Ras Al Khaimah is one of the UAEโs most exciting cycling destinations. Here, thereโs a route for all cyclists, from leisurely coastal jaunts for families through to demanding mountain biking and road cycling routes for the fittest, most experienced riders.
On the world-class UAE Tour, the Ras Al Khaimah stage is always a highlight, combining undulating desert with an iconic mountain climb. Each year, the race inspires more cyclists to take to Ras Al Khaimahโs roads and cycle paths, weekend explorers and elite athletes alike.ย
Get your inspiration for cycling in Ras Al Khaimah here, with information on the UAE Tour route and other great rides, cycle safety, and how to plan a weekend of cycling in Ras Al Khaimah.ย
Key Takeaways
- Ras Al Khaimahโs well-paved roads that lead to the desert, mountain and coast are popular with cyclists, beginners and elite athletes alike.
- The emirate is an important stage in the UAE Tour, an international race for professional teams.
- Post- or pre-ride, Ras Al Khaimah offers excellent opportunities to rest and refuel in delightful surroundings.ย
The UAE Tour: Ras Al Khaimah Stage
The UAE Tour has rightfully earned a place on cyclingโs world stage. Each year, the event draws professional cycling teams from around the globe to compete across seven stages.ย
With uphill routes that rival the great European races, desert crosswinds to contend with, and immaculate roads for fast sprints, the UAE Tour is challenging to ride and exciting to watch.ย
The Ras Al Khaimah stage is usually considered to be the prestigious queen stage, thanks to its incorporation of a fearsome mountain ascent. Here are some of the previous Ras Al Khaimah UAE Tour routes.
2026: Umm Al Quwain to Jebel Mobrah
This stage took athletes from the Umm Al Quwain peninsula on the coast, through Ras Al Khaimah city and the nearby desert, and on to the foot of the mountain. From there, riders took on gradients of up to 17% in places, over 20 kilometers of uphill, and finished at the summit of Jebel Mobrah.
2025: Ras Al Khaimah to Jebel Jais
The 2025 queen stage challenged riders with the ascent of the UAEโs highest mountain. Starting in Ras Al Khaimah city, the race followed the coast to Al Marjan Island before looping back through the desert. Riders then completed a 20-km climb, with mostly consistent 5-7% gradients.ย
Best Cycling Routes in Ras Al Khaimah for Keen Cyclists
Feeling inspired by the UAE Tour Ras Al Khaimah stage? Here are some ideas for your next big ride.ย
Jebel Jais Climb
Tackle this iconic mountain climb as often featured on the UAE Tourโs Ras Al Khaimah stage. From the coast or Ras Al Khaimah city, the Jebel Jais cycle route covers around 35 km and 1,900 m of uphill. The roads are well-paved, and the views are spectacular.ย
Note that the mountain road may be closed for maintenance after heavy rain, so always check the latest updates.ย
Wadi Shawka Mountain Trail
For mountain bikers, this is the number one option in Ras Al Khaimah. The Wadi Shawka cycling trail is out in the Hajar Mountains and features steep climbs and nailbiting descents as you navigate the countless natural obstacles and wild mountain terrain.ย
Showka-Hatta Loop
For a long road ride, take on the Showka-Hatta endurance challenge. Wide-open roads, desert and mountain scenery, and some climbs feature on this route. The ride takes you along the New Hatta Road, over Generator Hill, through Hweylat, and loops back around to Showka.
Al Marjan Island
For a guaranteed traffic-free ride and a cooling sea breeze, Al Marjan Island has a 6-km loop of cycle path. The track is fully paved and spacious for cyclists, and offers stunning sea views on either side. You can easily extend your ride with multiple loops. This route is suited to beginner cyclists and families, as well as serious athletes in training.ย
Cycling in Ras Al Khaimah: Tips and Safety FAQs
Why is Ras Al Khaimah popular with cyclists?
Ras Al Khaimah offers a rare combination of terrain: coastal cycle paths, open desert roads, and high mountains. Well-maintained roads, a growing cafรฉ culture catering to cyclists, and a cooler mountain climate make it a year-round destination.ย
The emirate also hosts the prestigious UAE Tour queen stage, which brings world-class professional racing to its roads and inspires cyclists of every level to explore the region.
ย What should cyclists know about safety, timing, and weather?
The best time to cycle in Ras Al Khaimah is between October and April, when temperatures are mild and conditions are comfortable for long rides. In summer, heat can be extreme, so early morning starts are essential.ย
On mountain routes, carry more water than you think you need. Traffic is lightest in the early morning, which also offers the best light and cooler air for the ascent.
ย Where can you rent bikes or join guided rides in Ras Al Khaimah?
Showka Bicycles, located in the Hajar Mountains, offers mountain bike rentals and guided cycling tours, ideal for visitors unfamiliar with the local trails.ย
For a desert experience, the Adventure Center at the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert at the Ritz-Carlton offers guided fat bike tours, including a two-hour desert exploration.ย
Hotels on Al Marjan Island provide direct access to the coastal cycle track, and some properties island-wide offer bike hire for guests.
A Cycling Weekend in Ras Al Khaimah: Time Well Spent
Ras Al Khaimah, with its rugged mountains, coastal breezes and dramatic desert roads, is the perfect weekend cycling destination. Cycling here means world-class road routes and a taste of the UAE Tour.ย
For moments off your bike, Ras Al Khaimah also offers excellent rest and relaxation opportunities that will revitalize you for your next ride. Cycling and coffee culture go hand in hand, so be sure to plan some stops at excellent local cafes. You are guaranteed a restful nightโs sleep in Ras Al Khaimah, too.ย
Where to Stay
Ras Al Khaimah has a great variety of places to stay to suit all tastes and budgets. Choose from luxurious desert retreats, coastal campsites, vibrant resorts and more.ย
Most hotels are bike-friendly, and some even offer bike rentals. Al Marjan Island hotels have direct access to the coastal cycle track. The spectacular Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert Resort affords the opportunity to take bikes out into the surrounding private nature reserve.ย
The most luxurious hotels have excellent wellness spas, where you can treat yourself to a revitalizing post-ride sauna or massage. Then, refuel in Ras Al Khaimahโs many excellent restaurants offering high-quality international and local cuisine.ย
Book Your Weekend Cycling Trip Today
In Ras Al Khaimah, you can ride hard, recover well, and still feel like youโve traveled somewhere special. Ras Al Khaimah is less than one hour from Dubai and just over two hours from Abu Dhabi, so getting here is easy.ย
Planning a weekend of cycling? Browse our collection of offers and book your next staycation in the UAE in Ras Al Khaimah.
