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Jebel Jais Hike: UAE’s Highest Public Point (What It’s Really Like)
- Sports Travel Tom
- 10 hours ago
- 5 min read
A guide to hiking to the highest public point in the UAE - what the route is really like, how tough it is, and whether it’s worth the climb.
If you want to stand at the highest point accessible to the public in the UAE, you won’t be taking a lift up the Burj Khalifa.
You’ll need to earn it.
The hike up Jebel Jais is a completely different experience - a mountain drive, a proper climb, and views that feel a long way from the UAE cities that are known so well.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous hike in the UAE, this is one of the best to take on.
At a Glance
Location: Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Type: Mountain hike (out and back)
Distance / Duration: 8km return | 3–5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (steep opening climb)
Why go: Reach the highest public point in the UAE
Key tip: Start early - the first climb is exposed and tough in the heat
Watch the full journey on YouTube below.
The Story: Earning the Highest View in the UAE
When you plan a trip to the highest public point in the UAE, it sounds simple enough.
But this isn’t about booking a ticket to the top of one of the UAE's most visited attractions, the Bruj Khalifa.
It takes a bit more effort.
The good news is - it’s far more rewarding.
The drive alone sets the tone. As you leave the highway and begin climbing the Jebel Jais mountain road, the landscape opens up into the Hajar mountains, with long winding bends and viewpoints all the way up.
By the time you reach the start point, you already feel a long way from Dubai.
Starting Point: Viewing Deck Park
The hike begins at the Viewing Deck Park, around 2km before the end of the public road.
It’s well set up:
Car park
Toilets
Viewing platforms
Small café (not always open early)
Parking is now typically free, although this has changed over time, so it’s worth checking locally before you go.
There is sometimes a registration booth, but it’s not always staffed - don’t rely on it but it's a good idea to take some cash incase they are in the mood for charging for parking.
As always, let someone know your plan before heading out.
The Route: Following the Ghaf Summit Trail
You’ll be following the Ghaf Summit Trail (Summit 7 route).
Navigation is straightforward:
Signposts along the route
Painted trail markers (maroon, white, yellow)
Clear footpaths throughout
It’s a well-marked trail - but still feels like a proper mountain hike.
The First Climb: Straight to Work
The hike doesn’t ease you in.
The first 30 minutes is a steep climb up towards the first summit, marked by a large UAE flag.
It’s a proper leg burner, but there's something quite nice about getting stuck into it straight away. Making progress from the off.
If you want any shade at all, start early - the sun hits this section quickly.
But the payoff comes fast too. The higher you go, the more the views open up.
First Summit: The UAE Flag at 1,415m
Eventually, the steps ease off and you reach the first high point.
A large UAE flag marks the spot, sitting at around 1,415 metres.
It’s a natural break point:
Sit down
Catch your breath
Take in the view
You’ll want it.
The Middle Section: Undulating and Scenic
From here, the hike becomes more relaxed.
The path undulates across the mountain, with steady progress rather than steep climbs.
You’ll likely spot goats moving effortlessly across the rocks - a reminder that this terrain is far more natural than engineered.
After around 20–30 minutes, you’ll reach the second rest point.
The Second Rest Point (And a Common Mistake)
The second rest point is simple - more like a sheltered bench than anything else.
But it’s important.
The correct path continues behind this point.
There’s another route in front that leads back to the road - an easy mistake to make (I’ve done it).
If you suddenly feel like you’re heading downhill too quickly… you probably are.
The Final Section: Edges and the Last Climb
The trail continues with more undulation, occasionally running close to the edge.
It’s not dangerous, but worth being aware of - especially with kids.
Eventually the trail guides you to the final ascent.
It’s not as intense as the opening climb, but it still makes you work for it.
As it should.
The Summit: UAE’s Highest Public Point
You’ll first reach the north summit marker, before continuing slightly further to the south summit - the highest point accessible to the public in the UAE.
And yes, it feels like an achievement.
Why This Isn’t Actually the Highest Point in the UAE
Here’s the slightly confusing bit.
This isn’t actually the true summit of Jebel Jais.
The highest point of the mountain sits across the border in Oman, and isn’t publicly accessible.
The point you reach — around 1,640 metres — is the highest point you can legally access in the UAE.
The true peak is about 300 metres higher.
The actual highest mountain in the UAE is Jebel Yibir, but that’s also inaccessible due to a military base being located at its summit.
So this is as high as you can go.
Unless someone negotiates a border agreement… which would make this even better.
The Descent: Same Way Back
This isn’t a loop.
The summit is the halfway point, so you head back the same way.
The good news:
The steep climbs become descents
The views are just as good
The one thing to watch is the final steep section - loose gravel and sand can make it slippery.
Take your time.
Temperature and Conditions
One of the best parts of this hike is the temperature.
It’s often around 10°C cooler than sea level and city life.
Summer: still hot, but more manageable
Winter: can feel cool, especially with wind
Think more Mediterranean summer than desert heat if you are climbing in the hotter months in the UAE.
Is It Worth It?
Yes - if you want something that feels like a proper hike.
This is:
More challenging than Wadi Shawka
Still accessible without technical gear
A genuine sense of achievement
One of the best mountain hikes in the UAE
If you’re ready to step up from beginner hikes, this is the one.
Final Thoughts
For residents of the UAE, this feels like a must-do.
You have to climb to the highest point in every country you live in, right?
Mind you… don’t remind me of the time I lived in Nepal. (That’s an Everest joke — I haven’t lived in Nepal.)
For visitors, it’s a brilliant day out. You don’t need specialist gear - just solid footwear, water and a bit of energy.
It’s challenging in places, but never overwhelming.
And when you reach the top, it feels like you’ve earned it.
How to Plan It Properly
Getting There
Take the E311 north from Dubai
Follow signs to Ras Al Khaimah
Turn towards Jebel Jais
Follow the mountain road to Viewing Deck Park
Navigation apps will take you there easily.
What to Bring
2–3 litres of water
Snacks / lunch
Good trainers or hiking shoes
Hat and sunscreen
Charged phone
Timing
Allow 3–4 hours total
Start early for cooler conditions
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