Al Aqah to Nazwa via the mountains

Route overview

Riders comfortable with a long 166.8 km day, though the modest 745 m of climbing keeps the gradients easy throughout.

A 166.8 km point-to-point ride from Al Aqqah on the coast through the Hajar Mountains to Nazwa, with 745 m of climbing.

The route starts at Al Aqqah and runs north along the coast through Rul Dadna, which at -9 m is the lowest point of the day, then Al Fiqait and Rol Diba before reaching Dibba Al Fujairah at km 17.2. This opening stretch is the best served on the ride, with cafés at km 10, a restaurant and café at km 18.1, a water tap at km 18.5 and fuel at km 20.1. Inland from Dibba the road passes Ghub and Zahir As Safwah, and at km 31.9 the only categorised climb begins: 4.5 km at 2.5% for 114 m of gain, topping out at 227 m with a maximum of 4.1%. Beneath it stand Qarn Fardah at 310 m and, further on, an unnamed 512 m summit near km 38.3. Almost three quarters of the day's climbing is done in the first half. Beyond Saram the route rolls west past Al Haniyah, Manama and Kadrah, through Shawka and on to Musseili at km 113.7, the high point at 282 m. From there it drops away through Filli, Sha'biyyat Bahayis and Al Dafain to finish at Nazwa, with Qarn Nazwa at 200 m just past the town.

Highlights

• Coastal opening through Rul Dadna and Dibba Al Fujairah
• 4.5 km climb at 2.5% from km 31.9 to 227 m
• High point of 282 m at Musseili, km 113.7
• Past Qarn Fardah (310 m) and a 512 m unnamed summit

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Point to point

Riding time

6–8½ hours riding

Know before you go

• No café, water or fuel listed between km 123.3 and km 151.1, a gap of nearly 28 km
• Long service gap between the fuel stop at km 83 and drinking water at km 105.5

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