Jebel Jais summit from Ras Al Khaimah

Route overview

Riders comfortable with 83.5 km and 1,520 m of climbing, nearly all of it in one sustained 24 km ascent.

An 83.5 km loop from Ras Al Khaimah into the Hajar Mountains, with a 24 km climb to 1,515 m on Jebel Jais before a long descent to the coast.

The loop leaves Ras Al Khaimah and warms up on a short rise from km 2.7, 3.5 km at 3.5% topping out at 175 m, before running inland past a 338 m peak and an ADNOC fuel station at km 8.4, beneath Jibal Asmat As Si'eli (700 m). The main climb starts at km 16.1 and does not relent for 24.1 km, gaining 1,254 m at an average of 5.2% with a maximum of 7.2%. It passes the hamlets of Lahsa in Wadi Jib at km 20.1, Wassab at km 29.6 and Baighit at km 35.9, with viewpoints at km 20, 28.2, 33.4 and 37.4 and rest areas around km 34. The high point of 1,515 m comes at km 40.3, beneath Jabal ar Rahrah (1,691 m). Fully 93% of the day's climbing is done in the first half. The road then runs past Dafalas at km 42.5, below Jabal Maqatail (1,556 m) and Jabal Shintal (1,435 m), with further viewpoints to km 48.8 and a rest area at km 58.1. The descent continues through Ad Daqayiq at km 67.1 and Khab Al Lis at km 76.6 to the low point of 17 m at km 80.4, then back to the start.

Highlights

• 24.1 km climb at 5.2% to the 1,515 m high point
• Jabal ar Rahrah (1,691 m) above the summit road
• Viewpoints at km 33.4, 37.4 and 48.8
• Hamlets of Lahsa, Wassab and Baighit on the ascent

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

4½–6 hours riding

Season

The single recording is from May, at 36°C, so cooler months are likely to suit the climb better.

Know before you go

• The route crosses into Oman and back into the UAE
• Only one fuel stop listed, at km 8.4; nothing else for the next 70 km
• 36°C recorded in May on the exposed climb

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