Sheikh Hamdan is encouraging people across Dubai to get involved with a fitness challenge that will transform Sheikh Zayed Road into a cycle track.
For the first time, Dubai residents will be able to cycle along the busy 14-lane highway when it is closed to traffic on November 20 for Dubai Ride, part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.
The Crown Prince of Dubai shared a video on his Twitter page encouraging people to sign up for the one-off 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," he said. "Join me by registering at dubairide.com."
Cyclists of all abilities are invited to take part and participants can choose between two routes; a four-kilometre family ride and a 14km open ride.
The 4km family-friendly fun ride is open to participants aged 5 and above and will take cyclists around Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.
The 14km route, created for cycling enthusiasts aged 13 or older, will go past Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Canal and along both sides of Sheikh Zayed Road, which be closed to traffic from Al Meydan Road to the roundabout at the World Trade Centre.
Sheikh Hamdan said the event aimed to encourage cycling among the emirate's residents "to enhance our health and well-being, or promote environmentally friendly transport in our communities".
Cyclists must be able to cycle a minimum of 4km, bring their own bike and helmet and register to participate at dubairide.com.
Speed limits, closely monitored by pace cars, will be set to ensure safety. They will also ensure cyclists follow social distancing rules.
The event is free, but participants are invited to support Education Uninterrupted, a nationwide fundraising campaign that aims to help pupils affected by Covid-19, with donations.
More information on Education Uninterrupted is available here.
Click through the gallery below to see photos of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid cycling around Dubai:
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Petrarch: Everywhere a Wanderer
Christopher Celenza,
Reaktion Books