Wadi Shees climb from Dibba

Route overview

For strong climbers: 1,715 m in 59.3 km, most of it packed into two steep ascents in the second half.

A 59.3 km loop from Dibba in the UAE's Hajar Mountains, with 1,715 m of climbing built around the 8.8 km Wadi Shees ascent.

The loop leaves Dibba on a short sharp ramp, 1.1 km at 6.3% with a maximum of 9.5%, before settling through Mayya and past Jabal Yawwid (638 m) at Al Harr. Tawiyean comes at 8.2 km, with a fuel station just before it, then Riyamah, Jerief and Ar Riwedah. A brief rise of 1.7 km at 2.9% from 16.2 km is the only interruption to a long, gently falling stretch that reaches the low point of the ride, 150 m, at 27.8 km. Only 15% of the day's climbing is done by halfway. From 29 km the road turns upwards for 5.1 km at 6.6%, touching 12.3% and topping out at 495 m below Jabal As Sowdah (635 m). After Deira Al-Tamba the Wadi Shees climb proper begins at 35.4 km: 8.8 km averaging 11.8% with pitches of 18%, gaining 1,039 m through Al Marah, Wab Saqar and Dardur to the high point of 1,458 m at 44.2 km, beneath Jabal Yibir (1,527 m) and Jabal Dardur (1,398 m). The return is one long descent, passing Dirat Az Zil' at 50.7 km before Dibba.

Highlights

• Wadi Shees: 8.8 km at 11.8%, ramps to 18%
• High point of 1,458 m beneath Jabal Yibir (1,527 m)
• Low point of 150 m at 27.8 km before the climbing starts
• Jabal As Sowdah (635 m) above the mid-route ascent

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

3½–4½ hours riding

Know before you go

• Sustained 11.8% average with 18% maximum on the Wadi Shees climb
• No shops or cafés listed after the fuel station at 9 km
• Only one recording, in February at 17°C; summer heat is unmeasured here

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