Jabal Al Jais
Wadi Shehah, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Looming from the eastern edges of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the Uniter Arab Emirate’s (UAE) northernmost emirate, Jabal Al Jais is a group of mountains in the Al Hajar range along the country’s border with Oman. Forming the UAE’s highest peak at 6,345 feet (1,934 meters), the Jabal Al Jais region combines awe-inspiring scenery with exciting attractions for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.
The Basics
Created over 70 million years ago, the Al Hajar mountains form dramatic landscapes in the northeast corner of the UAE. The limestone peaks of Jabal Al Jais loom over palm groves and deep wadis, creating a magnet for nature- and sports-aficionados. Attractions include the world’s longest zipline, observation decks, walking trails, adventure courses, and places to spot ancient fossils and geological formations.
Travelers from RAK and other emirates head to Jabal Al Jais to experience outdoor adventure and majestic mountain scenery. Topping the charts are tours to the Jais Flight: a 1.75-mile (2.8 kilometers) zipline that speeds over slopes and gorges. Other options include 4WD safaris and tours spotlighting the region’s wild beauty and hidden gems.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Jabal Al Jais is a paradise for adrenaline-junkies, hikers, and geology enthusiasts.
- Bring layered clothing: the weather is cooler and less predictable than elsewhere in the UAE.
- Most Jabal Al Jais attractions aren’t accessible to wheelchair-users.
- Make things easy by taking guided tours: driving along the mountain roads can be challenging if you’re unfamiliar with the terrain.
How to Get There
Around 28 miles (45 kilometers) northeast from RAK, the journey to Jabal Al Jais concludes with a drive up a spectacular corkscrew road. The easiest way here is on guided tours from RAK or Dubai that usually include round-trip transportation to attractions like the Jais Flight. Alternatively, catch the regular shuttle buses that run here from central RAK, or if you’re a confident mountain driver, explore on your own 4WD.
When to Get There
You can visit Jabal Al Jais year-round, although the UAE’s peak season of November-March is most popular for being cooler than during the scorching summer. However, the mountains are generally 50°F (10°C) lower than other areas of the UAE, so any time of year offers some respite from the heat.
What to See and Do at Jabal Al Jais
Many visitors to Jabal Al Ais are content to admire the scenery from the region’s viewing decks and catch a snack or meal at the nearby café or restaurant—sitting at an altitude of 4,868 feet (1,484 meters), the latter is the UAE’s most elevated eatery. Aside from the Jais Flight zipline, other activities include hiking, cycling, wildlife spotting, fossil-hunting, climbing, and even a high-speed downhill sledding trek.
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