Hiking United Arab Emirates

The safest hike you can do without a guide is the one that starts at the Jebel Jais Adventure Centre. Even in winter, we recommend an early start, around 8:30am, with at least 3 litres of water per person and a pair of good shoes. Starting from the view deck, the path is uphill, quite easy with great views down to the sea, until you reach the summit at 1,630 meters. We crossed a viper so be careful!

The most exhausting hike in the Gulf, carved like a staircase in the raw rock in the heart of Wadi Litibah and then on to the summits. 17 kilometers, 1 500 meters of difference in altitude, very steep paths sometimes near precipices. We pass the Jebel Bil Aysh and then reach 2 abandoned Shihu villages and various plateaus. Every year, some hikers are rescued by helicopter because they underestimated the difficulty of the hike. Information can be found in the UAE Off-Road Explorer guide.

This enclave, home to some 8,900 inhabitants and located 126 kilometers from Ajman in the heart of the al Hajar mountains, offers several hiking and mountain bike trails. Several levels of difficulty are proposed. This should enable everyone to enjoy a mountain getaway, but we would remind you that it is essential to be well prepared for these hikes and above all to avoid rainy days.

It is so rare to walk in the wild in the UAE that we highly recommend this little getaway. The walk accompanied by your guide will bring you close to the animals that populate the reserve such as antelopes, gazelles, oryx and even giraffes. Another possibility, choose the Wadi option, which will lead you on the steep reliefs of the salt cones with explanations from your guide on the geological formation. Be well equipped with good walking shoes, a cap and sunglasses.

We really enjoyed this excursion to discover the surrounding mountains. Don't forget to ask for your map and all the necessary explanations at the ultra welcoming centre of Hatta Wadi. The staff dressed as rangers is very available and don't hesitate to ask them for directions to get to the start of the trail and not to confuse it with the mountain bike circuit. No need to remind you that it is essential to carry sunscreen, glasses and cap, not forgetting water. It is better to wear good shoes.

Recently popular in the Emirates, mountaineering, wadi pool exploration and camping under the stars are booming. We can't stress this enough, don't go alone and don't underestimate the dangers of these mountains: rising waters, reptiles, erratic GPS data.... Adventurati Outdoor organizes all kinds of trips in the Ras al Khaimah mountains including the ridge route, trips to beautiful wadis and an overnight stay in their camp at 1,770 meters.

The award-winning British company has been based in the UAE since 2013. All instructors are certified and safety is the priority of this centre. Specializing in youth, they have two camps, one in the mountains and the other near the sea. For your family or company outings, this company offers half-day and full-day adventures at sea or in the mountains, and even the option of camping in one of their centres. An outing in complete safety to discover the unknown nature of this country.

Here is a bike park and a hiking circuit perfect for lovers of these two sports. A pumptrack circuit to warm up your joints on a mountain bike then a pick up will take you to the top to try one of the three trails, green, blue or black depending on your level. Adrenaline guaranteed as you descend into a lunar mountain landscape! For those who prefer beautiful walks, go on one of the 6 proposed walking tours. Climbing wall for children. Soon an open-air cinema, tents to spend the night and a restaurant will open.

This walk is a delight! Equipped with good shoes and a decent level of fitness, anyone can venture out. It's about a 3 hour walk that starts with stairs that take you to an orchard before arriving at natural pools fed by a stream. On both sides, water trickles down from the rocks! When you reach the fork in the road, take the path on the left and climb the stairs. At the top, a small path, a little steep, but without much difficulty, will lead you to a plateau. A bit of climbing without any difficulty.