Showka – Shinas loop 84

Route overview

Suits riders comfortable with 84 km and 924 m of climbing spread over six moderate ascents.

An 84.3 km loop from Showka through the Hajar Mountains, crossing into Oman and back, with 924 m of climbing.

The loop starts climbing almost immediately out of Showka: 2.5 km at 3.4% from km 0.3 to 377 m, passing beneath Jabal Al Hinnah (637 m), then a second climb of 3.4 km at 3% topping out at 467 m by km 8. A viewpoint at km 8.7 marks the end of the opening effort, and the road then runs on through Yaif, Al Qor and Sha'biyyat Milāḩ, with a gentler 3.1 km rise at 2.6% from km 28.6. The middle section passes beneath a 508 m summit, Jabal Mudayrah (472 m) and Jabal Laim (420 m) before reaching Sufayri at km 43.7, where several restaurants and a viewpoint sit close together. Two short climbs follow: 2.2 km at 3.3% with a 7.4% maximum, then 1.1 km at 5.4% reaching 9.6% and topping at 390 m. From As Simsimānīyah the route drops to its low point of 208 m at km 54.7, near Huwaylat, and rolls through Sikhе̄bar, Al Wa'ab and Munay. The final climb runs 3.2 km at 3.3% from km 71.9 to the day's high point of 477 m at km 75.4, past Jabal Ash Shahayrah (532 m), before the run back to Showka.

Highlights

• Opening double climb to 467 m beneath Jabal Al Hinnah
• Viewpoint at km 8.7 above the early ascent
• Restaurant cluster and viewpoint at Sufayri, km 43-44
• High point of 477 m at km 75.4

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

3½–4½ hours riding

Season

The single March record showed 28°C, so the cooler months either side of it are the sensible window.

Know before you go

• Crosses from the UAE into Oman and back - carry documents
• Steep pitches of 9.6% on the short climb at km 48
• 28°C recorded in March; heat and water planning matter

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