The skyscrapers, restaurants, and other attractions of glittering and glamorous cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are well-known. In a similar vein, Ras Al Khaimah is a haven for adventure seekers, while the emirate of Sharjah is renowned for its culture and tradition. UAE is home to various beautiful mountain ranges, in addition to modern skyscrapers and man-made attractions. We’ll examine various mountains in the UAE in this post where you may camp or take a day trip to get away from the city.
Fun Things to Do in the Mountains in the UAE
The magnificent Hajjar Mountains, Hatta Mountains, Al Faya in Sharjah, and Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain are home to some of the most well-known mountains in the United Arab Emirates, including the highest peak in the nation, Jebel Jais. Let’s find out more about the different mountain ranges in the UAE.
JEBEL JAIS
The stunning Hajjar Mountain range in the United Arab Emirates includes Jebel Jais, a well-known mountain in Ras Al Khaimah. It is the highest mountain in the United Arab Emirates, rising to a height of 1,934 meters. The Jebel Jais mountain, which has been there for more than 70 million years, has some of the most stunning views.
VIEWING DECK PARK
With its magnificence and array of attractions, Jebel Jais stands out among the other mountains in the United Arab Emirates. At Jebel Jais in RAK, which is a well-liked tourist destination, there are numerous activities available to guests. Particularly as the weather cools off, residents of Dubai and Sharjah in particular view a trip to Jebel Jais as one of the best weekend activities.
The best place to explore the mountain is Jebel Jais’ Viewing Deck Park. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque valleys of the mountain, which is 1,250 meters above sea level, from seven viewing decks and ten pairs of binoculars.
HIKING AND ZIP LINING
Other attractions on the Jebel Jais mountain include a zip line, hiking trail, BBQ pit, camping area, and restaurants. These are in addition to the Viewing Deck Park. One of the most popular activities in Ras Al Khaimah is spending a day at Jebel Jais.
JEBEL HAFEET
Jebel Hafeet Mountain is the second peak on our list. It would please visitors to know that Jebel Hafeet offers a wide variety of activities. Jebel Hafeet, the second-largest mountain in the UAE and the highest peak in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, rises 1,240 meters above sea level. The Hajar mountain range includes this UAE mountain as well.
This magnificent mountain dominates Al Ain and stretches across the Oman border. Jebel Hafeet is best visited during the pleasant months of November, December, and January. The limestone that made up the mountains has worn over millions of years.
Also Read: Spend time with your family and friends exploring Sharjah’s hidden gems
FOSSILS AT JEBEL HAFEET
Popular for its distinctive fossil findings, Jebel Hafeet. In the region, fossils dating back as far as 5,000 years were found. According to local excavations, the graves in Jebel Hafeet signal the start of the Bronze Age in the United Arab Emirates. Copper artifacts and pottery vessels are among the finds.
JEBEL HAFEET MOUNTAIN ROAD
To the peak, there are two routes. The first option is to drive the entire distance, while the second is for those who are more daring and requires cycling all the way to the summit.
In either case, you must pass across the breathtaking Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, known for its picturesque views. The famous route was constructed by Strabag International of Cologne, Germany, and presents a challenge for cyclists who frequently train and visit the area.
JEBEL HAFEET DESERT PARK
Several historical and archaeological artifacts from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain’s long history can be found at the Jebel Hafeet Desert Park. The Jebel Hafeet Desert Park, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011, has a plethora of enjoyable activities like these.
- Biking
- Hiking
- Individual, serviced, and luxury camping
- 4WD tours to explore different sections of the Desert Park and a trip to scenic spots around Jebel Hafeet
WHERE TO STAY AT JEBEL HAFEET
The Mercure Jebel Hafeet Hotel is a great place to stay if you intend to travel there.
- Location: Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet Al Ain Hotel
- Contact: +971-3-704-6888
Hatta Mountains
The Hatta Mountain, which is a member of the Hajar range, is one of Dubai’s most well-known mountains. This stunning mountainous area is a part of the Dubai emirate. This mountain hideaway is around 105 kilometers, or an hour and thirty minutes’ journey, away. As it borders the emirates of Sharjah and Oman, it makes up a significant portion of the Hajjar Mountains.
The Hatta Dam
Visit the renowned Hatta Dam, one of the top things to do in the UAE’s Hatta Mountains. The Hatta Dam and surrounding surroundings are popular destinations for long weekends and great day trips for residents of Dubai and Sharjah. Unquestionably one of the most serene areas with crystal-clear turquoise waters is around the Hatta Dam.
The Hatta dam’s crystal-clear waters are ideal for activities like water biking, boating, kayaking, and pedal boat rides. One of the most well-liked activities for visitors to Hatta is kayaking. See the Hatta Dam pricing listed below for the various water activities.
You can pay the entrance fees for kayaking in Hatta there and then.
PRICES FOR KAYAK RENTAL IN HATTA – UNLIMITED
- Single Kayaks: AED 60
- Double Kayaks: AED 120
PEDAL BOATS – ONE HOUR
- Yellow Boat: AED 150
WATER BIKES – ONE HOUR
- Single Water Bike: AED 60
- Double Water Bike: AED 120
- Triple Water Bike: AED 180
ELECTRIC BOATS
- Donut Boat (One Hour): AED 300
- Tour Boat with a driver (25mins) – AED 600
- Timings: 07:00 am – 11:00 pm | 03:00 pm – 09:00 pm
- Contact: +971-56-616-2111
Mountain Biking in Hatta
For those who enjoy adventure, the Hatta Mountain Bike trails are worthwhile. The Hatta MBT Centre is home to a cross-country route with trails for all skill levels, the first of its sort in the Middle East. You can ride a bike for free on the Hatta Mountain routes. Additionally, a bike can be rented there.
- Price:
- Kids AED 45 (1 hour)
- Basic AED 65 (1 hour)
- Mid-range AED 75 (1 hour)
- Premium AED 85 (1 hour)
- Opening hours: 06:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Contact: +971-50-201-3011
Where to Stay at Hatta Mountains?
The Hatta Sedr Trailers Resort by Meraas, one of many top-notch hotels and other lodging options in the Hatta Mountains, is an example of a UAE trailer hotel. The Hatta Damani Lodges and JA Hatta Fort Hatta Hotel are further lodging options.
Jebel Faya
Sharjah’s Jebel Faya is a limestone mountain, and the region is renowned for its natural landscape. The mountain is significant from an archaeological perspective in the region. Explore several areas of Jebel Faya and the neighboring historical and archaeological sites by taking a tour of the Mellieha Archaeological Centre.
Where to Stay at Jebel Faya?
While visiting Jebel Faya, travelers can spend a pleasant weekend or day at the Jebel Faya Lodge away from the rush and bustle of the city.
- Location: Al Batayeh – Al Faya Road Al Modam Rd., Sharjah, United Arab Emirates