On Sunday, 2 November 2025, the city of Dubai will shift gears, literally—as the Dubai Ride 2025 transforms major thoroughfares into car-free zones. The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that several key routes in the heart of the city will be closed early in the day to accommodate thousands of cyclists joining the event.
For drivers and residents alike, the message is clear: this is a day to map your commute and give yourself extra time.
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— RTA (@rta_dubai) October 30, 2025
A Closure’s Look
Beginning at around 3 am, the RTA will shut multiple major roads to allow for safe, uninterrupted cycling for the event. The closures will remain in place through most of the morning. Among the affected stretches are:
- A section of Sheikh Zayed Road between Trade Centre Roundabout and Al Hadiqa Bridge.
- The one-way direction of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.
- A stretch of Lower Financial Centre Street between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road.
Motorists planning travel through Downtown, Business Bay or along Sheikh Zayed Road should expect diversions and slower-than-usual traffic flow.
Alternative Routes to Consider
To help keep traffic moving, the RTA has identified alternative routes that motorists should use instead of the closed roads. Suggested alternatives include Upper Financial Centre Street, Zabeel Palace Road, Al Wasl Road, Al Khail Road and Al Asayel Street. By planning and avoiding the overnight closure zone, you can sidestep much of the disruption.
Here are some handy tips:
- If you have to travel through the affected area, leave earlier than usual and check for live traffic updates.
- Consider public transport or park-and-ride if possible; fewer cars might actually mean a smoother journey by metro or tram.
- Ride participants will be on the road from first light—so be mindful of changes in traffic patterns and increased volume of bicycles.
What’s Happening for Cyclists
Dubai Ride 2025 isn’t just about road closures; it’s one of the city’s landmark lifestyle events. Cyclists will take two main routes: a 4 km family-friendly loop around Downtown, and a more challenging 12 km route along Sheikh Zayed Road that takes in iconic landmarks. The early start on closed roads offers a rare chance to pedal past the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Water Canal and Museum of the Future. The atmosphere is festive, active and inclusive—whether you’re a keen cyclist or just there for the fun.
Disruption Is Worth It
Every year, Dubai Ride brings together thousands of riders and invites residents to see the city differently. When major roads become a cycling track for one morning, it signals more than just a sporting event; it speaks to a broader vision of healthy city living, public space and movement. For drivers, yes, it means some planning; for everyone else, it offers a fresh experience of the city’s heart.
Sunday will be slightly different in Dubai. If you’re driving, factoring in extra time and alternate routes will make things significantly smoother. If you’re on two wheels, you’ll be rewarded with one of the city’s most memorable rides. Either way, the roads will tell a different story for those hours, and perhaps give us all a taste of what the city might be like when movement comes first.
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