9 Best Hiking Trails in the UAE
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Loading... - Lucas Foster
- 18 Mar 2022
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Beyond the ultra-modern cities and bustling souks, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Whether you’re interested in trekking up a rugged mountainside, navigating your way through desert dunes, or hiking around a lush desert oasis, the country is brimming with gorgeous natural scenery and hiking trails suited for all fitness levels. What’s more, many of the best trails can easily be reached from the major cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, making them great for day trips and short excursions. Read on for a list of the best hikes in the UAE followed by a helpful set of answers to frequently asked questions about hiking through this unique travel destination.
Wadi Al Far, Jebel Jais
Distance: 5 km
Difficulty: Advanced
Time: 5 hours
As one of the most famous hiking spots in the United Arab Emirates, Jebel Jais also boasts the highest mountain peak in the country. The mountain is just a two-hour car ride away from downtown Dubai in the neighboring emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. From short family-friendly walks to steep climbs for advanced hikers, the area is filled with over 80 kilometers of trails suited for all experience levels. If you’re looking for a challenge, head out on the Wadi Al Far Trail. The initial ascent is steep, gaining about 900 meters in elevation and taking about two hours to climb all the way up. Once you’re at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning viewpoint overlooking the sprawling mountain range and a beautiful old village.
Balcony Hike, Jebel Jais
Distance: 4 km
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2–3 hours
Backed by the stunning display of rugged mountains, Balcony Hike is a great option for an easier hike on Jebel Jais. The trail sits right beside the highest peak in the UAE at an elevation of 1,300 meters and leads to a breathtaking viewpoint with panoramic views. There are no steep climbs along the way and the hike is only about two hours round trip, making this a great trek for beginners to explore a higher elevation and admire the sunset. If you have the time, it is definitely worth taking it slow and enjoying the jaw-dropping landscape as the setting sun changes the colors of the vast mountainous terrain.
Hatta Wadi Hub Trails
Distance: 0.3–7.5 km
Difficulty: All levels
Time: 1 hour–full day
With over 32 kilometers of hiking trails and expansive pools of calm turquoise waters, Hatta is another one of the best places for hiking in the United Arab Emirates. The trails cut through the foothills of the Hajar Mountains and are color coded by difficulty level (green, blue, red, and black) ranging from beginner to advanced and varying in elevation gain between 50 and 784 meters. A few of the hikes lead up to the famous 60-meter tall Hatta sign, while others wind through lush farmland or lead you to the Hatta Heritage Village landmark. Hatta is an exclave of Dubai located just about 90 minutes away from downtown, making this the perfect spot for a day trip.
Hajar Hiking Trail
Distance: 5 km
Difficulty: Difficult
Time: 4–5 hours
For a more advanced trek with rewarding scenery and an experienced guide, try this steep climb from Dibba, Fujairah. The trail starts at the Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort, where guests can book a guided hike, and winds through the valley floor and up the breathtaking Hajar Mountains. The scenery is often described as otherworldly, with 360° views of the fascinating rocky terrain, and the route passes by several old homes and mountain villages.
Wadi Tayyibah
Distance: 5 km
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 3 hours
This laid-back hike starts at the Al Tayyibah Heritage Museum in Fujairah and winds around natural springs and traditional irrigation systems in the Hajar Mountains. The trail is pretty flat and easy, and there are plenty of places to stop along the way and have a picnic or just enjoy the views. If you visit in the winter time, you’ll also be met with pleasant weather and luscious greenery, making this one of the best hiking spots in the United Arab Emirates for a relaxing day trip. Read More…
