Road · United Arab Emirates
Munay Loop via Hatta and Al Watan Road
- 84 km
- 874 m
- Hard
- Mixed
Elevation profile
- 874 m
- 84 km
Route overview
Cyclists suited to a medium-distance ride with moderate climbing of 868 m.
An 84 km loop ride in the Hajar Mountains, UAE, starting and finishing at Kalba with 868 m elevation gain.
This loop ride begins at Kalba and heads through several settlements including Al 'Ijēlī at 14.6 km, Yaif at 31.8 km, and Al Qor at 34.3 km. The route features multiple climbs in the first half, with gradients mostly between 2.5 and 4.5%, the longest climbing section being 3.6 km at 2.5% starting at 37.9 km. It reaches its highest point at 455 m around 43.5 km, near Jabal Mudayrah and Jabal Laim peaks. The surface is predominantly paved (95%) with a small gravel section (4%). It uses a mix of roads: main roads (50%), motorways (32%), major roads, tracks, quiet streets, and minor roads. There are 74.1 km on main roads without cycle lanes and 26.6 km on roads with speed limits at 80 km/h or more. The ride includes notable roads like Al Watan Road for 15.5 km and E44 for 6.4 km. Facilities are scarce along a 35.3 km stretch from km 15 to 50.3 where no cafés, shops, or water are available. Key refreshment points include cafés near 54.4 km and 62.9 km, convenience stores around 53 km, and petrol stations near 50.3 km and 74.4 km. Toilets and drinking water can also be accessed around 54–63 km. The route passes beneath the peaks of Jabal Mudayrah, Jabal Laim, and Jabal Abu Samasimah before returning to Kalba.
Highlights
- Climbs up to 8.1% gradient
- Jabal Mudayrah peak at 472 m near km 46
- A 35 km stretch without cafés or shops
- Use of Al Watan Road for 15.5 km
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 5.9 km | 1.7 km | 63 m | 3.9 % | 8.1 % | 379 m |
| — | 8 km | 2.1 km | 80 m | 3.9 % | 7.1 % | 449 m |
| — | 17.9 km | 1.4 km | 45 m | 3.3 % | 6.4 % | 449 m |
| — | 27.2 km | 1.7 km | 50 m | 2.9 % | 5.3 % | 361 m |
| — | 35.7 km | 1.4 km | 43 m | 3 % | 5.4 % | 318 m |
| — | 37.9 km | 3.6 km | 89 m | 2.5 % | 3.4 % | 401 m |
| — | 41.7 km | 1.7 km | 50 m | 2.9 % | 4 % | 455 m |
| — | 55.4 km | 1.7 km | 42 m | 2.5 % | 3.8 % | 366 m |
| — | 63.7 km | 2.4 km | 84 m | 3.5 % | 5.3 % | 386 m |
| — | 66.7 km | 1.2 km | 54 m | 4.5 % | 7.5 % | 408 m |
| — | 79.2 km | 1.6 km | 44 m | 2.8 % | 6.1 % | 278 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 50% main road · 32% motorway · 8% major road · 4% track
- Main roads
- 74.1 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 26.6 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Main roads used
- Al Watan Road (16 km), E44 (6 km), Sharjah - Kalba Road (5 km), D30 (5 km)
- Surface
- Paved throughout
- Gradient
- 27% climbing · 26% descending · 47% flat
- Steep sections
- 2.6 km over 5% · steepest 500 m averages 18% at 0 km
- Longest descent
- 5.6 km from 69 km, dropping 182 m
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 35 km, from 15 km to 50 km.
Food, water and shops
- 14.7 kmDrinking water · on the route
- 50.3 kmENOC · petrol station · 80 m off route
- 53 kmZOOM · convenience store · 100 m off route
- 53.8 kmHatta Pharmacy LLC. · pharmacy · 40 m off route
- 54.2 kmDrinking water · 150 m off route
- 54.2 kmToilets · 130 m off route
- 54.4 kmCafé · on the route
- 58.5 kmStones and eagles cafe · kiosk · 40 m off route
- 62.9 kmAl Yamm Cafe · café · 70 m off route
- 63 kmToilets · 90 m off route
- 74.4 kmADNOC · petrol station · 40 m off route
- 74.5 kmnaseem al howailat · supermarket · 70 m off route
Worth a stop
- 54 km — Leem Rest Area (picnic site)
- 60.3 km — Tower (viewpoint)
Practical information
- Mixed
- Loop
- 3–4½ hours riding
- Nov
- Dec to Feb — daily highs of 24–26 °C in those months
Know before you go
- 35.3 km without café, shop or water between km 15 and 50.3
- 74.1 km on main roads without cycle lanes
- 26.6 km on roads with speed limits 80 km/h or more
- 4% of the route on gravel or unpaved surfaces
