• Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, participates in the Dubai Ride Challenge in November 2020.
    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.
    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.
    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
    Sheikh Hamdan with other cyclists. Karim Sahib / AFP
  • People take to the Sheikh Zayed Road for the Dubai Ride. 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    The event began in the early hours of Friday. Karim Sahib / AFP
  • Thousands of cyclists took part. Karim Sahib / AFP
    Thousands of cyclists took part. Karim Sahib / AFP
  • Cyclists passed Dubai landmarks such as Burj Khalifa. 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
    Dubai has been encouraging more people to use bikes. Karim Sahib / AFP
  • The roads were blocked off for hours. 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 Sheikh Zayed Road turned into a cycling track for the Dubai Ride challenge. Courtesy: Jeremy Paul de Jesus

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


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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.

Other simple ideas for sushi rice dishes

Cheat’s nigiri 
This is easier to make than sushi rolls. With damp hands, form the cooled rice into small tablet shapes. Place slices of fresh, raw salmon, mackerel or trout (or smoked salmon) lightly touched with wasabi, then press, wasabi side-down, onto the rice. Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.

Easy omurice
This fusion dish combines Asian fried rice with a western omelette. To make, fry cooked and cooled sushi rice with chopped vegetables such as carrot and onion and lashings of sweet-tangy ketchup, then wrap in a soft egg omelette.

Deconstructed sushi salad platter 
This makes a great, fuss-free sharing meal. Arrange sushi rice on a platter or board, then fill the space with all your favourite sushi ingredients (edamame beans, cooked prawns or tuna, tempura veggies, pickled ginger and chilli tofu), with a dressing or dipping sauce on the side.

A Dog's Journey 

Directed by: Gail Mancuso

Starring: Dennis Quaid, Josh Gad, Marg Helgenberger, Betty Gilpin, Kathryn Prescott

3 out of 5 stars

If you go:
The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
The tours: The Tour for Muggles usually runs several times a day, lasts about two-and-a-half hours and costs £14 (Dh67)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on now at the Palace Theatre. Tickets need booking significantly in advance
Entrance to the Harry Potter exhibition at the House of MinaLima is free
The hotel: The grand, 1909-built Strand Palace Hotel is in a handy location near the Theatre District and several of the key Harry Potter filming and inspiration sites. The family rooms are spacious, with sofa beds that can accommodate children, and wooden shutters that keep out the light at night. Rooms cost from £170 (Dh808).

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PROFILE

Name: Enhance Fitness 

Year started: 2018 

Based: UAE 

Employees: 200 

Amount raised: $3m 

Investors: Global Ventures and angel investors 

ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg

Bayern Munich 1
Kimmich (27')

Real Madrid 2
Marcelo (43'), Asensio (56')

MATCH INFO

Asian Champions League, last 16, first leg:

Al Jazira 3 Persepolis 2

Second leg:

Monday, Azizi Stadium, Tehran. Kick off 7pm

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

'The Ice Road'

Director: Jonathan Hensleigh
Stars: Liam Neeson, Amber Midthunder, Laurence Fishburne

2/5

Dhadak

Director: Shashank Khaitan

Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana

Stars: 3

RESULTS
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