Coast to Coast: Sharjah to Khor Fakkan via the hills

Route overview

Endurance riders comfortable with a 217.6 km day, where 1,466 m of climbing comes in steady, mostly single-digit-gradient sections rather than sustained steep ascents.

A 217.6 km point-to-point across the United Arab Emirates, from the Sharjah coast through the Hajar Mountains to Khor Fakkan, with 1,466 m of climbing.

The ride begins at sea level in Sharjah, dipping to -4 m at km 0, and works through the city's suburbs: Al Mamzar and Al Nahda in the first couple of kilometres, then Al Khan at km 7.5, Al Khalidiyah, Al Layyah, Al Majaz and Al Qasimia by km 18.7. This urban opening is where every listed restaurant and café sits, from QasrAlSultan at km 8 to the cluster of cafeterias around km 18.2. Beyond Al Ttay at km 40.5 the route heads inland past Qatah at km 50.6 and the town of Milehah at km 75.9, where the ground starts to rise. Three moderate climbs follow in quick succession: 2.8 km at 2.7% from km 90.2 to 315 m, 2.4 km at 2.5% topping out at 405 m, and 3.5 km at 3.1% from km 110.8 to 428 m. Musseili and Shawka come at km 128.6 and 135.5, then Wishāh and Al Weshah near km 160. The final third holds the steepest work. A 2.5 km rise from km 173.5, then 2.9 km at 2.8% to 422 m, and a 2.3 km pull from km 190.9 with a 6.8% maximum reaching 472 m. The route's high point of 495 m arrives at km 193.5, after Daftah and Ghadf, before the drop past Shis and Ar Rufaysah to Khor Fakkan at km 212.8.

Highlights

• Sea-level start on the Sharjah coast, finishing at Khor Fakkan
• High point of 495 m at km 193.5 in the Hajar Mountains
• Three-climb inland sequence between km 90 and km 115
• Steepest ramp at 6.8% on the 472 m climb from km 190.9

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Point to point

Riding time

7½–10½ hours riding

Season

The single March recording showed 27°C, suggesting the cooler months from autumn to spring are the sensible window.

Know before you go

• No cafés or restaurants listed after km 18.2 — nearly 200 km unsupported
• Recorded at 27°C in March; heat and water are a real consideration
• Late climbs reach 6.8% after more than 190 km of riding

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