Cyclists.com

Showka Loop via Esfai and Kadrah

Showka, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab EmiratesMixed

Route contributed by Marcus · Last ridden Saturday 15th November 2025

79 km
Distance
461 m
Elevation gain
Moderate
Difficulty
Mixed
Surface
Download GPXMap
On the road: Showka Loop via Esfai and Kadrah

Elevation profile

Total ascent
461 m
Distance
79 km
0100200300400500m0 km20406079 km483 m · highest, at 42.8 kmStartFinish · back at the start

Route overview

Suitable for cyclists comfortable with a moderate distance of nearly 80 km and 455 m climbing in desert mountain terrain.

Loop route in the Hajar Mountains near Showka, UAE, 79 km with 455 m climbing.

Starting from Showka, the route passes through Shawka at 1.8 km and Shariyah at 2.4 km before descending to its lowest point of 196 m at 13.3 km. It continues on mostly main roads without cycle lanes for 66.3 km, including 27.1 km on roads with posted speed limits of 80 km/h or more. At 39 km begins a 2.9 km climb with 72 m gain averaging 2.5% gradient, reaching a high point of 483 m at 41.9 km near Jabal Gharib (578 m).

Highlights

  • Climb starting at 39 km with 2.5% average gradient
  • Highest point at 483 m near Jabal Gharib
  • Longest descent of 3.8 km starting at 44.6 km
  • Passes through seven named places including Shawka and Kadrah

Along the route

Measured from the recorded track and OpenStreetMap.

Places passed

  1. Shariyah 2.4 km
  2. Rima 27.6 km
  3. Mamduh 29.1 km
  4. Esfai 41.3 km
  5. Esfini 52.4 km
  6. Kadrah 64.5 km

Climbs

ClimbStarts atLengthGainAverageMaxTop
—39 km2.9 km72 m2.5 %5.1 %483 m

High point 483 m at 41.9 km; low point 196 m. Passes beneath Jabal Gharib, Jabal Ash Shibkah.

What this ride is like

Measured from OpenStreetMap along the track and the elevation profile.

Roads
81% main road · 7% minor road · 5% motorway · 4% quiet street
Main roads
66.3 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
Fast roads
27.1 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
Surface
Paved throughout
Gradient
17% climbing · 16% descending · 67% flat
Longest descent
3.8 km from 44.6 km, dropping 74 m

Along the way

Within a few hundred metres of the track, from OpenStreetMap. Opening hours change — treat this as where to look, not a promise.

Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 50 km, from 25 km to 75 km.

Food, water and shops

  1. 1.9 kmDrinking water · 50 m off route
  2. 12.5 kmKadrah Health Center · clinic · 60 m off route
  3. 24.4 kmHospital · 140 m off route
  4. 25.2 kmConvenience store · 40 m off route
  5. 75.3 kmWadi al meqaitei · convenience store · 40 m off route
  6. 75.6 kmRestaurant · 40 m off route
  7. 77 kmShowka Bicycles · bike shop · 440 m off route

At the start and finish

  • Showka Bicycles · bike shop · 600 m

Practical information

Surface
Mixed
Route shape
Loop
Riding time
2½–3½ hours riding
Season
September to November with temperatures from 24 to 30 °C.
Best months
Dec to Feb — daily highs of 24–26 °C in those months

Know before you go

  • Longest stretch without café, shop, or water is 49.9 km from 25.4 to 75.3 km
  • 66.3 km on main roads without a cycle lane
  • 27.1 km on roads with speed limits 80 km/h or more
  • Approximately 3% gravel or unpaved surface

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

18 photographs from the road

More rides from Showka