Jebel Jais: Best Hiking Tour in UAE

The highest mountain in the United Arab Emirates has the most outstanding hiking destination in the UAE. Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, a mountain range in the Hajar Mountains, is the best hiking path in the UAE out of 20 options. “The 30-kilometer round trek to the summit of Jebel Jais takes five to ten hours to complete. Because it is such a difficult path, many people need a guide to climb the fabled Stairway to Heaven.”

In Fujairah, Wadi Tayyibah and Wadi Madha made a list, as did Mleiha in Sharjah, Hatta Trails in Dubai, and the Jebel Hafeet Trails in Al Ain, which one of the world’s most gorgeous road trip routes. In Ras Al Khaimah, Wadi Naqab and Wadi Ghalilah made the list.

Climbing in the United Arab Emirates: a guide to Jebel Jais Heights

This Is a Simple Guide;

• Where: The Jebel Jais Summit (1,910 meters)
• Wadi Ghalilah Dam is an excellent place to start.
• Length: 15km (30 Round-trip)
• If you’re in good physical shape, you’ll be able to reach the peak in around five to ten hours.
• Over 1,750 feet of elevation gain
• A minimum of 5 liters of water is enough for each person.

Getting Around: Driving, taking a cab or taking the bus (combined with a taxi or hitchhiking)

When it comes to United Arab Emirates height, what’s the highest point? A 1,000-meter error would be if you mentioned the Burj Khalifa, Dubai’s tallest skyscraper. This flat region has a distinct mountainous peak located in the far north. The tallest mountain in the United Arab Emirates, Jebel Jais, rises at 1,910 meters above sea level in Oman and is an excellent full-day climb from Dubai.

With pathways that meander among high rock cliffs and past small settlements, the west face is the most acceptable option for hikers. To get a taste of the UAE before oil and trade transformed it into a nation of cement and steel, Jebel Jais is the place to go.

The staircase to heaven, a famous walkway, has recently been the site of a number of fatalities. Several sections of the stairs are technically challenging and should attempt in groups larger than four people or with the assistance of a trained guide. Fortunately, an alternate path climb without a guide by anybody in good health, starting near the Wadi Ghalilah Dam.

Getting to Dubai from here

Wadi Ghalilah Dam is easily accessible by automobile. To get to Ras Al Khaimah, use the E311 expressway north to exit 126. Take E18 around Ras Al Khaimah and join onto E11 to get there. To get there, travel for roughly 9 kilometers to a road that leads to a helicopter landing zone and an impoundment dam. The dam regulates heavy rains and supplies agricultural water. Between AED 300 (USD 80) and AED 400 (USD 120) is the price of a taxi ride from Dubai (USD 110).

Visiting Jebel Jais as a day excursion from Ras Al Khaimah is doable even if you don’t own a vehicle or have a limited budget. To arrive at Ras Al Khaimah, you’ll need to be there by 8 AM. An AED 60 (15 USD) cab ride takes you to the dam from here. Although hitchhiking is prevalent in this area, it may take some time, and slower climbers may have to spend the night in Ras Al Khaimah.

Up Jebel Jais, through this route.

The Wadi Ghalilah Dam serves as the trail’s beginning point.

The scree gully: A Challenging trek

The 30-kilometer round-trip trek begins at the dam’s parking area. Zigzagging up the wadi with fields on the left, it’s a grueling ascent from the get-go. If there isn’t any haze, you’ll eventually reach a hilltop with some stone goat pens to your right and a stunning view of the Persian Gulf. For the next two to three kilometers, the incline is much less steep as you walk along the ridge, which ends at a cliff face. An 800-meter struggle on rough rocks concludes the ascent at this point. Technically, it’s not harsh, but since there isn’t much of a road, it needs more attention and patience. To settle, you’ll need to climb out of the screen valley. This part of the route may also be a little confusing.

The summit of the west face, at the end of the trail. To get to the guard station, use the practically deserted paved road. At the trail’s beginning, there is a greater concentration of signage.

Since it is near the border, the region is rife with military personnel. They’ll let you pass if you tell them you’re going to climb Jebel Jais. After a few more kilometers, you will come upon what seems to be a royal estate or a very upscale military barracks. A simple walk along the fence on the right would suffice. Every 100 meters or so, you’ll encounter Oman / Emirati boundary markers. Just beyond the estate, on a clear day, you can see the jagged peak of Jebel Jais.

Expectations

If you haven’t reached the top by 3 PM, you should turn back unless you want to trek in the dark or have a vehicle waiting for you on the paved road.

Many local shepherds frequent this path, so expect to see plenty of goats! These are genuine Emiratis, descendants of generations of landowners. People in their villages are kind and courteous; you’ll get tea if you visit. From the pompousness of Dubai, it is a world apart.

Even though Jebel Jais usually is cooler than Dubai, it is essential to have enough water. Expect to drink at least three liters of water while ascending and another two liters when descending at least once. Although it isn’t the most vital water source, there is a portable water barrel for the locals immediately before the steep hike around the rock face and up the scree gully. If you seem thirsty, the border guards on the paved route will most likely provide you with a couple of water bottles!

Boulders and rock overhangs provide the only shade, so sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are all essential. You may not eat much in the heat, but a couple of energy bars or dried fruit is a simple way to acquire some additional energy.

Also Visit: Dubai Desert Safari Group

Taking a Breather

You may also go back the way you came if you choose. A day that includes 30 miles and an ascent of more than 1,700 feet might be taxing, but it is possible! A pickup time should arrange if you’ve booked cabs from Ras Al Khaimah to the dam and plan on making the complete round journey. Most drivers are more than willing to pick you up. Despite this, getting back to Ras Al Khaimah is relatively simple. Even if you’re in the middle of the desert on your own, locals from the nearby wadi will be more than happy to assist you.