23.2
PDI
16.7 mi
DISTANCE
4,509 ft
GAINED
5.1 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Ard Oostra, Switzerland
INTRO
Jebel Jais is the highest mountain in the UAE, and its road is the highest paved road in the country and the highest point you can ride to on a bike here. The climb covers 16.7 miles (26.9 km) and gains 4,509 ft (1,374.4 m), from 901 ft (274.6 m) to 5,385 ft (1,641.4 m) at a 5.1% average grade, with essentially no descent.
The road is a wide, modern mountain road of giant hairpins, and the grade is remarkably even: the steepest 3.1 miles (5 km) averages just 5.8%, and the steepest 0.3 mile (500 m) only 7.0%. It would make an excellent Everesting venue. There are 8 viewpoints before the finish, and you may ride into the clouds near the top. The finish is beside Jais Flight, the longest zipline in the world.
The true summit, 6,345 ft (1,934 m), is across the border in Oman and is not accessible. Jebel Jais has also hosted summit finishes of the UAE Tour. Access to the mountain has changed over the past year, so see Roadway & Parking for current conditions.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. The Jebel Jais climb averages 5.1% over 16.7 miles (26.9 km), gaining 4,509 ft (1,374.4 m) with essentially no descent.
The steepest 100 yards (91 m) reach 11.6%, the steepest quarter mile 8.1%, the steepest 0.3 mile (500 m) 7.0% and the steepest 0.6 mile (1 km) 6.4%. The steepest 3.1 miles (5 km) and the steepest 6.2 miles (10 km) both average 5.8%, so this is one long, even grind without a hard wall.
Roadway: Fully paved, and the road quality only increases as you climb. It is wide and well surfaced, with parts of the ascent two lanes in our direction plus a shoulder to ride in. About 1.2 miles (2 km) before the top there is a roadblock that has historically let only pedestrians, cyclists and permit holders continue to the zipline area; about 0.3 mile (500 m) before the zipline station there is a big parking lot where you turn left. Heavy rain can damage the road: the mountain closed after the December 2025 storms and a rockslide, reopened with entry controls on January 31, 2026, and reopened fully with no entry permit on February 11, 2026. As of late September 2026 it was under a temporary maintenance closure ahead of the 2026/27 season with no reopening date announced, so check the official Visit Jebel Jais channels before riding.
Traffic: This is a tourist route, so the road is much busier on days off from work. There is minimal truck traffic.
Parking: Parking is free at most of the viewpoints along the road, and there are spots along the shoulder to park a car. You can also park at the first roadblock, which is about 3.1 miles (5 km) from the top.
Gear: A road bike with compact gearing is all you need. The top runs about 18 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) cooler than the coast and the best riding season is roughly October to April, so bring a vest or wind jacket for the summit and the descent. Carry plenty of water, especially at the lower elevations.
Provisions: For a great meal and excellent view as you relax after your climb, consider 1484 by Puro, 1.4 miles (2.3 kilometers) from the finish and the highest restaurant in the UAE, at an altitude of 4,869 ft (1,484 m). Diners need a confirmed reservation - Route Map; Google Map + Reviews.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Be sure to stop at the viewpoints along this wonderful climb. There are 8 before the finish, with excellent views of the mountains and, from some, the valley below. Some of the viewpoints have observation decks.
Jais Flight, just before the finish, is the longest zipline in the world at 1.8 miles (2,832 m), and you can add it to the most epic bike climb in the UAE by bringing a cable and lock for your bike and doing the zipline before descending - Google Map + Reviews. Book ahead, because rides are scheduled and weather dependent. Also do not miss the extraordinary views from the observation deck at the finish - Google Map + Reviews.
The UAE Tour finished a stage here in 2023, when Einer Rubio attacked about 6 miles (10 km) out and won by 14 seconds as Remco Evenepoel took the race lead. Check current conditions before you go with our Weather tool.
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