Travel UAE

Tag: mountains

  • Hiking with Kids in the UAE

    Hiking with Kids in the UAE

    I’ve put together a small list of well-equipped hiking trails in the mountains of the UAE suitable for the whole family. The mentioned routes have been completed by me and my family with a 4-year-old child. Of course, some trails were not fully explored, and not all available routes in each location were covered. However, everything listed here is manageable for a young child. Naturally, there were moments when the child had to be carried, but these were only minor challenges.

    When hiking in the mountains with kids, always remember that stepping over a knee-high rock for you might be an obstacle half the height of a child. Imagine having to climb over boulders that are half your own height! 😉

    Some links lead to my personal stories, while others direct you to Wikiloc, where you can explore different route options in a specific location, choose a suitable one, and assess its difficulty.

    Feel free to check out my Instagram, where I regularly share interesting content: https://www.instagram.com/miphka/

  • Hafarah (Ahfara) Hiking Trail

    Hafarah (Ahfara) Hiking Trail


    The Hafarah Hiking Trail, also known as the Ahfara Hiking Trail, is a family-friendly loop located near Kalba in the Emirate of Fujairah, UAE. Spanning approximately 3.5 kilometers, the trail typically takes about 1.30 hours to complete, making it suitable for families with children aged 3 and above.

    GPS: 25.043237, 56.315681
    Google Maps
    Photos

  • Leem Lake and Al Wadi Park, Hatta

    Leem Lake and Al Wadi Park, Hatta

    There are two parks in Hatta, Leem Lake, and Al Wadi Park, which are close together.

    At Leem Lake, you can enjoy the serene waters by renting a kayak. During winter, the Hatta Winter Festival transforms the park into a lively hub with festive decorations, local market stalls, and cultural performances.

    Al Wadi Park is located nearby and suitable for nature lovers and families. With its lush greenery, shaded walking paths, and open spaces, it’s perfect for picnics, strolls, or letting children play in a safe and calm environment. The peaceful surroundings make it a great spot to unwind after exploring the activities at Hatta Lake.

    GPS: 24.815268, 56.131061
    Google Maps
    Photos

  • Buhais Geology Museum

    Buhais Geology Museum

    We visited the Buhais Geological Museum in Sharjah. There are two highlights of this place:

    1. The Theater: Animated visuals explain the unique features of the location and why the museum was built there. After the presentation, the screen slides away to reveal a panoramic window with stunning views of the mountain and surrounding landscape.
    2. The Walking Trail: A nearly 1-kilometer-long trail through the foothills where you can try to spot ancient fossilized marine organisms or shells. The trail is far from civilization, allowing you to admire colorful rocks and the unique mountain formations of the local ridge.

    The museum displays stones and many fossilized shells of ancient creatures that lived in the ocean depths millions of years ago.

    After exploring and walking, you can enjoy a coffee at the museum’s café and later indulge in an outdoor dinner under the stars.

    GPS: 25.019605, 55.796832
    Google Maps
    Photos

  • Fujairah Adventure Park

    Fujairah Adventure Park

    Hiking near Fujairah Adventure Park

    This is a small circular trail of about 5 km located close to Fujairah. You can spot the local airport from the higher points, complete with old, parked airplanes. While I’ve never seen planes flying from here, the airfield is enormous.

    The trail runs either near or directly on the mountain biking tracks (as the park also caters to cyclists). The elevation gain is minimal, making it suitable for kids. There’s only one small section where you must climb slightly uphill over the stones of a dried-up stream.

    The route’s highlight near the end is the chance to walk through a covered aqueduct tunnel and an artificial canyon for a few hundred meters. These structures were built to channel overflow water from a nearby reservoir during rains or overfilling. Judging by the dry marks, it’s been long since any water flowed here. The reservoir is also half-empty, as are most similar bodies of water in the region. This autumn-winter season has brought very little rain.

    GPS: 25.136323, 56.299488
    Google Maps
    Photos: 1, 2    , 3

  • Najd Al Maqsar

    Najd Al Maqsar

    Najd Al Maqsar is an ancient settlement that has now been transformed into one of the many Heritage Villages in the UAE. It holds significant historical importance, with archaeological findings indicating human habitation in this area as far back as 2000 BCE.

    The settlement is perched in the mountains at a high altitude. At its peak stands a 300-year-old fort, surrounded by 13 houses, each over a century old. If you can look past the urban development in the surroundings, the views of the valley and surrounding mountains are breathtaking. It’s where you can sit back and enjoy the scenery or explore the narrow pathways and stairs leading to the summit or designated picnic spots. Nearby, there’s a similar destination called Shees Park (though oddly, it doesn’t allow visitors to wear dresses!).

    According to online sources, Shurooq is developing the village into luxurious heritage-style hotel units. Let’s hope public access will remain available once the project is complete.

    Previously abandoned, the settlement has been undergoing restoration. As of March 2023, the site was still closed for reconstruction despite being in the final stages of completion (initially scheduled for late 2022). In April, the fences were removed, and visitors could stroll past the houses, but workers were still busy “fine-tuning” certain areas.

    It’s a place to observe from a distance and imagine the history embedded in its structures. Once fully open, it’s likely to become a popular destination for those seeking both cultural experiences and stunning mountain views.

    GPS: 25.347463, 56.316677
    Google Maps
    Photos

  • Fujairah Al Dahir Hiking Trails

    Fujairah Al Dahir Hiking Trails

    Sulfur Wadi Hike (Fujairah Al Dahir Hiking Trails) is a circular hiking trail of easy to moderate difficulty winding through a mountain stream’s bed (wadi). Even three weeks after rainfall, the sound of water trickling can still be heard in the early stages of the route, with small pools of varying colors and contents (including tiny fish) visible throughout.

