Hiking in UAE is one of the most fun and rewarding outdoor activities you must try at least once. That being said, there are plenty of hiking trails in UAE’s Hajar mountains to choose from. In this post, I share some of the best easy hikes in the United Arab Emirates. You will also find starting points, distances, the time required for each route, as well as tips on how to prepare for hiking UAE mountains.
If you are traveling to Dubai or living in the Emirates, take some time to explore the rugged Hajar mountains, their spectacular wadis, and mysterious valleys. Trekking in UAE is a perfect way to immerse into the unique nature of the Middle Eastern region and get a glimpse of the less seen rural lifestyle of the country.
Where can I hike in UAE?
Hiking routes are scattered across almost all of the 7 Emirates. Hajar mountain range covers Ras al Khaimah, Fujeirah, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman and Dubai. Most of those places have fantastic trekking options for beginners.
Sharjah’s exclave town Khor Fakkan and Fujeirah hiking trails will reward you with some of the most spectacular scenery featuring the barren Hajar mountains and the turquoise blue waters of the Gulf of Oman.
Meanwhile, Ras Al Khaimah is home to the highest peak in the UAE- Jebel Jais where you can easily trek its summit across well-marked trails.
Moreover, you don’t always have to climb high up if you want to explore UAE mountains. Some of the most beautiful gorges like Wadi Naqab offer relatively simple trekking options with jaw-dropping scenery.
What is the closest hiking route to Dubai?
Some of you may wonder if it is possible to go hiking in Dubai. Technically, yes. Dubai hiking trails are situated in Hatta- an exclave town that belongs to Dubai Emirate. While the closest spot to hiking in Dubai is in Shawka area (which is part of Ras al Khaimah emirate).
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Top 8 Easy Hiking Trails in the UAE
Based on my own hiking in the UAE adventures, I created a list of the best easy hikes in the UAE. Most (but not all) of the below-mentioned routes are well-marked. A few of them do not have properly marked trails, however, they are still easy to follow.
I have tried all these hiking places in UAE and I am sure you will love them too. All the UAE hikes listed below are suitable for beginners with a good fitness level. Keep on reading to find out all the details about each of the routes and choose your next outdoor adventure in the UAE!
- Ghaf Summit in Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
- Al Rabi Tower hike in Khor Fakkan, Sharjah, UAE
- Wadi Shawka Dam to Pools Loop trail, UAE
- Hatta Hub Hiking Trails in Dubai, UAE
- Wadi Tayyibah- a Hidden Gem in Fujeirah, UAE
- Ain Al Sheria Geological Trail in Fujeirah, UAE
- Wadi Abadilah hiking trail, Fujeirah,UAE
- Wadi Kub- a gorge of surreal rocks in Fujeirah
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1. Ghaf Summit hiking trail in Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah
Let’s start with the UAE hiking trail at Jebel Jais- a mountain with the highest peak in the United Arab Emirates that is accessible to the public. It is also arguably the most famous natural landmark in the country located in Ras Khaimah Emirate.
The starting point of the Ghaf Summit hike in Jebel Jais is conveniently accessible by driving smooth twisting roads all the way up to 1300 meters height.
This beautiful and fairly easy UAE hiking trail is 4km one-way. It is a well-marked and easy to follow route with unraveled 180 degrees Hajar mountain range views opening up at the peak.
The highest elevation point is at 1640 meters and is called South Summit- Highest Public Point in the UAE.
The total time needed to complete the hike one way is around 2 hours walking at a medium to slow pace. There are some steep climbs at the start of the trail. However, you will be following a well-laid path and staircases which makes it very convenient. Although rated as one of the easy hikes in the UAE, the Ghaf Summit trail requires a little bit of effort climbing those few steeper steps. Not to discourage you, it is very doable and suitable for beginners.
