Road · United Arab Emirates
Around Ras al-Khaimah via Al Hayilah
A hilly 101 km road cycling loop from Ras Al Khaimah, with 947 m of climbing over Jebel Yibir and the Ras Al Khaimah climb.
At a glance
- Best for
- Hilly days out for fit, experienced riders
- Distance
- 101 km
- Elevation gain
- 947 m
- Riding time
- About 1 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Bike
- Road bike
- Surface
- Paved
- Traffic
- Mostly minor roads
- Food & water
- Regular
- Best months
- Nov to Mar
- Navigation
- GPX download
- Start and finish
- Ras Al Khaimah
Map and elevation profile
Elevation profile
- 947 m
- 101 km
Route description
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Jebel Yibir
- Ras Al Khaimah climb
- Ras Al Khaimah
Starting from Ras al-Khaimah, this 101 km loop heads towards Al Hayilah at 29.1 km, passing Al Miherbani at 29.7 km and Jiddat Silayyah at 31.5 km before reaching Al Feriya at 38 km and Liwa Badr at 39.1 km. The route returns close to Ras al-Khaimah, passing Ad Daqayiq at 93.8 km before completing the loop.
The ride offers four main climbs. The first begins at 7.4 km climbing 135 m over 4 km at an average of 3.4%, peaking at 418 m. The next climb starts at 46.3 km with 163 m gained over 3.4 km at 4.9%, including a maximum gradient of 14.2%, reaching 228 m. At 59.8 km, a 3.8 km climb of 135 m follows, averaging 3.5%. Another climb begins at 83 km, gaining 136 m over 4 km at 3.4%. Overall, the route gains 947 m, reaching a high of 433 m at 64.2 km and descending as low as 29 m at 41.5 km.
Almost all the 101 km is paved (99%), mostly on minor roads (88%) with 11% on main roads without cycle lanes, including 66 km on roads with speed limits over 80 km/h and 71.3 km on Jais Road. There is a 99.1 km stretch without cafes, shops or water. Toilets are located at 24.9 km off route, and a petrol station (ADNOC) near the finish at 99.1 km. The longest descent is 6 km starting at 65.3 km dropping 171 m. The route passes beneath Jibal Asmat As Siʻeli (700 m) around 55.9 km.
Why ride this route?
- Climbs Jebel Yibir (23.6 km at 5.7 %) and the Ras Al Khaimah climb (3.4 km at 4.8 %).
- Tops out at 1,643 m, 10.1 km in.
Highlights
- Loop around Ras al-Khaimah
- Climb at 46.3 km with 14.2% max gradient
- Highest point 433 m at 64.2 km
- Beneath Jibal Asmat As Siʻeli (700 m) at 55.9 km
Along the route
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | On this ride | Full ascent | Top on this ride |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jebel Yibir | 0 km | 10.1 km · 546 m · 5.4 % · max 9.1 % | 23.6 km · 1356 m · 5.7 % | 1643 m |
| Ras Al Khaimah climb | 46.2 km | — | 3.4 km · 162 m · 4.8 % | 228 m |
Jebel Yibir · full ascent, starts at 0 km
< 4%4 – 7%7 – 10%> 10%
Ras Al Khaimah climb · full ascent, starts at 46.2 km
Traffic, surface and gradient
Mostly minor roads and streets on the map.
- Roads
- 86% minor road · 12% quiet street · 2% other roads and tracks
- Main roads used
- Jais Road (10 km)
- Surface
- Paved: 98% of the route is mapped as paved, 2% as unpaved.
- Gradient
- 74% climbing · 22% descending · 4% flat
- Steep sections
- 5.6 km over 5% · 1.2 km over 8%
- Longest descent
- 2.2 km from 11.2 km, dropping 618 m
Food, water and services
No stretch is longer than 15 km without a café, shop or water. Along the route: 1 café or restaurant and 2 public toilets.
Food, water and shops in ride order
- 2.7 kmToilets · on the route
- 13.4 km1484 By Puro (Jebel Jais) · restaurant · 30 m off route
Worth a stop
- 10.2 km — Jebel Jais Adventure Center (attraction)
- 13.4 km — 1484m (viewpoint)
Know before you go
- 99.1 km without café, shop or water
- 10.6 km on main roads without cycle lane
- 66 km on roads with 80 km/h+ speed limit
- Steepest 500 m at start with 13.5% gradient
