Page Contributor(s): Ard Oostra, Switzerland
Page Contributor(s): Ard Oostra, Switzerland
Cycling the mighty Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Ride 19.6 kilometers gaining 1,031’ to 1,346m at 5.3%average grade.
Before heading to the Middle East on your epic cycling adventure, be sure to rely on our list of Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip, and use our interactive checklist to ensure you don't forget anything.
A very long ascent with no break -- 0 descent.
Jebel Jais is a mountain in the North-Western Hajar mountain range in Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the UAE. At 2020 meters, Jebel Jais is the highest mountain in all of the United Arab Emirates. However, please note that while the southern base and all of the Jebel Jais bike climb is in UAE, the peak of the mountain is in Oman, 3.7 kilometers as the crow flies from the finish of our route. The Jebel Jais road bike climb is the highest paved road in the UAE and is the highest point that can be ridden by bike.
No doubt about where we are going . .
Jebel Jais is located in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the 7 emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. Ras Al Khaimah is an adventure seeker’s paradise. There is no shortage of thrill seeking and outdoor activities in the area. In addition to cycling, the area is also home to the world’s longest zip line (more on that below). “This northern emirate is includes towering mountain landscapes and weaving coastal and inland mangrove stretches that make for a variety of playgrounds for adventure lovers, making Ras Al Khaimah firmly established as the adventure emirate of the United Arab Emirates. For those who are satisfied with the thrills of the mind – and figurative time travel – Ras Al Khaimah is also an illustrious center with 7,000 years of cultural treasures and historic finds.” Visit the Jebel Jais, UAE website for more information.
Many magnificent giant hairpins on our climb.
The road was finished in 2017 and is in perfect shape. The climb itself is moderately difficult and would be an excellent Everesting venue as it is nearly continuously 5-6% for a full 20 kilometers.
Part of the climb is through a gorge.
You may ride into the clouds on your way up to the highest paved finish in UAE.
One last push -- final stretch is seen in middle right of photo.
Flag of the United Arab Emirates.
Jebel Jais Viewpoint at the end of the climb.
Photo: https://blog.headout.com/zipline-jebel-jais-flight/
Thank you Ard!!
The mountain is also home to the longest zipline in the world. At just under 3km (almost 2 miles!), the Jebel Jais zip line is certified by Guinness World Records to be the longest in the world. On this thrilling ride through the sky, you’ll travel at over 120kph (about 75 mph). Learn more about this one-of-a-kind way to experience the mountain here.
Jebel Jais made its professional cycling debut on March 1, 2019 when it was the Stage 6 finish of the 2019 UAE Tour, the third tour of 2019 for the UCI World Tour. Those who have participated in this race are a who’s who of professional cycling:
Years | General classification | Points classification | Sprints classification | Young rider classification |
not awarded | ||||
Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) | ||||
Primož Roglič wins UAE Tour stage 6 March 1, 2019.
Photo: Cycling News.