To sum up, Ghaf Summit is a great introductory hike for those who are new to trekking in the UAE. Hiking this mountain trail in Ras Al Khaimah makes you feel away from civilization without actually being too far from it. Seeing Jebel Jais road winding below the trail gives a sense of comfort. At the same, you will be enjoying glorious views of the Hajar mountains.
It will definitely inspire you to explore deeper and go for a more challenging hike in the area such as Wadi Shah hike.
Directions to Jebel Jais, Ghaf Summit hike starting point
Ghaf Summit hike starting point distance from Dubai is approximately 175 km. To access the starting point of the Ghaf Summit hike in Jebel Jais, simply follow Google Maps to Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park.
It will take you around 2 hours to reach the Viewing Deck point when driving from Dubai Downtown. The last 40km drive up the Jebel Jais is slow but joyful as the well-built road zigzags through the mountain revealing amazing views.
Once you have parked your car, head to Viewing Deck Park- Ghaf Summit hike starts there.
The best time to hike Ghaf Summit in Jebel Jais, UAE
If you choose hiking Jebel Jais on the weekend, I would advise you to start early morning, catch the sunrise and avoid the crowds. This trail is quite popular as it is very accessible, therefore you can expect to meet lots of other hikers having fun there on the weekend, especially towards sunset time.
If you have the luxury to go on a weekday, then any time of the day from November to March is good to hike Ghaf Summit. There are very few people at Jebel Jais in the middle of the week. Be aware that midday might be sunny and hot even in winter, and there is no shade on the trail. The only shade is under a few sheltered resting points which you will pass on the trail. Also, it can get quite cold during the winter months, especially considering the high elevation, so bring a jacket.
I hiked Ghaff Summit trail in the middle of the week during sunset time. It was awesome to see the sun setting over the sea and painting Jebel Jais mountain in orange shades. Check a short teaser video below I have compiled from this hike.
Pss… we haven’t finished the whole trail because we were so hyped up taking pictures and videos that we simply ran out of light and had to head back. So be aware and don’t get carried away if you start later in the day but still want to reach the highest point at South Summit. If you find yourself caught up in dark, don’t worry, you can always return following the road instead.
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2. Al Rabi Tower Hiking Trail in Khor Fakkan, Sharjah, UAE
Al Rabi Tower Hike is by far the best well-marked beginner hike in the UAE. It is also one of the most scenic hikes that are located above the city of Khor Fakkan, near Fujeirah.
Al Rabi trail offers fantastic 360 degrees views of rugged Hajar mountains backing Khor Fakkan city on one side, and blue waters of Gulf of Oman on the other.
The highest point of the Al Rabi hike is at 393 meters (1290 feet). The total length of the trail is 6 kilometers (going up and returning the same way). Expect to spend there at least 3 hours- not because it takes that long, but because of how beautiful it is.
Al Rabi tower trail is very easy to follow. Therefore, it is suitable for absolute beginners of various age groups. It is kid’s friendly hike that the whole family can do.
Directions to Al Rabi Hiking Trail in the UAE
Starting point distance of Al Rabi trail when driving from Dubai is approximately 145 km.
Al Rabi Hike starts at Al Rabi Tower and is easily accessible by following google maps. It will take you 1.5 hours to reach the starting point of the hike when driving from Dubai. Convenient parking is available.
READ MORE: make sure to check this detailed guide to Al Rabi Hike in Khor Fakkan: The Best Beginner’s Trail in the UAE.
3. Wadi Shawka Dam to Pools loop
The other great beginner-friendly UAE hiking trail is winding through the Wadi Shawka area. Starting at Shawka Dam, an immediate climb up the well-built staircases takes you to the summit. Here, the Moon-like Hajar mountain landscape opens up.
Wadi Shawka trails may be explored in an approximately 8km loop. There are several mountain bike trails crossing through the Shawka area, therefore you can come up with your own route or choose to follow one of the routes I did and recorded on the Wikiloc App.
READ MORE: check my detailed post about Hiking Shawka Dam to Pools Loop.
