Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that the Dubai Metro will open earlier than usual today, November 1, starting service at 3am. The extended hours are to accommodate Dubai Ride, a cycling event forming part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.

Dubai Ride features two routes: a 12-kilometre course for experienced cyclists and a 4-kilometre family-friendly route, with a speed cap of 25 km/h to keep all participants safe. The event marks the opening leg of Dubai's 30-day fitness challenge, which runs until November 29 and aims to encourage residents to adopt more active lifestyles.

RTA is asking commuters planning to use the metro during the early hours to check in advance that their Nol cards carry a minimum balance of Dh30, to avoid issues tapping in or out of stations.

The early opening continues RTA's practice of adjusting public transport schedules around major city events; metro hours have previously been extended for occasions such as the Dubai Marathon and New Year celebrations. Riders can check station schedules and train timings through the RTA's official app and website.