Road · Oman
Cycling in Oman
Oman’s cycling routes are concentrated in two regions: Muhafazat Masqat and Musandam. Muhafazat Masqat has three routes with a total climbing of 5037 m, while Musandam offers two routes with 2019 m total climbing. The five routes sum to 775 km, with lengths ranging from 93 km to 242 km and an average gradient with climbs between 979 m and 2010 m per route. Most routes start in Muscat (3) and Khasab (2).
Roads are almost entirely paved (98%), but no cycle lanes exist and 166.1 km have speed limits of 80 km/h or more. The largest climbs include Jabal al Harf in Musandam (2 km, 256 m gain), Wadi Dayqah in Muhafazat Masqat (4 km, 213 m gain), Mūkhī climb (3 km, 181 m gain), and Jabal Mustah (3 km, 154 m gain), all in Musandam. Recorded cycling occurs primarily in January, March, and December, with mild winter temperatures suitable for riding.
Where to ride in Oman
Muhafazat Masqat
The riding here offers mostly rolling terrain with some hilly segments; climbing per route ranges from 1407 m to 2010 m. Routes have an average length of around 154 km, with the longest at 242 km. The roads are largely main and major roads (79% combined), with a small share on minor roads and quiet streets. Cycle paths are absent. The steepest continuous 500 m segments reach gradients of 13.9%.
Musandam
The terrain in Musandam comprises mainly rolling hills with 14% of the route climbing and 73% flat sections. Routes range from 93 km to 147 km in length with climbs approaching 1040 m. Surfaces are nearly entirely paved, and most roads used are major or main roads without cycle lanes. The steepest gradient reached is 18.9% over 500 m. The longest route is the Musandam Grand Loop from Khasab at 147 km with 979 m of climbing.