This hike in Eastern Ras Al Khaimah is fairly easy to accomplish. The only tougher part is the staircases at the beginning of the trail. Good leg workout though. The later stages are just a little bit of scrambling from the top down the mountain and easy walks following mountain bike trails.
By following them, you will reach the valley. Following the valley and keeping right, you will be reaching wadi Shawka and pools that are filled with water all year long.
Directions to Wadi Shawka Dam to Pools Loop Trail
Shawka Dam to Pools is one of the nearest hiking trail to Dubai. It will take you approximately one hour to reach the starting point of the Shawka Dam to Pools hike when driving from downtown Dubai. Follow Google Maps and park at the parking lot by the dam.
You have to then go to the upper part of the dam where the man-made staircases are. Your adventure starts there. Be ready- views from the top of the mountain are breathtaking!
Make sure to check FULL GUIDE TO SHAWKA DAM TO POOLS HIKE.
4. Hatta Hub trails for hiking in Dubai
Hatta is the best known for its gorgeous Dam. However, this beautiful exclave town (Hatta is a part of Dubai Emirate) recently became a hotspot for adventure lovers.
That being said, you will find quite a few hiking trails winding through the foothills of Hajar mountains, near the Oman border. Several marked trekking routes were introduced in 2019. Those are suitable for hikers of different fitness levels. Color-coded in green, blue, red, and black, from easy to difficult, Hatta hiking trails span a total of 32.6 km. The complete beginners should start with the green trails that are a leveled walk mostly.
Directions to Hatta Hub hiking trails
Marked trails in Hatta, UAE, start at the Hatta Hub. The driving distance from Dubai is approximately 145 km. It will take you around 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach those easy trails in the UAE.
I have explored a combination of the above-mentioned marked routes, as they all intersect with each other. My goal was to reach the HATTA mountain sign and get a cool drone shot of it.
If you want to follow my route, download the Wikiloc app and save this trail I have recorded. Note: it is a 6-7 km hike (app says 11 km as there was some recording issue that drew a straight line on the map and counted into the total distance).
5. Wadi Tayyibah – The Hidden Gem
Last but not least is the less explored Wadi Tayyibah area with unbelievably great scenery. If you are looking for a relaxed walk that won’t make your body sore the next day, you should head to Wadi Tayyibah. Winding through Hajar mountains in the eastern part of the United Arab Emirates, it is also a part of Fujeirah. It is a great weekend gate away from busy Dubai life and a perfect contrast to the usual desert scenery.
Wadi Tayyibah area becomes very green during the winter season, fills up with beautiful natural pools, and running springs. You will also witness fascinating traditional irrigation systems, some graveyards, and the remains of old houses.
Start your hike at Al Tayyibah Heritage Museum. There are some hiking signposts along the way, marking the trail. It will lead you to the beautiful valley.
We did not stick to the marked trail completely. Instead, we headed up to the hills and did some “off-road hiking”. This adventure leads to some jaw-dropping views as a reward. I have recorded our exploration trail on Wikiloc (not advisable for complete beginners though):
NOTE: Climbing the hills is not technically difficult, but there is no trail whatsoever. If you decide to go ahead, bare in mind that you need a bit of physical fitness and some experience of walking through rocky terrain. Therefore, complete beginners should stick to wadi, valleys and the marked trail.
In general, this hiking area has lots of ground to create your own exploration trails. You can wander Wadi Tayyibah and find your way around it based on your adventure preferences. This East Coast area is simply stunning! And despite its lower elevation level (compared to other parts of Hajar mountains), it can be a great playground for curious hikers that love go beyond the marked trails.
There are lots of small entrances to secluded spots from both sides of the valley of Wadi Tayyibah. You will find yourself completely alone. Make sure to bring some food as there is a lot of ground for a nice picnic.
If you are confident in your ability, climb higher up one of the many hills to admire views of the Hajar mountains landscape. It reminds me of a sci-fi movie scene. More like what we image planet Mars should look like.
