The sport climbing site of Birkat Al Sharaf is in exactly the same location as the Wall of Shadows, but on the south side. Also at an altitude of almost 2000m, it's a great spot for winter climbing, as the routes are quickly exposed to the sun in the late morning. The rock is much more abrasive than on the north side of the Wall of Shadows, and the overall level is harder, with even a series of routes in the 7+ range (The Swell) on a lovely 15-meter overhang. Access is quick from the Al Sharaf guest house, allowing you to complement and vary your climbing on the opposite side. The routes are well equipped, with one sector at the bottom and another higher up, from a ledge.
Technical summary
Type ✦ Rind climbing
Location ✦ Sharaf Al Alamein
Region ✦ Jebel Shams, Hajar Ocidental
Country ✦ Oman
Difficulty ✦ V+ to 7b
Max route ✦ 35m
Orientation ✦ North-East
Rock ✦ Limestone
Interest ✦ ★
Access to the place
Coming from Dubai, cross the border after AL Ain (Mezyad), and head towards Ibri. Continue until you turn left towards Bahla, then continue towards Al Hamra. Just before Al Hamra, fork right towards Hoota Cave and Balad Seet, Hat (brown sign). We pass a little on the edge of Al Hamra. At the end of this road, make a right-left to reach the road that winds up to the Sharaf pass at 2000m. Before crossing the pass, stop at the Guest House, the starting point for the approach. The cliffs of Birkat Al Sharaf are in sight.
Map & topo
Itinerary description
Hiking to the start 20'
Take the path behind the hotel, which is poorly defined but soon leads to small cairns at the foot of the tracks. This takes you directly to the bottom section. To reach the top, go around to the left and take the ledge equipped with a lifeline.
Course Les voies
The Slab is the part on the right with the 2 floors. All the routes are well equipped and easy to abseil. The rock is very sharp and abrasive. The reference guide is on the Elstyx website (see extract below). Only routes already attempted are described below.
Chiken Shower Man (25m, V+)
No difficulty, but aggressive rock and aerial finish.
Scarface (20m, 6a+, 8 quickdraws)
Hyper-aggressive spiked rock. Only 1 move to get over the bulge, more on the right (no boulders).
Corner Chopped (20m, 6b+/6c)
Superb route, softer rock. The dihedral went well, but it took one step to get out and recover.
Route N°8 (20m, 6b+)
Mini rulers, small holes and continuity on the first half, the end less hard.
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