Officials have confirmed that Dubai has become a "global city for cycling" thanks to its comprehensive and safe infrastructure for enthusiasts of this sport. They praised the high participation rate, which reached 40,000 participants in the "Dubai Cycling Challenge", held two days ago on Sheikh Zayed Road, passing by the most famous landmarks of the "Pearl of the World": the Museum of the Future, Burj Khalifa, and the Dubai Water Canal. The "Dubai Cycling Challenge" is the first major event of the sixth season of the "Dubai Fitness Challenge 2025", and its events were held under the patronage of DP World in an exceptional atmosphere full of activity and movement. In turn, the Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, Brigadier General Mohammed Al Merri, stated that the massive participation in the "Dubai Cycling Challenge" reflects Dubai's status as a "city of cyclists." In his press statements, he said: "This large gathering of cyclists of all ages and nationalities proves that Dubai has become a preferred destination for amateurs and professionals in cycling, thanks to the safe and equipped tracks it offers, as well as specialized shops for selling and maintaining bicycles." He added: "Today, we witness a growing interest in cycling in the UAE, especially in Dubai, which has revived the spirit of sports and spread the culture of physical activity in society." Al Merri called on all cycling enthusiasts in the Arab world and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to visit Dubai to see the ideal environment it offers for practicing this sport in a safe and vibrant atmosphere. In turn, the Director General of Dubai Municipality, Engineer Marwan bin Galita, confirmed that community initiatives in the emirate have become a movement that everyone participates in, expressing his gratitude to the organizers of the "Dubai Fitness Challenge" who hold this event annually. He said: "Every year we see a change and a larger influx of participants, and if this indicates anything, it is that the initiative has become a community movement that includes everyone." Bin Galita added: "These initiatives provide beneficiaries with a unique experience that includes sports and getting acquainted with the city's landmarks and facilities." He continued: "This community movement is what makes all of Dubai pulse with life, turning sports into a daily lifestyle in this wonderful future city, which supports our vision of a sustainable city." He said: "The integration of efforts of government entities in Dubai aims to make the emirate an attractive environment for practicing sports, and to enable people to move easily and live their daily lives, and this is the result of creating many facilities, such as cycling tracks, parks, and various facilities that can be used in the morning and evening, whether for sports, meetings, or entertainment." Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, Khalaf Al Buhoul, praised the high level of participation in the sports events taking place in the emirate as part of the "Fitness Challenge", confirming that Dubai has become a sports city all year round. He said: "Our society is a sports society, whether residents or citizens, and our leaders are top-class athletes, and we are proud of this, so in November, sports events are very intense due to the "Dubai Fitness Challenge." He added: "As you saw in the cycling event, the numbers are always impressive, we hear about more than 40,000 participants, this is a very special number." Al Buhoul also touched on other sports programs, saying: "There are also programs for running and various activities, and we are proud of everyone who participates in this event, and we strive to develop these events year after year to achieve wider participation and a better experience for everyone."
