Photo: KT file

Are you prepared for the year's most significant cycling event? Dubai's 14-lane Sheikh Zayed Road is transforming into a bike track, allowing people of all ages and skill levels to cycle through the city's core. Dubai Ride is a cornerstone event of the annual Dubai Fitness Challenge. With thousands expected to participate, authorities have devised plans to manage traffic flow and ensure transportation is accessible to all. Pre-event advisories, including road closures and Dubai Metro timings, were disseminated in advance. For those who missed them, here's a comprehensive guide to what you need to know.

Which roads will be closed, and which will remain open? Since the event is taking place on Sheikh Zayed Road, the entire highway will be closed. Other streets may also be impacted. From 3.30am to 10am, the following roads will be closed: Part of Sheikh Zayed Road between the Trade Centre Roundabout and the second bridge, Lower Financial Centre Road between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, and a one-way lane from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard. A map is available, showing closed routes in red and alternative roads in green.

What time will the Dubai Metro open? Typically, the Dubai Metro opens at 8am on Sundays, but for Dubai Ride participants, operations will begin much earlier. Both the Red and Green Lines will run from 3am until 12am on Sunday, November 10.

What time should you arrive at the starting point? The ride begins at 6.15am sharp, so ensure you are at your designated starting point by then. Latecomers may still join within a few minutes' grace period. Entry gates close at 7.30am. There are five starting points for the 12km ride on Sheikh Zayed Road: Museum of the Future, Al Satwa, Coca-Cola Arena, Business Bay, and Lower Financial Centre Street. For the 4km family route, the starting point is Dubai Mall. Review your registration details to confirm your chosen starting point. If you get lost, don't fret; Dubai Ride team members will be stationed along the route to assist participants.

Event timings: The entire Dubai Ride will last two hours, from 6.15am to 8.15am. Speed laps, a new addition this year, are scheduled from 5am to 6am.

What should you bring? Prepare everything you need for the ride the night before. Checklist: Your numbered bib (essential for participation), which can be collected until November 9 from the Dubai Municipality Zabeel Park 30 x 30 Fitness Village. Your bicycle (any type, as long as it has two working wheels and brakes, including e-bikes, but not scooters). Children with training wheels are not allowed on Sheikh Zayed Road. If you lack a bicycle, you can rent one for free (details below). A helmet (mandatory for all participants), a refillable water bottle (filled before leaving home and refilled at stations along the route), and bike lights (recommended, especially for early starters).

How to rent a bike for free: Bike-sharing company Careem, in partnership with RTA, offers free bike rentals for Dubai Ride participants. Pop-up rental stations are located at: Entrance A: Museum of the Future (MOTF), Trade Centre St, and Entrance E: Lower FCS, Financial Centre Road. Use the code DR24 when logging into the app to avail of a free one-day pass. Note: Bicycles are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can you cycle from home to the event and back? Enthusiasts are free to cycle from their doorstep to the venue, observing all emirate cycling rules. Note that after the event, roads will reopen, making the return trip more challenging due to increased traffic.

What time should you finish the ride? Aim to complete your lap by 8.15am. It's advisable to end your ride at the same spot where you started. Marshals will be on hand to assist if needed.

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