Sheikh Zayed Road — Dubai's iconic main highway — will close on two separate Sundays in November 2024 to accommodate two of the emirate's biggest annual fitness events: the Dubai Ride on November 10 and the Dubai Run on November 24. Drivers across the city should plan ahead and use the RTA's recommended alternate routes.
Sheikh Zayed Road Closure Dates
The two Sheikh Zayed Road closure dates for November 2024 are:
- November 10 (Sunday) — Dubai Ride, a free mass cycling event for all abilities, organized as part of Dubai Fitness Challenge - November 24 (Sunday) — Dubai Run, where professional and amateur runners race along the tarmac of one of Dubai's most recognizable roads
Both events are annual highlights of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, the 30-day citywide fitness initiative.
Timings and Affected Roads
For the Dubai Ride on November 10, the RTA announced that selected roads will be closed from 3:30 am to 10:00 am. Organizers note that all cyclists must complete their ride by 8:15 am to allow roads to reopen for regular traffic. The roads affected include:
- 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 - One-way sections from Sheikh Zayed Road
For the Dubai Run on November 24, the road closures run from 3:30 am to 10:30 am. The last runners are expected to depart the start line at 8:00 am for the 5 km route and 7:30 am for the 10 km route, after which the road gradually reopens.
Alternative Routes Recommended by RTA
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recommends the following alternate routes during both closures:
- Al Mustaqbal Road - Al Wasl Road - Al Khail Road - Financial Centre Road (upper level) is also available during the Dubai Run
Dubai Metro will continue to operate on both days — and during the Dubai Run, metro services are extended, running from 3:00 am until midnight. Residents are strongly encouraged to use public transport.
Dubai Ride Route Details
The Dubai Ride offers two route options along Sheikh Zayed Road:
- 4 km family-friendly route through Downtown Dubai - 12 km route along Sheikh Zayed Road, with starting points at the Museum of the Future, Al Satwa, Coca-Cola Arena, Business Bay, and Lower Financial Street
Dubai Run Route Details
The Dubai Run features two race distances, both starting near the Museum of the Future:
- 5 km route — passes Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera, finishing near Dubai Mall - 10 km route — crosses Dubai Canal Bridge, loops along Sheikh Zayed Road, and finishes near the DIFC Gate
Lower Financial Centre Street and Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard remain closed during the event, as they did in previous years.
Both the Dubai Ride and the Dubai Run are free to enter and are open to residents and visitors of all fitness levels. If you are driving on either date, leave home early or switch to the metro to avoid delays.
