The love of adventure and fitness forces people out of the city anytime they get the opportunity. Discover the best hiking trails in UAE!
Best Hikes in UAE: Jebel jais, Ras Al Khaimah
Level of hike: varying difficulty levels
Formed over 70 million years ago, Jebel Jais is the United Arab Emirate’s highest peak at 1,934m above sea level. It offers a beautiful mountain range positioned on the eastern side of Ras Al Khaimah that gives a fantastic view for both local and international hikers.
Trekkers who plan to visit Jebel Jais, the trail starts at Wadi Ghalilah Dam, and the total length of the trip is 30 kilometers. Depending on the hiker’s fitness level, it can take between five to ten hours to complete the hike. This specific trail in comparison to other hiking trails in UAE, is very long, with not much shade, you can take a rest halfway as stone benches are available on route. Throughout the hike, most people need five liters of water to ensure adequate hydration. The journey can be very rewarding yet challenging which is why some people call it the stairway to heaven! It is one of the, if not the, best hiking spots in UAE.
The Path
When mountain hiking in UAE, especially when visiting Jebel Jais, a hiker can choose among several routes, including the paved road facing the east which forms a zigzag shape. The main route starts next to the Wadi Ghalilah Dam, with the beginning marked with a trail sign. As one is moving up the steep climb, it is possible to view farms on the left. When there is no smog, the magnificent view of the Arabian Gulf meets the hiker’s eyes. The scree valley opens up to a village to which many people can pinpoint their location. At this point, when the hiker reaches the mountain top, one can clearly view the Oman side of the border.
Activities and Facilities
The adventure offered is exhilarating. When one decides to start the 30 kilometers hike, the scenic views are worth the time and money. The Jebel Jais adventure center is a way to raise one’s adrenaline just by the activities done there. The adventure center has extremely wonderful staff who welcome and guide visitors throughout the center. The center also has a gift shop and offers refreshments. Visitors can also have a chance at experiencing the longest zipline. With speeds of over 120kph, the beautiful scenery of Jebel Jais is clear below, giving a unique bucket list experience whilst hiking in UAE!
There are no laws against bringing your pets. However, it is better to keep your pets at home as the journey and mountain hiking in UAE can be very challenging and long.
Wadi Ghalilah to Jebel Jais is one of the best hiking trails in UAE. The route can be easily followed due to the multiple downloadable maps, steps, well laid trail, clear signage/pointers, dry stone embankments and stone marked pathways.
Hiking Trails in UAE: Wadi Kub to Al Ghail Village, Ras Al Khaimah
Level of hike: depends on the route; Easy, Intermediate, Hard
Looking for hiking spots in UAE? Wadi Kub is one of many beautiful hiking places in the UAE specifically in Ras Al Khaimah, the trail is a mix of walking and a bit of climbing through the beautiful wadi with surrounding natural colorful rocks. You can see Sign posts for Wadi Kub on the road between Ras Al Khaimah and Dibba although once you start the trek it’s like a maze! So make sure you have an offline map downloaded.
In winter, it is full of water from rainfall which results in beautiful scenery of water valleys between the mountains. Each mountain has different shades of colors. We would recommend going with a guide to know more about the beautiful rock formations.
Wadi Kub To Al Ghail Village the trail goes up-to 29.0 kilometer trail located near Al Lusayli, Ras al-Khaimah, although it’s not a “specific” route. The trail is primarily for off-road driving, but it’s a pretty decent walk especially for those who like to run in their hike.
Wadi Kub is part of Wadi Naqab, and when it rains it becomes one of the hidden valleys in Ras Al Khaimah. The trip is one of the hidden gems of hiking trails in UAE. It is a very thrilling location for adventures and adrenaline rush as well as for those on a light hike too!
The Path
The journey from Wadi Kub to Al Ghail village is one of the best hikes in UAE for kids and family as it is not difficult to hike on. The difficulty depends on the route you take; a flat route is fairly easy where you pass through the rock formations, whereas a hike up-on the rock formation is very difficult and might require rock climbing equipment.
You could walk through the Wadi in a breeze. Therefore, hike duration depends on the route you take. Due to its steepness, it is an intermediate hiking route with some exciting challenges suitable for all levels if they meet the required fitness. Some beautiful rock formations that will provide us with a good way to learn entry-climbing techniques. This by far is one of the most scenic and serene area for hiking spots in UAE as it’s not a well known area.
Wadi Showka, Ras Al Khaimah
Level of hike: Easy
This breathtaking seasonal watercourse is in the Hajar mountains of Ras Al Khaimah and is one of the best hiking trails in UAE. The climb of Wadi Showka is around 300 meters, with the highest point being approximately 600 meters.
