Hatta Dam from Kalba

Route overview

Suits riders comfortable with 71 km and 612 m of climbing, most of it in short, moderate ramps.

A 71.3 km loop from Kalba into the Hajar Mountains via Hatta, with 612 m of climbing and a high point of 436 m.

The loop leaves Kalba and runs inland, dropping to its lowest point of 218 m at km 13 near Huwaylat, then passing As Simsimānīyah at km 16.3. From there the first real climbing begins: 3.4 km at 3.9% with a maximum of 9.7%, topping out at 410 m. A viewpoint at km 24.7 is followed a little later by Al Yamm Cafe and drinking water at km 25.5, on the edge of Sufayri. A short, sharper ramp starts at km 28.7 - 1.1 km at 4.7% with pitches to 12.8% - reaching 419 m near Hayl and beneath Jabal Abu Samasimah (550 m). Hatta comes at km 33.2, with restaurants clustered at km 35.5 and 36.7. The route then passes beneath Jabal Laim (420 m) and Jabal Mudayrah (472 m) before the last climb, 2 km at a steady 3% from km 43.8. The high point of 436 m arrives at km 45.9, after which the road tilts downhill through Al Qor, Sha'biyyat Milāḩ, Sikhе̄bar, Al Wa'ab and Munay on the run back to Kalba. Roughly 63% of the total ascent is done in the first half.

Highlights

• Hatta at km 33.2, with cafés and restaurants nearby
• Viewpoint at km 24.7, just before the Sufayri cafés
• High point of 436 m at km 45.9
• Riding beneath Jabal Abu Samasimah (550 m)

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

2½–4 hours riding

Season

The single April recording showed 29°C, so the cooler months either side of midwinter are the more comfortable choice.

Know before you go

• The loop crosses into Oman and back into the UAE - carry documents
• Steep pitch of 12.8% on the short climb from km 28.7
• No water or café listed between km 36.7 and the finish
• 29°C recorded in April; heat is a factor

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