Munay loop via Kalba and Generator Hill

Route overview

Suited to fit riders comfortable with 95 km and 1,062 m of climbing, much of it in the first half.

A 95.2 km loop from Kalba in the UAE's Hajar Mountains, with 1,062 m of climbing, a 466 m high point and several crossings between the UAE and Oman.

From Kalba the loop passes Sikhēbar and Al Wa'ab within the first 2 km and reaches Munay at 4.6 km, where the climbing begins in stages. A 1.7 km rise at 2.6% from 8.3 km tops out at 302 m, close to Jabal Al Miqsha (400 m) and a 556 m summit at 11.1 km. Al Qilē'ī, Minazif and Fayyad follow, then a second 1.6 km ramp at 2.6% to 306 m. The main effort starts at 17.2 km: 2.8 km at 5.3%, with a maximum of 8.8%, to the route's high point of 466 m at 20.1 km, beneath peaks of 812 m and 826 m. The descent runs long and steady past Al Uqdah, Al Ghail, Al Saaf and Al Maqt'a to the lowest point of the loop, 9 m at 41.4 km, where two cafés and a wildlife observation viewpoint sit close together. The second half rolls inland through Al ‘Ayn al Ghumūr, Wahala, Um al Ghaf, Al Naslah, Rāfāq, Fashrah and Huwaylat, passing Jabal Naselah (178 m). Two final climbs remain: 3.7 km at 3.8% from 76.8 km to 377 m, then 1 km at 4.8% to 375 m, with pitches of 9.7% and 10.2%. As Simsimānīyah at 87.8 km marks the run back to Kalba.

Highlights

• High point of 466 m at 20.1 km, beneath an 826 m peak
• 2.8 km at 5.3% climb from 17.2 km, max 8.8%
• Sea-level section at 9 m with two cafés and a viewpoint
• Jabal Al Miqsha and Jabal Naselah seen from the road

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

3½–4½ hours riding

Season

Recordings in January and October showed 19-27°C, so the cooler half of the year suits this loop best.

Know before you go

• Route crosses between the UAE and Oman several times; carry documents
• Late climbs reach 9.7% and 10.2% after 76 km
• Only cafés listed are around 40 km, leaving long unsupported stretches

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