RTA extends Metro hours for Dubai Run 2025

Dubai is gearing up for one of its biggest fitness events of the year, with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) rolling out an extensive transport and traffic plan for Dubai Run 2025 on Sunday, November 23.

The city is expecting thousands of participants, and officials say the measures are designed to ensure smooth travel, clear routes and a safe experience for all runners.

Metro services starting at 3am

To accommodate the early start, the RTA will extend metro operating hours, with services running from 3:00am until midnight. Participants heading to the starting point have been advised to use World Trade Centre Metro Station for the easiest access.

The RTA also reminded runners to ensure their nol cards have enough credit — Dh15 for Silver Class or Dh30 for Gold Class for a round trip — to avoid delays on race day.

Major road closures on race-day morning

As part of the wider traffic plan, several key roads will be closed from 3am to 10am. The RTA urged motorists to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra travel time.

Closed or partially closed routes include:

• A stretch of Sheikh Zayed Road, from Trade Centre Roundabout to Al Hadiq Road bridge

• Lower Financial Centre Street, between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road

• One-way section of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard

• One-way lane of Al Sukook Street

• Parking areas parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road

These closures are essential to secure the course and manage the large number of runners expected to take part in the Dubai Fitness Challenge flagship event.

Recommended alternative routes

To ease congestion, drivers are advised to use:

• Upper Financial Centre Street

• Zabeel Palace Road

• Al Wasl Road

• Al Khail Road

Temporary Salik toll adjustments

Dubai’s Salik has also adjusted toll timings and rates for the day to support smoother traffic flow during the event. The changes aim to reduce bottlenecks and keep vehicles moving while thousands of runners take over the city’s main roads.

Updated toll rates for the day

Peak hours:

• 6am to 10am: Dh6

• 4pm to 8pm: Dh4

Low-peak hours

• 10am to 4pm: Dh4

• 8pm to 1am: Dh4

Off-peak hours:

• 1am to 6am: Free

Motorists advised to plan ahead

Drivers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the updated rates before setting out on Sunday. Salik said the temporary changes will help balance traffic loads across the morning and evening, particularly during the road closures linked to the event.

The authority added that checking travel times in advance and avoiding peak periods where possible will ensure a smoother journey for everyone on the road.

A major fitness event

Dubai Run, one of the most anticipated activities under the Dubai Fitness Challenge, is expected to draw thousands of residents and visitors. With the city transforming its major roads into a giant running track for the morning, authorities are encouraging the public to use alternative routes, plan their trips early, and consider public transport where possible.

Normal traffic flow will resume after 10am.