Travel UAE

Tag: mountains

  • Jebel Jais

    Jebel Jais

    Jebel Jais is a mountain range and a proper place of power. It’s also probably the most popular destination in the UAE outside the cities. Rising to an altitude of 1,500 meters, it’s accessible almost entirely by car via a serpentine highway.

    You’ll find a few attractions at the summit besides observation decks and stunning views. Sladder is a ride on “sleds” along rails on the mountainside, similar to the alpine coasters in Russia and Europe. Website. Entry is free during operating hours, and the ride is reasonably priced. Children under 3 years old and shorter than 120 cm are not allowed.

    Another highlight is the world’s longest zipline, stretching nearly 3 km and reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h. You need to book this in advance through their website. Access to the zipline and the nearby restaurant 1484 By Puro is restricted — there’s a barrier and only those with a zipline or restaurant booking (or occasionally those with a charming smile 😉) are allowed through.

    The area also features several fascinating observation decks and scenic pull-offs along the drive, where you can enjoy views of both the mountains and the sea.

    On weekends, the place gets very crowded. Families flock here for picnics, filling up all the parking spots and even the surrounding areas.

    GPS: 25.943202, 56.141646
    Google Maps
    Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    In the area, there’s a hiking trail, which is mentioned on billboards at the summit. I didn’t explore it, but an infographic about it is higher up. The GPS coordinates for the starting point of the trail are 25.938487, 56.128629.

    Along the way, you’ll also come across several camping spots. If you dig around on the internet, I’m sure these mountains hide many more interesting and beautiful places, some of which may be a bit harder to reach.

  • Shees Park

    Shees Park

    Shees Park is a small recreational park nestled in the mountains, located just a 5-minute drive from Al Rafisah Dam and 10 minutes from Khorfakkan. The park is built on a mountain slope and features walking paths, benches, shaded areas, and barbecue spots. It’s lush with greenery, has a waterfall, and is generally a picturesque spot, perfect for photoshoots.
    A large children’s playground, parking, a café, and restrooms exist. While there isn’t much to see or do beyond enjoying the serene environment, it’s a great place to stop by for about half an hour unless you plan to relax and read a book under the open sky.
    On weekends, it can get quite crowded. Entry has recently become paid, and visitor attire is monitored—women in short dresses, for example, may not be allowed in.

    GPS: 25.293477, 56.235241
    Google Maps
    Photos

  • Al Rafisah Dam

    Al Rafisah Dam

    The Al Rafisah Dam, with its lake, is just a 5-minute drive from the Khorfakkan above. It’s similar to the more popular Hatta Dam but slightly smaller and with a more urbanized vibe: power lines stretch across the mountains, and a highway runs along the dam, which detracts from the secluded, natural atmosphere of the place.
    At the lake, you can grab a bite to eat and rent various boats for a ride. A children’s playground, a café, and restrooms are also available.

    GPS: 25.346740, 56.307709
    Google Maps
    Photos: 1, 2

    The highlight of the place was The Walk (Wadi Shi Raafisah Dam to Observation Deck) — a hiking trail that winds uphill from the lake. It’s hard to miss, as the initial section is well-maintained, with benches and steps made of stone in some areas.

    If you continue along the trail, it turns into a 1.5–2-hour journey (one way) to the mountaintop overlooking Khorfakkan and the coastline, leading to a spot called the Al Suhub Rest Area (GPS: 25.361240, 56.323829). At the top, you’ll find an observation deck, a restaurant, and parking. During my visit, everything was closed for renovations, but at other times, it was accessible by car. The altitude is about 600 meters above sea level.

    The hiking trail to this spot becomes quite challenging in the final third, as it traverses a steep slope with loose soil and cliffs. However, the views are stunning, and the hike is generally manageable. It’s suitable for older children, but only under close supervision.

    GPS: 25.349397, 56.311164
    Google Maps

  • Al Suhub Rest Area

    Al Suhub Rest Area

    At the peak of one of the mountains towering over the city of Khorfakkan, a leisure area called Al Suhub has been created. It features a restaurant, observation decks, a children’s play area, and, of course, parking. The location is accessible via a winding serpentine road that takes 5–10 minutes to drive. The peak sits approximately 500 meters above sea level, with the sea at the base, seemingly within arm’s reach.

    From there, breathtaking views of Khorfakkan, its bay, the surrounding mountains, the Gulf of Oman, and about 100 cargo ships anchored far off the shore unfold before you. With its large panoramic windows (or the terrace encircling it), the restaurant offers a spot to grab a bite. If you dine at the restaurant, your parking fee is waived for the first two hours (after that, standard rates apply).

    A little before reaching the peak, there’s another rest area with parking. Here, you’ll find food trucks (one of them is called Rajab Cafeteria), numerous tables for picnics and gatherings, and a playground. You can grab a very affordable meal at the food trucks, which is perfect for those who don’t want to spend much at the restaurant. The views here are also quite decent, though slightly less stunning than those from the top.

    GPS: 25.360842, 56.323809
    Google Maps
    Photos