Al Aqah to Kalba and back

Route overview

Riders comfortable with a long, flat day: 124.2 km with only 234 m of climbing, so endurance rather than climbing legs.

A 124.2 km out-and-back loop along the UAE east coast from Al Aqah to Kalba and back, with just 234 m of climbing.

From Al Aqah the road runs south past Sharm and Nehay to Al Badiyah, keeping close to the coast beneath Jabal al Minab (156 m) and Jabal al Habil (288 m). By km 18 it reaches Khor Fakkan, the largest cluster of services on the route, with fuel, cafés and restaurants spread through Al Mudaifi, Al Hutain and Al Musalla. The road then continues past Madha and Sha'biyyat Qirat, below Jabal Abu Ziba (248 m), before the built-up run through Sakamkam, Al Faseel and Owaid. Kalba is the turning point at km 53, approached through Sour Kalba, Al Husen and Al Mahatta, with Khawr Kalba just beyond. The southern tip near Al Saaf and Al Ghail marks the far end before the return leg heads back north. The profile is almost flat throughout: the high point is only 15 m at km 98.2 and the lowest reading is -44 m at km 83. The one graded rise comes late, a 1.9 km drag from km 96.4 averaging 2.7% with a maximum of 4.8%. The final stretch passes Qurayyah, Mirbah, Al Khaledya, Lulayyah and Haqil before Al Aqah.

Highlights

• Khor Fakkan at km 18.8, the main service stop
• Turn at Kalba, km 53, and Khawr Kalba beyond
• Beneath Jabal al Habil, 288 m, early on
• Almost flat: 234 m of climbing in 124.2 km

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

4–6 hours riding

Know before you go

• No café or restaurant listed after km 73, leaving 50 km unsupported
• 27°C recorded in March; heat and water are a factor
• Long urban sections through Khor Fakkan and Kalba suburbs

Routes are for inspiration. Roads, surfaces and conditions change — check locally and ride within your limits.