Sheikh Zayed Road Reopens After Cyclists Take Over for Dubai Ride 2026

Sheikh Zayed Road has reopened to traffic after thousands of cyclists took over the highway for Dubai Ride 2026, held as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.

The road was cleared of cars ahead of the event as participants completed registration and bib collection before making their way to the start line. Security personnel and support teams were deployed across the route, with staff working overnight to prepare the highway and water stations set up for riders.

This year’s edition also introduced a Dress Your Ride competition, encouraging participants to decorate their bicycles and wear costumes during the ride.

As the final groups of cyclists completed the route, crews carried out a last sweep of Sheikh Zayed Road and surrounding areas before reopening the roads to general traffic.

Motorists were diverted during the morning closure, with delays reported around affected routes. Normal traffic resumed once the cycling programme had concluded and the route had been cleared.