Dubai Fitness Challenge begins, SZR turns into a sea of cyclists

A whopping 40,327 cycling lovers — both amateurs and professionals — took part in this year's sixth edition of Dubai Ride on Sunday, as the city's iconic Sheikh Zayed Road turned into a giant track.

- Nasreen Abdulla

Participants cheer as they take part in the Dubai Ride along Sheikh Zayed Road on Sunday as part of Dubai Fitness Challenge 2023. From kids as young as one to those hitting 60, everyone took part in the joyride to fitness. From families enjoying their first cycling adventure together to seasoned athletes pushing their limits during the speed laps, everyone had a fun-filled day and went back home with memories to cherish forever.

(PHOTOS BY MUHAMMAD SAJJAD / KHALEEJ TIMES)

Some came with their families while others joined the event with their friends and colleagues. Meanwhile, for many children, it was a chance to make more memories and enjoy a morning of exercise and fun.

Held as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), the Dubai Ride is the region's largest community cycling event, offering cyclists a unique opportunity to experience Dubai's iconic landmarks.

For one-year-old Diana, neither the early morning wake-up nor the crowds were a hindrance to enjoying the ride along Sheikh Zayed Road with her father, Dmitrii. Sitting in the child seat behind her father, she observed the track and soaked in the views.

Hailing from Ukraine, this was the first time the father-daughter duo were participating in the Dubai Ride 2025. "She loves riding," the proud father told Khaleej Times, while he made a pitstop in front of the Museum of the Future to check on her. "I have been riding with her since she was eight months old and this is our time together."