    If you take the trail clockwise, which I find more manageable, the first kilometer is relatively easy, offering many picturesque small water basins. As the hike progresses, the trail narrows into a rocky mountainous path with less water and more stones. Occasionally, you’ll come across lush green oases that provide shaded resting spots. The entire trail winds through the gorge—sometimes over rocks, other times along valley-like terrain, offering breathtaking views. However, some sections may feel like light rock climbing.

    The entire loop is approximately 8 km and takes 2-3 hours at a moderate pace without extended breaks. Families with children may take 5-6 hours, though doing the whole loop with kids could be somewhat risky. For a more straightforward experience, you could hike a portion of the trail and return the same way. Hiding in wet weather or after rain is not advisable, as the trail could become dangerous.

    I started around 1-2 PM, and a noticeable number of tourist groups began arriving during this time. Trekking in large groups through the gorge can be unpleasant, so I recommend starting earlier in the day for a more peaceful experience. This trail is absolutely stunning and worth the effort!

    GPS: 25.541806, 56.160250
    Google Maps
    Photos: 1, 2, 3

  • Jebel Hafeet

    Jebel Hafeet

    Jebel Hafeet Mountain, located near the city of Al Ain, which I recently wrote about in the context of greenery and visiting the oasis, rises to a height of 1,249 meters. It is the tallest peak in Abu Dhabi and the second-highest in the UAE. The winding road to the top is about 10 kilometers long. Unsurprisingly, you can also find other engaging activities in such a scenic and populated area. For instance, in Al Ain, there is a large zoo and a water sports park (offering surfing, kayaking, and more), which I plan to visit.

    This mountain, standing guard on the border with Oman, has been weathered over thousands of years. Significant fossil discoveries in the area are vital pieces of the puzzle that make up the region’s ancient history.

    At the foot of Jebel Hafeet lies the Jebel Hafeet Desert Park, a nine-kilometer area suitable for family outings. In 2011, UNESCO recognized this desert park as an essential component of the Al Ain World Heritage Site, the first such designation in the UAE.

    I haven’t visited the park, but as I understand it, it mainly consists of several camping spots and opportunities to explore the slopes independently. The area has a rich history, with numerous tombs and artifacts. Long ago, the base of the mountain was underwater, so the soil is infused with remnants of marine life.

    As a road trip enthusiast, I was primarily interested in the location because of its breathtaking views—and they truly are mesmerizing. From the peculiar shapes of the weathered rock formations to the sweeping desert landscapes visible from the summit, it’s an unforgettable experience.

    Standing on the peak, just 50 meters away from you, lies Oman’s border. Beyond that, you can clearly see the dividing line between the two countries. The border area in the UAE is relatively populated, while Oman’s side is just an endless desert stretching into the horizon.

    There’s also a billboard at the summit claiming that the road leading here is considered one of the 10 most beautiful roads in the world. At the same time, I may argue that the place is worth a visit. As I looked through my photos for this post, I realized that I couldn’t fully capture the location’s atmosphere.

    GPS: 24.058825, 55.777931
    Google Maps
    Photos

  • Al Boma Fort, Hatta

    Al Boma Fort, Hatta

    Right near the town of Hatta, on the way to the dam, you can spot a small tower on a hill from the road, along with a sign for Al Boma Fort. It’s a relatively unremarkable place, but if you drive up to the parking area and climb further via the steps, you’ll be rewarded with a charming 360-degree view of the valley and mountains at sunset. The tower itself, with a flag fluttering in the sunlight, creates a picturesque and atmospheric scene.

    At the top, you can sit on stone benches under a shaded area and enjoy the view.Then, take a shuttle or walk on foot.

    GPS: 24.818286, 56.101075
    Google Maps
    Photos

  • Hatta Dam

    Hatta Dam

    In the mountain town of Hatta, located about 1.5 hours drive from Dubai, there’s a lake (distinct from another artificial lake, Hatta Lake, which I haven’t visited yet — don’t confuse the two) and the well-known Hatta Dam. The town itself is being developed into a tourist hub, though I haven’t had the chance to explore what’s currently on offer entirely. For now, let me tell you about the lake.

    There’s an extensive cycling path throughout the town, though, as is often the case here, it abruptly ends at parking lots, bus stops, or intersections. It may not be the most thrilling activity even when it officially opens.

    Starting at 8 a.m., you can rent various watercraft, ranging from kayaks (where you paddle yourself) to electric-powered boats. Remember that paddling against the wind on breezy days can be tiring.

    The lake is quite large, and it took me about 1.5 hours to kayak around its perimeter. I also explored the “far shore,” specifically the valley and riverbed where water flows into the lake. Pontoons on the shore are convenient for docking and stretching your legs after extended paddling.

    Hatta Dam is much more interesting than Al Rafisah Dam, mainly because the surrounding area has significantly less human activity. In the early morning, during calm weather, you can experience complete peace and silence — except for the ongoing hydroelectric facility construction. This lake is being developed into a hydropower station. The lake is more extensive, with a more winding shoreline, making it exciting to explore every hidden corner.

    The place is very popular, so for a serene experience, I recommend arriving as early as possible. There’s no need to worry about boat availability — they have plenty. If boating isn’t your thing, standing on the dam and soaking in the views can be just as enjoyable. Alternatively, you can explore the hiking trails in the area.

    You’ll find restrooms and food outlets at the large parking lot below the dam. There’s even an option to ride horses if you want something different. No more parking near the dam. Now there is a park/rest area. A car park is now located before reaching the dam. Then, use a shuttle or walk on foot.

    GPS: 24.784474, 56.116087
    Google Maps
    Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4