Voices from the Challenge: Dubai Ride 2025 Presented by DP World Unites Thousands in a Celebration of Community and Fitness
From first-time participants to seasoned cyclists, riders share unforgettable moments from one of the world’s most iconic urban cycling events.
 Dubai(News Desk):: As the sun rose over Sheikh Zayed Road on Sunday morning, thousands of cyclists from across the UAE and beyond gathered for Dubai Ride 2025, presented by DP World – transforming the city’s iconic highway into a vibrant celebration of movement, community and wellbeing.
Now in its sixth edition, Dubai Ride brought together a record-breaking 40,327 riders of all ages and abilities – from families making memories together to cycling groups and first-time participants embracing the unique opportunity to pedal past landmarks such as the Museum of the Future, Dubai Water Canal and Burj Khalifa.
For Alan Lascano, a Filipino mechanic who has lived in Abu Dhabi for 13 years, this year marked his first experience of the flagship event. Riding with his cycling group, the ‘United Bikers’, Lascano was swept up in the energy of the day.
“It’s a nice experience – it’s my first time taking part in Dubai Ride,” said Lascano. “There are so many cyclists here, and everyone seems to be having so much fun! It’s great to have an event like this that is free of charge. It encourages people to exercise, and it’s wonderful for health.”
The event’s inclusive spirit was evident throughout, as riders of all fitness levels found their place on the route. For Suresh Chellappan and his son Arnav, this was their third consecutive year participating in Dubai Ride, and the excitement showed no signs of waning.
“The energy is fantastic – you can feel the vibe,” said Chellappan, who works at the Dubai World Trade Centre. “My son loves this event. For school, he never wakes up, but for Dubai Ride, he is wide awake at 5:30 a.m.! This is one of the things the government is doing really well for us. November is all about Dubai Fitness Challenge – it’s my favourite month of the year. The weather is changing, fitness is starting, it’s a crazy time.”
For many families, Dubai Ride provided a rare opportunity to spend quality time together while staying active. The Murliyanto family – Indra, Ring, and their three-year-old daughter, Izzi – were making the most of the unique experience of cycling on one of the world’s most recognisable roads.
“We wanted to spend time as a family, and this is the best event to do that,” said Indra, who was participating for the third time. “The road is full – there are so many people joining the Challenge each year. It’s amazing. I hope this continues for many years, not only this but also Dubai Run and Dubai Stand Up Paddle.”
Among the early risers was Mohd Khan, a Dubai resident from Kerala who ensured he was one of the first cyclists on Sheikh Zayed Road as dawn broke over the Dubai skyline. Khan was impossible to miss, sporting a colourful wig in the colours of the UAE flag and carrying a giant national flag as he rode.
“Once every year we get this opportunity to cycle down this amazing road,” said Khan. “If you have never joined Dubai Ride before, make sure you don’t miss out next year – it’s such a great event. Driving on Sheikh Zayed Road is very different to cycling on it – it’s unique. Nothing can match this experience, to be honest.”
The city now looks ahead to the remaining flagship events of Dubai Fitness Challenge 2025 – Dubai Stand Up Paddle, presented by RTA, returning to Hatta Dam on 8-9 November with its expanded two-day format; Dubai Run, presented by Mai Dubai, on 23 November, set to once again welcome hundreds of thousands to Sheikh Zayed Road; and the brand-new Dubai Yoga on 30 November at Zabeel Park, which will close the Challenge with a moment of collective mindfulness and balance.
Alongside these flagship events, three free 30×30 Fitness Villages, 30 Community Fitness Hubs, and thousands of classes and activities across the city ensure that everyone can find their path to completing the 30×30 challenge.
