Early Sunday, Dubai drivers will hit a wall of roadblocks. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has sounded the alarm. Major roads will shut down in waves for the Proud to be Emirati cycling race. This is not a drill. The city is making room for a big sporting event. It fits right into Dubai's push for more sports and wellness, part of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
From 6:00am to 8:30am on 4 October 2026, traffic will stop and start along some of Dubai's busiest roads. Expect closures on Dubai-Al Ain Road, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, Ras Al Khor Road, and Meydan Road. These are lifelines for morning commuters. The RTA has warned that travel times will stretch as cyclists move through the city. According to Emirates News Agency (WAM), the race is officially called "Proud of the UAE". This is its second year. The start is set for 6:00am at Nad Al Sheba Centre.
Rolling closures and traffic impact
Closures will hit in bursts. The RTA says traffic will stop at certain points for 10 to 30 minutes. Each closure ends as soon as the last cyclist passes. No one should expect a normal commute during these hours. Dubai Police General Command is running the event with the UAE Cycling Federation, Dubai Sports Council, and RTA. It's a team effort. The goal is safety and national pride.
Officials want drivers to plan ahead. Take other routes. Leave early. The RTA urges everyone to follow signs and instructions on the ground. If you have an early meeting or shift, check your route now. Gulf News reports that closures will lift 10-30 minutes after the last cyclist clears each checkpoint. The aim is to keep the city moving as much as possible.
Event details and organisers
This is the second Proud to be Emirati cycling race. Dubai Police leads the event, working with sports and government partners. The race starts at Nad Al Sheba Centre and covers 80 kilometres. Cyclists from across the region will compete. The prize pool is AED 140,000. That's a big push for active living and community spirit. The RTA's traffic plan is meant to keep both riders and regular drivers safe.
There will be no total shutdown. Instead, closures will hit one spot at a time and reopen quickly. The city has used this playbook before. It's the same approach seen in the Dubai fitness challenge and other big events. The race fits with UAE Vision 2031, which puts public health, sports, and global events at the heart of growth and unity.
What drivers need to know
If you're driving in Dubai between 6:00am and 8:30am on Sunday, check your route. Expect delays. Be ready to change plans. The RTA is trying to keep things smooth, but big events mean real disruption. Dubai's skill at handling these moments is on display. So far, the city keeps moving. For now, flexibility is key. Stay alert. Watch for updates. The latest news and official advice are on the RTA official portal and through Dubai Media Office bulletins.
