More than 20,000 riders made history at the first-ever cycling event along Sheikh Zayed Road as part of Dubai Fitness Challenge 2020. For the first time, both directions of the main highway were open for cyclists only; while families set off on a once-in-a-lifetime ride along Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. An exhilarating atmosphere of positivity and excitement surged through Dubai as a section of the city’s main artery, the Sheikh Zayed Road, transformed into a 14km cycling track for the very first time as part of Dubai Fitness Challenge 2020. More than 20,000 cyclists logged their rides to make history and mark a new milestone in their fitness journey with the inaugural Dubai Ride 2020.
Spearheaded by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the event showcased an unprecedented display of unity. Cyclists hit the roads as early as 5 am, embarking on two breath-taking routes in the heart of the city – a 14km loop on Sheikh Zayed Road and a 4km Family Route around Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.
Cycling enthusiasts were excited to ride the 14km Sheikh Zayed Road route with both directions of the highway exclusively opened for cyclists. International athletes, as well as the city’s leading cycling clubs and communities, helped start off the waves of cyclists, joining riders for a once-in-a-lifetime experience around Dubai’s iconic landmarks including Emirates Towers, The Museum of the Future, and the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Families and children as young as five years old joined in stride with the city’s love for the sport, enjoying the 4km bike ride around Souk Al Bahar, Dubai Opera, The Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa. The event also witnessed high participation from people of determination, who joined together to cycle around Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.
The success of the event was evidenced in the overwhelming support from the full breadth of the local stakeholder network, with public and private sectors rallying together to strengthen the city’s vision to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Government organisations, as well as schools and educational institutions joined participants in a socially-distanced setting, testament to Dubai’s commitment to creating a safe environment for people to be physically active. Dubai Ride was organised by Dubai Tourism and Dubai Sports Council; with presenting partner DP World; association partners Emirates NBD, Etisalat and Mai Dubai; official partners Arabian Radio Network (ARN), Daman, EMAAR, Shield ME and Talabat; and government partners Event Security Committee, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai Police, Ministry of Education, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA).
The Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) is an initiative of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. DFC has been created to motivate the people of Dubai to adopt an active and healthier lifestyle, and commit to 30 minutes of daily activity for 30 days. Running from October 30 to November 28, 2020, DFC encompasses all forms of activity in an action-packed calendar of virtual and physical sessions, to make fitness accessible and easy for all. This year’s programme has the highest standards of safety precautions and social distancing measures in place to ensure Dubai’s residents and visitors can stay connected and safe.
Dubai Fitness Challenge 2020 will continue until November 28, 2020. www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com