Finally, don’t shy away if you meet locals on the way. They will most likely stop to ask you if you need any help. On our hike in Wadi Tayyibah, we received advise from a friendly local, pointing us a shortcut through the fence over his father’s farm. Also, we got to try some fresh honey. It just shows the hospitality of the Emirati people- they simply offer you whatever they have the best at the moment you meet them.
Directions to Wadi Taayibah
Wadi Tayyibah hiking trail starts from Al Taiba Heritage Museum which is around 135 km away from Dubai and will take around 1.5 hours to reach it.
Wadi Tayyibah is also great for off-road drives. The total length of Wadi Tayyibah is around 20km. It starts around the village of Al Uyaynah (25°27’04.0″N 56°09’56.7”E) and ends at Asimah village 25°24’59.2″N 56°10’01.3”E. It used to be a route connecting Dibba to Masafi. Now it’s just an old East Coast Road mainly used by the locals.
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6. Ain Al Sheria Geological Trail in Fujeirah, UAE
Have you ever hiked colorful mountains in the UAE before? If not yet, you must try Ain Al Sheria geological trail in Fujeirah emirate. It is an 8km loop that features a very dynamic scenery of multicolored mountains, green farms, and a giant rock with an ancient petroglyph dating back 3000 years!
Ain Alsheria route was laid by Fujeirah Adventures. It is very easy-to-follow trek which may be a bit physically demanding due to a slightly longer distance and a short but rapid incline at the beginning of the trail.
However, there are no extreme drops or crazy climbs to be worried about. The trail covers a little bit of light bouldering when going through the wadi. It has a couple of steeper hill climbs through a clearly marked mountain path. The rest of the trail is mostly leveled walk with breathtaking scenery of Yibir/Mebrah mountain range. Therefore, this colorful and diverse hiking route in the UAE is suitable for families with kids, and even dogs. You can expect to complete the full loop in 3 hours at a slow to moderate pace.
Note, that most of the route is exposed to the sun. That being said, carry enough water (at least 3 liters per person), and cover yourself in lots of sunscreen even in winter.
How to get to Ain Alsheria trail?
The Geological Trail starts in Ain Al Sheria, near Jebel Yibir mountain. If you type in Google Maps “Fujeirah Adevntures Ain Alsheria Hiking Trail”, it will take you to the starting point. GPS coordinates are: 25.60571135, 56.15256689.
What possibly keeps crowds away from this incredible hike is its accessibility. It takes around 2 hours of driving from Dubai to reach it. Moreover, the road toward Jebels Yibir is damaged in some sections. Therefore, be careful when driving as you will see crumbled two-lane road suddenly narrowing into one lane way.
It is possible to reach the trailhead by a sedan car going at a slow pace, but 4×4 would be a more convenient way.
Once you reach the base of the Yibir mountain, a steep off-road path that leads to Sidaqah village on the right-hand side has to be taken. You will pass through some villages on the way until you reach a limited parking lot just 50 meters away from the start if the hike.
Also, you can find parking around 500 meters before the starting point, at around here: 25.606475, 56.153405. Make sure to park in a way that you are not blocking the narrow roads leading to the villages.
Alternatively, bigger parking is available on the other side of the mountain. The GPS coordinates are 25.59706635, 56.14465174. You could park and hike from here, however, you will have to find the trail path as it goes through the Farm.
RELATED READS: Make sure to also check one of the intermediate-level hikes to the iconic Fossil Rock in Mleiha, Sharjah, which is only 50 minutes away from Dubai.
7. Wadi Abadilah hiking trail, Fujeirah,UAE
Wadi Abadilah is a beginner-level hike that has grown in its popularity and filled Instagram feeds with images of lush green palm trees “trapped” in between the cracked earth. This is actually a farm in the narrow valley (ravine) bounded by steep banks. The ravine stretches for around one kilometer and features palm trees, lots of other green plants, and natural water streams with hundreds of frogs.
