Cycling in Dibba

Cycling guide to Dibba

Dibba sits at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, and the riding from here is defined by a single 59.3 km loop that gathers 1,715 m of climbing. The route heads inland through Mayya, Al Harr, Tawiyean and Riyamah, then continues past Jerief, Ar Riwedah and Deira Al-Tamba before the terrain steepens. The decisive section is the Wadi Shees climb, which begins 35.4 km into the loop and runs for 8.8 km at an average of 11.8%, gaining 1,039 m to a high point of 1,458 m. Ramps reach 18%. Beyond the top the loop passes Al Marah, Wab Saqar, Dardur and Dirat Az Zil' on the way back to Dibba, so the whole day is bookended by the coast and topped out well above 1,400 m.

Best time to ride

The loop has been recorded in February, at around 17°C - cool enough for a long climb at these gradients.

Terrain

The first two-thirds are rolling, with the climbing concentrated in one sustained mountain ascent: 8.8 km at 11.8% average and 18% maximum, topping out at 1,458 m. Total gain for the 59.3 km loop is 1,715 m, so gradients are consistently steep rather than gradual.