The charm of the mountainous regions in the United Arab Emirates has captured the attention of both local visitors and tourists from outside the country, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. These mountainous areas have become prominent tourist attractions, and continuous development efforts enhance the infrastructure to elevate the level of services provided to visitors, adding more comfort to these destinations.
The splendor of the UAE mountains shines, particularly during the mild winter season, with the fourth edition of the “World’s Most Beautiful Winter” campaign promoting tourist, natural, and entertainment experiences across the seven emirates. This initiative serves as an opportunity to showcase the wide spectrum of environmental and geographical diversity that characterizes the UAE.
Most of the mountains in the UAE are part of the Hajar mountain range, occupying the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. The majority is located in the eastern and northern regions of the country, spanning across the emirates of Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and the Hatta region belonging to Dubai’s emirate. The highest point in the UAE mountains approaches an elevation of 2000 meters.
The mountains constitute 2.6 percent of the country’s total area, stretching 155 kilometers, acting as a natural divide between the Gulf of Oman to the east and the Arabian Gulf’s sand dunes to the west.
Jebel Jais: Jebel Jais, situated in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, is one of the most famous mountainous areas that attracts an unparalleled number of visitors and tourists throughout the year, especially during winter when its summit adorns a charming white layer of snow. With an elevation of approximately 1,934 meters, Jebel Jais is a destination for hiking and camping enthusiasts. It features a viewing platform that provides an ideal panorama of the breathtaking landscapes in Ras Al Khaimah, allowing visitors to witness scenic valleys.
Jebel Jais also lures visitors with a comprehensive package of activities and adventures, including the Jebel Jais Flight, recognized by the Guinness World Records in 2018 as the world’s longest zip line, with a length of 2832.88 meters and an altitude of 1680 meters above sea level. “Jebel Jais Sky Tour” is the latest addition, offering a unique experience of riding sleds on the longest steel path in the region, covering a distance of 1840 meters at speeds reaching 40 kilometers per hour down the winding mountain track.
Jabal Al Meabreh: Also in Ras Al Khaimah, Jabal Al Meabreh serves as a passage at an elevation of 1,527 meters above sea level. Its upper part is characterized by a temperature drop of about 15 degrees Celsius compared to the plains, allowing visitors to inhale fresh air and enjoy panoramic views.
Jebel Hafeet: In Abu Dhabi, Jebel Hafeet is the highest point in the emirate, reaching an elevation of 1,240 meters. The 11.7-kilometer road leading to its summit is known for its geometrically attractive pathways, infrastructure, water drainage, lighting, and safe driving conditions. The mountain hosts the Hafeet Mountain Park, recognized by UNESCO as one of the first sites listed on the World Heritage List in the country. It also contains the Hafeet Tombs area, dating back nearly 5,000 years, constructed using stone cells resembling beehives.
Hatta Mountains: The Hatta Mountains in the emirate of Dubai are among the most famous parts of the Hajar mountain range in the country, offering a unique beauty. They house captivating natural treasures and towering peaks, with the highest being Jebel Umm Al Nusoor at an elevation of 1300 meters.
The Hatta Mountains provide a range of activities, and visitors can explore Hatta Dam, one of the most beautiful and largest dams in the UAE. In recent years, the region has transformed into a tourist destination, attracting visitors from various regions to enjoy its picturesque natural sites such as mountains, Hatta Dam, and its water lake.