It is another route laid by Fujeirah Adventures. The total distance of the trail is 3-4 km one way. Therefore, you will be taking the same way forward and back. Also, it is up to you how far you want to continue.
This relaxed hiking route is suitable for families with kids. It does have a couple of trickier parts, which, with a little bit of caution, can be easily passed.
The first kilometer of the trail takes you through the green farm. It is very exciting, especially for kids, as you follow the narrow jungle-style paths with shallow water running in the middle of the farm. It is a very refreshing bit of the trail.
As soon as you pass the greenery, the scenery immediately changes into a dry river bed. Look out for a cement staircase on your left-hand side. Climb up and stick to your right. You will be tempted going left, but the actual trail continues through a narrow path on the right-hand side and takes you back into the wadi.
You can follow the dry river bed for a few kilometers and then turn back. There will be a couple of trickier parts where you bump into bigger boulders. Therefore, some scrambling may be needed, but those parts are all passable with extra care and are not complicated. Watch out for the slippery parts at the seasonal pools along the way.
Note 1: Wadi Abadilah trail is a very popular weekend adventure spot. Therefore, if you can, avoid going on Fridays. The trail is very narrow at the green farm part, therefore, it might not be enjoyable hiking if it gets crowded. We went on a weekday in the afternoon. It was perfect- there was nobody around. We felt as if we landed in an Indiana Jones movie.
Note 2: Avoid hiking during rainy days. The ravine may get flash flooded during strong rains.
How to get to Wadi Abadilah hike?
The trail is located in Abadilah, Fujairah emirate nearby Masafi. It takes 1.5 hours to drive from Dubai.
On the way to Dibba from Masafi, you have to look out for an offroad path (25.43829074015991, 56.19656353977591). The easiest way is to search on Google maps “Wadi Abadilah entry point”. Once you enter the dirt road, turn left and follow the road going up. There is dedicated parking at the starting point (25.440730169054376, 56.19691414399228). Sedan cars can easily reach the starting point of the Wadi Abadilah hike. The hike starts with the nicely build staircases that will take you down to the farm.
8. Wadi Kub- a gorge of surreal rocks in Fujeirah
This is yet another hidden gem in Fujeirah emirate which I discovered accidentally by browsing random trails on the Wikiloc app. A couple of images capturing surreal low raise jagged peaks and flaky-surface rocks caught my attention.
Don’t mix up the names- this is not a Wadi Koob in Ras Al Khaimah. It is a one and only Wadi Kub which looks like no other wadi I have ever seen before. The hills here are burgundy and greenish in color. The rocks have a prominent banding pattern. Not being a geologist, I can’t point out what it is but it looks like gneiss- a metamorphic rock with a banded or foliated structure.
This is a beginner-level hike that can be extended into a longer intermediate-level trail. The first couple of kilometers is only a walk through this surreal wadi and valleys surrounded by weirdly shaped rocks. There are orange dots sprayed on the rocks to guide the way. Following them, you can reach a mountain top at around 450 meters in elevation. It will make a total distance of ~4.6 KM one way.
It is also a perfect place to take your dogs out we met quite a few people walking their four-legged friends.
How to get to Wadi Kub?
It takes around 1 hour and 20 min to drive from Dubai to Wadi Kub. The GPS coordinates for starting point of the wadi are: 25.496446, 56.098514. Sedan cars can reach it as well. We parked as soon as we turned into the dirt road (make sure you are not blocking the way) and walked. 4×4’s can go all the way into the wadi, but the distance is only couple of kilometers until the dead end.
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How to Prepare for Hiking in UAE?
Remember to always choose the trail according to your experience and fitness level. Start with easy hikes to familiarize yourself with the environment. Later you will be able to attempt more challenging treks.
When is the best time to hike in UAE?
The best time to start hiking in the UAE is early morning or late afternoon for short hikes. This way you will avoid the midday heat. Late autumn, early spring and winter months (November to March) are the most pleasant to go on a hike in the UAE.
