Al Qudra to Abu Dhabi and back

Route overview

Riders comfortable with 160 km in the saddle who want distance rather than climbing, with only 148 m of gain to contend with.

A 160.5 km out-and-back from Dubai towards Abu Dhabi across near-flat desert terrain, with just 148 m of climbing.

The route starts in Dubai, where a restaurant and drinking water sit at the roadside before the road heads south-west. The first section runs past Al Layyan at 43 km, with a rest area just before it at 41.7 km, and the ground stays low throughout: sea level is reached at 63.3 km, the lowest point on the ride. Al Samha, at 79.2 km, marks the turn. This is the supply point of the day, with restaurants clustered at 76.5 and 76.7 km, including AJ1881, and an ADNOC fuel station in the suburb itself. From here the road retraces its outward line. The return leg passes Mugatrah at 143.6 km and carries the slightly heavier share of the elevation: only 29% of the 148 m total is gained in the first half. The high point of the whole ride comes late, at 85 m at 156.4 km, a few kilometres from the finish back in Dubai. With no categorised climbs and a total gain of under 150 m across 160.5 km, the profile is as close to flat as a long ride gets.

Highlights

• Turnaround at Al Samha, 79.2 km, with restaurants and fuel
• Sea level at 63.3 km, the low point of the route
• High point of just 85 m, reached at 156.4 km

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Out & back

Riding time

5½–8 hours riding

Season

The single recording is from November, at 26 °C, which suits the cooler months.

Know before you go

• No food or water listed between Al Samha at 79.2 km and the finish
• Recorded at 26 °C in November; expect more heat outside the cool months

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