The Path
The hike begins from the Shawka Dam, which is accessed via the road from Dubai. Comparing this specific trail with other hiking trails in UAE, this trip is quite short and can take around one hour and ten minutes making it highly accessible. Depending on a person’s fitness level, the existing different routes and trails that one can follow. The hike starts with a walk around the dam until reaching the base of the staircase. By going up several human-made staircases at the dam, one can get to the dam’s upper levels. Although, people who seek off trail hiking, would highly recommend going out with a group like Challenging Adventure.
The beautiful breathtaking view of the Hajar mountain is visible once one gets to the top of the staircase. These ranges are situated across northeastern locations of the UAE and Oman. The geography of the area is made up of boulders and rocks, giving beautiful scenery while hiking in UAE. Showka offers easy terrain during hiking such that anyone with basic fitness can handle it. The fact that one can pass through it is fascinating, with the thrill of walking in water making it exciting. One can even swim through to access the other side of the hill based on how much it rains during the year.
Activities and Facilities
For hiking and camping enthusiasts, Wadi Shawka is the place to be. At the entrance, one can find a shop and get some refreshments and snacks. When mountain hiking in UAE, one can hike in the beautiful scenery with small mountains and hills resting on all sides. Along the trail, the hiker will be able to witness some wildlife including camels and many different types of birds. On all paths that are in Wadi Showka, there are cabanas that provide a shade where one can rest. It gets to a point where the trail becomes faint, and one has to scramble downhill to find it. Commonly, hiking places in UAE are easily navigated through as the trails are easy to find, hikers do not need to worry and it is also a great exercise when exploring hiking spots in UAE.
Wadi Showka is open to people who want to hike together with their pets. However, pet owners should have a harness and extra water with them for this to be easier. They should also clean up after their pets during the hike. With appropriate clothing and the right hiking boots, Wadi Showka provides a thrill to Wadi Showka provides a thrill to outdoor enthusiasts giving them a rewarding hike and will definitely be one of the best hikes in UAE one can experience.
Al Rabi tower, Khorfakkan
Level of hike: Easy
Al Rabi hiking trail, as the name suggests, is a historical watchtower. It was built in 1915 AD and was a part of the defense systems guarding the city of Khorfakkan. Today Al Rabi tower is considered to be extremely well known and popular among the hiking trails in UAE. It is also both an attraction site for hikers and a historical monument. This trail is recommended to first time hikers, or families with young children as it’s an easy and safe trail. The trail is clearly marked and appropriately maintained so don’t worry about getting lost!
There are many points to stop to rest and to enjoy the views, maybe have a cup of coffee or two. And, yes, the views are stunning for a minimum effort hike, from the start of the hike you could see spectacular views that overlooks the city of Khorfakkan on one side and on the other side the Gulf of Oman! For the best views we recommend a sunrise or sunset hike. Unlike most hiking places in UAE, there is cellular and data service here!
The distance of this hike is average in comparison to other hiking trails in UAE, the trail is 5.3 kilometers and takes around 2-3 hours to complete depending on the hiker’s pace. It is located at an elevation of 395 meters. For those who wish to camp, there is a designated camping spot at the 2,200 meter point which makes Al Rabi tower one of the few hiking spots in UAE that offer a specific area for campers.
Tips while hiking in the UAE:
Plan your route
Plan ahead in order to familiarize yourself with the route
Download an offline map to avoid getting lost, or if connection is lost you are fine!
Check the weather
We recommend you check the latest weather as some places are a no go with heavy rains as it’s tends to be slippery which isn’t an ideal situation for a hike… unless you seek discomfort!
Hydrate
Any type of physical activity requires constant hydration. Make sure you have enough water with you on your hiking trip.
Don’t go solo, the more the merrier!
Always bring someone along, for safety reasons plus it’s more fun.
Wear appropriate clothing
Make sure you are wearing comfortable breathable clothing, and the right pair of hiking shoes or trainers with good grip will do. Also, get slippers for after the hike, trust us your feet will thank you!
Bring along a first aid kit
Always carry a basic first aid kit you never know what will go down, so make sure you have the basics such as plasters.
Beware of your interaction with wildlife
Preserve nature and be cautious of poisonous plants, and dangerous interaction with animals.
Pay attention to signs
While enjoying your time in the great outdoors, do not trespass in the private properties. Also, be well aware of any signs…you don’t want to get yourself into trouble now!
Don’t litter
Yes, we all know this lets’ just make sure we throw our trash in the trash!