If you go on a hike during the hot months (April- October), your best bet is to start before sunrise to avoid deadly heat. However, I would not suggest hiking during the mid-summer from June all the way to September, or even October.
What to take and wear when hiking in UAE?
Before you head out on any mountain adventure in the UAE, you must make sure to tick off a few important boxes on your hike prep list. Below is the standard UAE hiking preparation checklist:
- Sufficient amount of water– crucial for any hike. For the UAE where the weather is hot all year round, take extra than you think you may need.
- Lightweight power snacks like dates, bananas, and protein bars. Also, electrolyte drink aside from water makes wander after long sweaty hours.
- Sturdy footwear with good grip. The terrains are rough and rocky. Therefore, it is very important you are wearing shoes, ideally mid-ankle height, that has a good grip, to prevent you from slipping and twisting your legs. I have been hiking in my Columbia boots since I started, and I am so far happy with them.
- Comfy and functional backpack. For a half-day hike, you don’t need many supplies to fit in. Still, a backpack with good back support and, ideally, a space for a water bladder, makes a difference. Check out this Osprey backpack which is great for day hikes.
- Get a water bladder if you are planning to make hiking a regular activity. The water bladder has a straw. This means you don’t have to remove your backpack when you want to drink water. Also, water, when filled in the bladder, is evenly distributed in the backpack. I use my two or three-liter camel backs (depending on how long the hike is). You can check prices here on Amazon.
- Sunsreen, cap and sunglasses. Sun is harsh, so make sure to protect yourself.
- Comfy sweat-wicking clothes. I usually hike in the gym or hiking with leggings and t-shirts. For winter months, I through in a lightweight fleece as morning and evening can be chilly.
- Hiking poles. It is not a must but is very helpful for the descending part. It can be quite tough for the knees when climbing down. For lightweight foldable trekking poles check out this pair at Amazon.
- Basic first aid kit. Terrains are rough and sometimes mini injuries can happen. Even as simple as getting a blister. So having plaster for this type of emergency can really make or break your hike.
- Power bank to keep your phone charged.
- GPS device or a Wkiloc app with an accurate trail recording. Check Garmin GPS device on Amazon.
- A rechargeable torchlight in case you end up hiking in the dark. If you want to keep your hands free, then a powerful rechargeable headlamp is the perfect solution.
Pro Tip: freeze your Pocari Sweat (or any hydration drink of choice) a night before you go. Add some ice cubes to your Camel Bak. This will help to keep the water cooler for a longer time.
Other things to be aware of when hiking in the UAE
- Wildlife
Goats are the most common animals you will see in the mountains of the UAE. Those cute animals rarely approach human beings, and most of the time run away if you try to come closer.
Also, there are snakes. They usually come out at night and hide in bushes and under the rocks. They won’t attack humans unless they cause a threat by stepping on the snake. Therefore, always be mindful of your steps.
I have seen snakes only a couple of times while hiking, but they are quite common in mountainous areas, as well as in the desert.
You can also see and hear bats if you are spending the night in the mountains.
Donkeys are also common if you are passing functional mountain villages.
- Running into darkness while on a hike.
To avoid running out of light, always aim to start your hike early morning. Unless you are planning to camp, estimate your abilities to come back before it gets dark.
- Rain and flash floods
Be aware of the sudden rain. In the UAE rain might cause dangerous flash floods. It is not advisable to hike when it is raining also because rocky terrain becomes very slippery, and there is a chance of falling rocks as well.
- Dehydration
Always take extra water, even if it means carrying a heavier load. UAE climate is extremely hot and chances of dehydration are high if you don’t drink a sufficient amount of water.
Last but not least- let someone from your family or friends know that you are heading out for a hike. Give them the location details. Also, inform them when you are starting the hike and when you expect to return.
I hope this guide inspired you to hike the beautiful UAE mountains! If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
STAY SAFE ON YOUR HIKE AND KEEP THE NATURE CLEAN!
