Early risers driving across Dubai on Sunday, October 4 should leave extra time. The Roads and Transport Authority has warned of traffic delays between 6am and 8:30am during the Proud of the UAE cycling race, with temporary suspensions of 10 to 30 minutes at points along the route.

The race is organised by Dubai Police. Reporting on the RTA advisory, Virgin Radio Dubai lists four affected roads: Al Ain-Dubai Road, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, Ras Al Khor Road and Al Meydan Road. Traffic reopens once the last cyclist has passed each section.

Roads affected and how the rolling closures work

This is not a full morning closure. Marshals hold traffic in short blocks as the field passes, then release it. That means a journey that normally takes 20 minutes can gain a 10 to 30 minute pause if your timing meets the peloton at the wrong junction. The second edition of the race starts from the Nad Al Sheba area and covers an 80-kilometre route, according to Akhbrna’s report of the advisory.

The roads named serve business and residential districts on the city’s eastern side, so the pinch points matter most for airport runs from Ras Al Khor side communities, Meydan and Nad Al Sheba residents, and anyone heading toward Al Ain Road before 8:30am.

Morning traffic on Al Meydan Road in Dubai with road signs visible
Al Meydan Road is one of four roads where traffic may pause for 10 to 30 minutes.

Practical ways around the Sunday morning race

The RTA’s advice is simple: plan the journey in advance, follow directional signs and allow extra travel time. Beyond that, three habits help. Leave before 6am if you have a flight or a fixed appointment east of the route. Use the Dubai Metro for cross-town trips where a station suits both ends — the race does not touch the rail network. And if you are picking up visitors, share our airport guide so they know which exit roads are busiest before 8:30am.

Sunday is a working day in the UAE, so the advisory lands on a commuting morning rather than a quiet weekend. School runs in affected areas start after the race window for most families, but staff travelling to Meydan, Ras Al Khor industrial areas and Dubai Festival City side offices should expect the tail of the delays. Cyclists and spectators, meanwhile, get a rare closed-road morning: if you are watching, pavement spots near Nad Al Sheba give the cleanest view of the start. Pair a spectating trip with a Hatta day trip later in the day once roads clear, or keep it local with our Dubai facts for visiting friends.

Dubai Metro train crossing the city at dawn with light traffic below
For early trips across town, the metro avoids the race route entirely.

Frequently asked questions

When are the cycling race delays expected?

Between 6am and 8:30am on Sunday, October 4, 2026, with temporary suspensions of 10 to 30 minutes at points along the route.

Which roads are affected?

Al Ain-Dubai Road, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, Ras Al Khor Road and Al Meydan Road.

Who organises the Proud of the UAE cycling race?

Dubai Police. The second edition starts from the Nad Al Sheba area and covers about 80 kilometres.

Will the Dubai Metro be affected?

No. The advisory covers road traffic only, which makes the metro a useful alternative for early cross-town trips.