Cycling Oman & UAE
1100 km bike touring route from Dubai, UAE to Muscat, Oman. Bikepacking alongside the Gulf of Oman to Ras Al Jinz, Turtle Beach, and the Omani coast town Sur
Bicycle touring with Chris Fritze
DISTANCE
1100 Km/ 684 Miles
DAYS
21 – including rest days
SURFACE
90% tarmac, 10% dirt
SETUP
Handlebar bag – Ortlieb Ultimate 6 Classic
Panniers – 4x Ortlieb Backroller City 40 Liter
Rack kitbag – Xcase wasserdicht 70 Liter
BIKE
Böttcher Expedition 2019
This bikepacking route takes you from Dubai, UAE to Muscat, Oman, and then alongside the Gulf of Oman to Ras Al Jinz Turtle Beach and finishes in the Omani coast town Sur.
Along the way, you can find the impressive forts in Bahla and in the oasis town Nizwa as well as the Bimmah Sinkhole which are totally worth visiting.
A cycle touring route that gives you the opportunity to experience the beauty and solitude of the Emirates and Oman’s desert in which you most likely will have to deal with heavy headwinds.
Since the southeastern part of Oman is very mountainy, some people also call it the “Switzerland of the Arabic peninsula”.
Steep mountain roads with slopes of 16% and above while the sun is burning down on you will challenge you on this leg of this route.
However, you’ll also have the chance to experience the kindness and hospitality of the local people – especially in Oman. Be prepared to get invited for coffee and dates at any time.
You can find supermarkets or at least small shops in every town. The prices in the UAE are higher than in most parts of the world. It’s a bit cheaper in Oman.
You can find “water refill stations” at most petrol stations or mosques. Sometimes even in the neighborhoods. So you don’t have to worry about running out of water.
For sure try the different kinds of dates. They’re delicious and a great energy source. Also, have some Omani coffee but don’t drink too much of it. It’s strong and can cause you sleepless nights.
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The desert in the UAE seems entirely fenced but if you find a hole you can find amazing camp spots behind the sand dunes.
There are no hostels in Oman, only hotels that also charge standard international prizes. However, you can wild camp anywhere in Oman. It’s legal and nobody will bother you.
If you decide to visit and camp at Ras al Jinz (Turtle Beach) make sure not to pitch your tent on the beach or too close to it. It’s a nature reserve.
A reserve guard will for sure come at some point and kindly ask you to move somewhere else.
There’s a sign on the beach telling you that you’re not allowed to camp there but there’s no hint where you’re allowed to do so. You’ll be fine if you stay about one kilometer away from it.
THINGS TO SEE ALONG THE ROUTE
- Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE
- The desert cycle path outside of Dubai, UAE – probably one of the best cycle paths in the world (incl. free locker rooms and showers)
- Bahla Fort, Oman
- Nizwa Fort, Oman
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman
- Bimmah Sinkhole, Oman
- Ras al Jinz (Turtle Beach), Oman – if you get up very early and you’re lucky, then you might see the turtles
- Many camel herds aside from the road
Check also
> Bikepacking Oman and UAE
> Bikepacking the BC Trail in Canada
> Cycling the Pyrenees coast to coast
> Cycling Inland Kochi – Shikoku, Japan
> Bikepacking Guinea Conakry and Guinea Bissau
> Cycling around the Isle of Skye
