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The Journal · Dubai
Among the things to do in Dubai this November, few are as memorable as riding or running down Sheikh Zayed Road. On November 1, 2026, a record 41,836 cyclists took over the highway for Dubai Ride, as the Dubai Fitness Challenge began its tenth edition.
At a glance
Record morning on Sheikh
Before sunrise on Sunday, November 1, 2026, Dubai's main highway belonged to bicycles. Dubai Ride, presented by DP World, drew 41,836 cyclists, according to the Dubai Media Office, a new record for the event and more than the 40,327 who rode in 2025. Riders set off at 6:15 a.m., and by the time the roads reopened the city had enjoyed one of its happiest mornings of the year.
The event has grown quickly. In 2024, 37,130 riders took part; two years later the number is close to 42,000, an increase of nearly 13 percent. Riders collected their bibs at the Dubai Municipality 30x30 Fitness Village in Zabeel Park in the days before the event, and set off from starting gates including the Museum of the Future, Coca-Cola Arena and Business Bay.
There were two routes. The 12-kilometer course ran along Sheikh Zayed Road, past the Museum of the Future and over the Dubai Water Canal bridge, while a flat 4-kilometer family route looped through Downtown Dubai past Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera and Burj Khalifa. Riders of all ages took part, many in fancy dress, and People of Determination had their own starting areas, with adapted bicycles and handcycles.
Tenth Dubai Fitness Challenge
Dubai Ride opened the tenth Dubai Fitness Challenge, which runs from October 31 to November 29, 2026. Launched in 2017 by Dubai's Crown Prince, the challenge invites residents and visitors to exercise for 30 minutes a day for 30 days, and fills the city with free classes, fitness villages and community events. Registration is free on the challenge's website, dubaifitnesschallenge.com, and visitors are as welcome as residents.
Events in Dubai
Paddleboarding on the still water of Hatta Dam, in the mountains of the Hajar.
Sheikh Zayed Road closes to traffic again for the city's great run, which drew a record 307,000 participants in 2025.
A mass yoga session at DIFC, back for a second year after 3,500 took part in 2025.
Why November is
November is when Dubai comes outdoors. The summer heat has eased, mornings are fresh, and the beaches, parks and terraces fill again. For a visitor, joining Dubai Run is one of the most memorable ways to see the city: walking or running down a highway normally full of traffic, with the towers of Downtown on either side. It is also a natural part of a family vacation in Dubai, since the shorter routes suit children.
A few Dubai travel tips for event days. Arrive early, because roads around the course close before dawn and the Metro is usually the easiest way in. Bring water and a light layer for the early start, and plan a slow breakfast afterward, when the city's cafés are full of medal-wearing runners.
Our Middle East events calendar lists the season's other highlights, our page on the best time to visit the Middle East explains the seasons month by month, and our guide to luxury family travel has ideas for traveling with children. For where to stay near the routes, see our Dubai luxury hotels guide, and for another winter favorite, our piece on Global Village's new season.
41,836 cyclists, a record, according to the Dubai Media Office.
Sunday, November 22, 2026, on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Yes. The challenge is open to residents and visitors, and registration is free.
Checked on 11/02/2026. Prices and dates are approximate and can change. See our standard.