Cycling in Al Ain

Cycling guide to Al Ain

Al Ain sits at the foot of Jebel Hafeet, and every route recorded here is built around that single climb. Approaches run flat through Shi'bat Al Wutah and Mbazzarah Al Khadra, or on the longer 92.8 km loop out past Al Bateen, Al Salamat, Al Dahma and Ni'mah before the road turns towards Jabal Hafeet, returning through Zakhir, 'Asharij and Al Markhaniyyah. Distances range from 41.5 km point to point up to 92.8 km, with elevation gain of 843-928 m on each — almost all of it in one continuous ascent. The climb starts between 17 km and 46 km into the ride depending on the approach, runs 9.6-10.7 km, and gains 715-739 m at averages of 6.7-7.5%, topping out between 991 m and 1,032 m. Because the surrounding terrain is level, the choice is essentially how much flat riding to add either side of the climb.

Best time to ride

Rides here are recorded in October, February and April, with temperatures of 25°C in October and April and 32°C in February — the cooler half of the year is the practical window for a 10 km climb at 7%.

Terrain

Flat to very gently rolling around Al Ain, with a single sustained mountain climb of 9.6-10.7 km averaging 6.7-7.5% and pitching to 12.1% at its steepest. High points recorded are 1,002 m, 1,023 m and 1,032 m near the top of Jebel Hafeet.