Sheikh Hamdan leads from the front as Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road turns into a cycle track

Thousands of cyclists - including football legend Luis Figo - enjoy a rare moment to enjoy the busy motorway without traffic

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, participates in the Dubai Ride Challenge in November 2020.

Sheikh Hamdan led from the front as Sheikh Zayed Road was closed to traffic.

The Dubai Ride challenge took cyclists past major Dubai landmarks, such as the Museum of the Future, which Sheikh Hamdan passes here.

Sheikh Hamdan with other cyclists. Karim Sahib / AFP

People take to the Sheikh Zayed Road for the Dubai Ride. Karim Sahib / AFP

The free event is part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. Karim Sahib / AFP

It was the first time the Sheikh Zayed Road was closed off for such an event. Karim Sahib / AFP

Dubai residents carry the UAE flag as they ride on the Sheikh Zayed Road. Karim Sahib / AFP

The event was led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. Karim Sahib / AFP

Sheikh Hamdan, centre right in blue with headlights on, takes part. Karim Sahib / AFP

The event began in the early hours of Friday. Karim Sahib / AFP

Thousands of cyclists took part. Karim Sahib / AFP

Cyclists passed Dubai landmarks such as Burj Khalifa. Karim Sahib / AFP

Dubai has been encouraging more people to use bikes. Karim Sahib / AFP

The roads were blocked off for hours. Karim Sahib / AFP

The Sheikh Zayed Road turned into a cycling track for the Dubai Ride challenge. Courtesy: Jeremy Paul de Jesus

The Crown Prince of Dubai has led from the front as Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road turned into a giant cycle track.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed on Friday joined in as cyclists took advantage of the rare opportunity to enjoy the busy motorway without traffic.

It was the first time the road has been closed for such an event.

About 20,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities - wearing masks to protect against Covid-19 - enjoyed a perfect morning as they moved past global landmarks such as Burj Khalifa and the Trade Centre.

"More than 20,000 participants in the Dubai cycling challenge today," said Sheikh Hamdan.

"Thank you to each of you for the positive spirit. This is a vibrant, vibrant and energetic Dubai that knows nothing but a spirit of challenge and a look to the future."

Dubai Ride - which took place from 5am to 8am - was part of The Dubai Fitness Challenge. The free-to-enter community event had two routes with the longer spanning the city’s main road. The other took riders around Downtown Dubai. Others who participated included Portuguese soccer star Luis Figo.

The event encourages residents to embrace a more healthy lifestyle by taking part in 30 minutes of physical activity a day for 30 days.

It runs until November 28 and offers more than 2,000 free fitness sessions.

Last week, Sheikh Hamdan urged people to join him and participate in the event.

“Dubai endeavours to be among the most active and dynamic cities in the world, and as part of this year's Dubai Fitness challenge, we've launched Dubai Ride on November 20, which will pass through the city's top landmarks,” said Sheikh Hamdan. “Join me by registering at dubairide.com.”

The Crown Prince of Dubai also led business leaders during the week on a bike ride as he urged the public to join him in the month-long fitness push.

Sheikh Hamdan rode a bike by Italian company Colnago, which made the model used to win this year's Tour de France, as he accompanied 30 business leaders for a 20-kilometre tour of Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex.