration of health and unity. This year’s record-breaking turnout reflects the transformative power of collective engagement in realising Dubai’s vision of a healthier, more active future.
