Dubai Metro services will start at 3am on Sunday, November 1, earlier than the usual Sunday schedule, to help people reach Dubai Ride 2026, according to Gulf News citing the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The early start is intended to let cyclists and spectators arrive before the routes open, and it also allows participants to travel home afterwards.
Passengers are advised to check their nol Card balance before setting off. The RTA has advised a round-trip Metro fare of Dh30 and recommends making sure the card holds enough credit for both journeys.
Parking and planning
The RTA has also published designated parking locations for participants. Parking near individual start gates may be limited, so cyclists are advised to check their registered starting point and plan the onward journey from the parking area. Gulf News also reports that Parkin UAE and Parkonic have listed additional parking options near the event route; according to the report, Parkonic advises visitors to check the terms and conditions for each location on its website before arriving.
Route and timings
Dubai Ride 2026 takes place on Sheikh Zayed Road and in Downtown Dubai, and it is part of the opening weekend of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, which runs from October 31 to November 29. The event is free, but registration is compulsory. There are two routes: a more demanding one with five starting points (Museum of the Future, Al Satwa, Coca-Cola Arena, Business Bay and Lower Financial Street), and a shorter family route through Downtown Dubai.
According to the report, participants should arrive between 4am and 6am. The routes open at 6.15am, cyclists must begin by 7.30am, and the routes close at 8am. The event is not a race and has a maximum speed limit of 25km/h.
Bicycles and travel
Bicycles are not permitted on the Dubai Metro, so people bringing their own bikes need to travel by car or ride to the event. Public transport users without bicycles can use the extended Metro hours. Sheikh Zayed Road and surrounding roads will be closed for the event, and motorists should check the RTA's official social media channels for the latest traffic updates.