If you find the information I shared helpful and would like to support my work you can simply use the affiliate links included in this post or buy me a coffee. Thank you!
MY HIKING PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY GEAR
I often get asked about the photography gear I use during my hikes. The reality is, I do not hike very lightly because I carry all sorts of equipment in my backpack.
Here is what I use to capture my adventures and the beauty of the mountains:
- Photo and video camera: Mirrorless Nikon Z6
- Main lens: Nikkor Z 24-70 mm f/4
- Wide-angle lens: Nikkor Z 14-30 mm f/4
- Drone: DJI Air 2s
- Pocket-sized camera: DJI Osmo Pocket 2
- Small Tripod: Gorilla Pod
- Travel tripod: Manfrotto Element Traveller Tripod (Ball Head)
- Photo and Video Editing software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, and Adobe Premier Pro
Have you tried the hikes described above and are willing to go on a more challenging adventure? Below are links to the posts that will guide you to some incredible moderately challenging hiking trails in the UAE:
For further reading on intermediate-level hikes in the UAE, check the below posts:
Dubai, UAE travel essentials & useful links
Planning your trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates soon? Below are some useful links to essential travel resources and services I always use that may help organize your trip.
More UAE travel blog posts
- Browse and read my other UAE travel guides.
- Plan your trip to Dubai with my 7 Days Dubai itinerary.
- Did you know Dubai has mountains? Find out 10 best things to do in Hatta– Dubai’s mountain town.
- Planning to explore more of the Middle East? You can visit Oman from Dubai by road.
- Love taking pictures wherever you go? Check a list of the 35+ most instagrammable places in Dubai.
- An Ultimate Guide to Mleiha- a perfect Day Trip from Dubai.
Thank you for the detailed post. Those places look incredible, didn’t think all this exists in the UAE. I will definitely try to go on all those hiking trails soon. In terms of popularity, which one of the trails is the most and the least popular?
Hi Aura, I am glad you got inspired to explore the natural side of the UAE. In terms of popularity, the most popular trail is Al Rabi Hiking trek as it is easily accessible and is basically in the town of Khor Fakkan. Another extremely popular (probably it receives a similar amount of visitors like to Al Rabi, but more adventurous ones) is Shawka Dam to Pools hike. It is very close to Dubai as well (~1hour drive). Hatta is the hotspot for the weekends as well, so is Jebel Jais. Therefore, the first 4 hiking trails are quite well known for nature-loving residents of the UAE. A less known location is Al Tayyibah, there were no other hikers on the day we went, you should definitely give it a go if you like quiet places. Or go very early and not on a Friday.
Hi Ausra, I have become a frequent visitor to your website and look forward to any new articles you have posted on new trails/hiking spots in UAE. Thanks to your detailed description on the Wadi Tayyibah (had never heard of this place) trail, I did this with my daughters in mid Jan and we also visited the Al Tayyibah Heritage Museum at the start of the trail. It was very quaint and we found Wadi Tayyibah to be quite pretty/picturesque. We had a lovely morning exploring it. Appreciate the level of details you incorporate in your write-ups; you have a fan in me.
Hi Jagdish, thank you so much for your kind words! There is more to come, and I will be sharing them on my blog posts. I am glad you explored something new- I also found out about this place recently and happy to share it! Please subscribe to receive all the latest updates straight to your inbox 🙂
Ausra your website is amazing. It is my go to site for anything to do with hiking in the UAE. Thank you for your consistent detailed information! What an incredible resource you have put together. Oh and I absolutely love your photos and videos.
Hi Ghalia, thank you so much for your kind words and I am happy to hear you find it useful. I am going to check out your website as well, didn’t know you have one!
Hi there….I’m a fan of hiking and I love your blog…I’m thinkin in goin to Ain Alsheira.. do you have GPS track???
Hi Luis, thank you! Yes, I have logged this trail on Wikiloc, you can follow it here: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/ain-alsheria-geological-trail-in-fujeirah-uae-62890153