Showka – Shinas loop 108

Route overview

Suited to fit riders comfortable with 108 km and 1,116 m of climbing in a single day, including one sustained steep section.

A 108 km loop from Showka through the Hajar Mountains, crossing into Oman and back, with 1,116 m of climbing.

From Showka the loop heads out past Musseili at 6 km and begins climbing at 15.4 km: 3.9 km at 3.3%, topping out at 483 m, which is the high point of the whole ride at 19.5 km. The road then works down through Yaif, Al Qor and Sha'biyyat Milāḩ, and on through a string of villages — Huwaylat, Fashrah, Rāfāq, Al Naslah and Um al Ghaf — passing beneath Jabal Naselah (178 m) at 56.4 km. Near Wahala at 59.7 km the route reaches its lowest point, 84 m at km 60. The hardest section follows. From 66.8 km the road climbs 3.6 km at 7.5%, with a maximum of 10.3%, to 442 m, running beneath unnamed peaks of 826 m and 812 m at around 70 km. Beyond Shia and Harrah come Fayyad, Minazif and Al Qilē'ī, where a shorter 2 km rise at 3% lifts the road to 292 m past Jabal Al Miqsha (400 m). After Munay at 86.1 km, a final 5.1 km at 2.9% climbs to 464 m, with a viewpoint at 97.1 km and Jabal Ash Shahayrah and Jabal Al Hinnah standing above the closing kilometres back to Showka.

Highlights

• High point of 483 m reached at 19.5 km
• The 3.6 km climb at 7.5% from 66.8 km, topping out at 442 m
• Viewpoint at 97.1 km on the run back to Showka
• Jabal Al Hinnah (637 m) above the final kilometres

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

3½–5 hours riding

Season

The single January recording showed 19°C, so the cooler winter months are the sensible choice.

Know before you go

• The loop crosses from the UAE into Oman and back — carry documents
• The 66.8 km climb averages 7.5% and reaches 10.3%
• No cafés or water points listed anywhere on the 108 km loop

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