Cyclists.com

Around Al Dhaid via Al Khawālid

Al Dhaid, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesRoad

88 km
Distance
144 m
Elevation gain
Moderate
Difficulty
Paved
Surface
Download GPXMap
On the road: Around Al Dhaid via Al Khawālid

Elevation profile

Total ascent
144 m
Distance
88 km
050100150200m0 km20406088 km185 m · highest, at 27.3 kmStartFinish · back at the start

Route overview

Suitable for riders looking for a moderate distance with gentle elevation gain.

88 km loop in the Hajar Mountains from Adh Dhayd with 144 m elevation gain.

Starting at Adh Dhayd, the route heads northwest through Al Dafain at 22.5 km and then reaches Al Khawālid at 31.6 km. It passes Sha'biyyat Bahayis at 38.1 km, then continues to Al Fayah at 55.6 km where the longest stretch without shops or cafés begins. The ride proceeds past Mahafiz at 68.8 km and Nazwa at 86.5 km before returning to Adh Dhayd. The ride gains 144 m in elevation, with the highest point at 185 m at 26.9 km and the lowest at 129 m at 69.2 km. The profile is mostly flat with 95% flat terrain and only 3% climbing. The road surface is 99% paved with 1% gravel or unpaved sections. Most of the route is on main roads (79%) and major roads (17%), including 84.3 km on main roads without cycle lanes and 34.2 km on roads with speeds over 80 km/h. Facilities along the route include shops at 22 km and 87 km, cafés and restaurants near 12 km and 56 km, and petrol stations around 48 km. After Al Fayah at 55.6 km there is a 31.6 km stretch without cafés, shops, or water. The route passes below the 200 m peak of Qarn Nazwa near 87 km.

Highlights

  • Al Dafain at 22.5 km
  • Al Khawālid at 31.6 km
  • Highest point 185 m at 26.9 km
  • Near peak Qarn Nazwa at 87.4 km

Along the route

Measured from the recorded track and OpenStreetMap.

Places passed

  1. Al Dafain 22.5 km
  2. Al Khawālid 31.6 km
  3. Sha'biyyat Bahayis 38.1 km
  4. Al Fayah 55.6 km
  5. Mahafiz 68.8 km

What this ride is like

Measured from OpenStreetMap along the track and the elevation profile.

Roads
79% main road · 17% major road · 2% quiet street · 1% track
Main roads
84.3 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
Fast roads
34.2 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
Main roads used
Mahafiz - Al Fayah Road (15 km), Al Dhaid-Maliha Road (10 km), E55 (5 km)
Surface
Paved throughout
Gradient
3% climbing · 2% descending · 95% flat

Along the way

Within a few hundred metres of the track, from OpenStreetMap. Opening hours change — treat this as where to look, not a promise.

Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 32 km, from 56 km to 87 km.

Food, water and shops

  1. 11.8 km2 December Cafeteria · café · 80 m off route
  2. 22 kmSharjah Coop · supermarket · 70 m off route
  3. 22.7 kmDrinking water · 80 m off route
  4. 47.9 kmADNOC · petrol station · 60 m off route
  5. 55.6 kmMavia Al Faya · restaurant · 80 m off route
  6. 87.2 kmDesert Mountain Supermarket · supermarket · 150 m off route
  7. 87.4 kmAl Fareed Restaurant · restaurant · 130 m off route

At the start and finish

  • Desert Mountain Supermarket · supermarket · 220 m
  • Nazwa Valley Grocery · supermarket · 240 m
  • Al Fareed Restaurant · restaurant · 220 m
  • Ghadeer Saeed Café & Restaurant · restaurant · 210 m

Practical information

Surface
Paved
Route shape
Loop
Riding time
3–4 hours riding
Season
October with temperatures around 29°C.

Know before you go

  • 31.6 km stretch without café, shop, or water from 55.6 km
  • 84.3 km on main roads without cycle lane
  • 34.2 km on roads with posted limits of 80 km/h or more
  • 0.1 km gravel or unpaved sections

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

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