Masafi – Dibba – Khor Fakkan loop

Route overview

Suits riders comfortable with 106 km in a day; at 688 m the climbing is moderate and concentrated in the first half.

A 106 km loop from the coast at Khor Fakkan over the Hajar Mountains to Masafi and back down the shore through Dibba Al Fujairah, with 688 m of climbing.

The loop leaves the coast at Khor Fakkan, where the low point of 8 m sits at km 0, and turns inland almost at once. The main climb starts at km 3.1 and runs 6.6 km at 4.3%, gaining 286 m to a top of 313 m, with a maximum of 6.2% and a reservoir observation deck at km 7.2. From there the road works through the mountains past unnamed peaks of 745 m, 848 m and 870 m and beneath Jabal Daftah (878 m) at km 20.2, reaching Shis at km 18.1 and Daftah at km 26.3. A second, gentler climb of 3 km at 2.6% begins at km 26.9 and tops out at 410 m just before Masafi at km 30.6. The highest ground of the day, 486 m, comes at km 37.2; all of the day's ascent is done by halfway. The long descent north runs through Al Khalabiya and Al Baha at km 40.1, Al Ghūnah, Abadilah and Al Halah before reaching Dibba Al Fujairah at km 68.7. The final third follows the shore south past Al Fiqait, Rul Dadna, Al Aqqah at km 87.1, Sharm and Al Badīyah, returning through Lulayyah and Al Mudaifi to Khor Fakkan.

Highlights

• 6.6 km climb at 4.3% straight out of Khor Fakkan
• Reservoir observation deck at km 7.2
• Jabal Daftah (878 m) and peaks to 925 m above the road
• High point of 486 m at km 37.2, then a long coastal run

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

3½–5 hours riding

Season

Recordings fall in April, October and November, with temperatures of 27–32 °C, so the cooler shoulder months are the more comfortable choice.

Know before you go

• Recorded temperatures of 27–32 °C; carry more water than the distance suggests
• No café, water or fuel listed between km 33.2 and km 52.2

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