Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah Overview

Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah rests at 1,934 metres above sea level and is the highest peak in the UAE. The mountain offers stunning sunrise and sunset views. The 35 km long road to the top of the hill features eight hairpins and countless sharp corners, making it one of the best routes in the world. It is also home to the World's longest zipline which attracts adventure enthusiasts from across the globe.

The mountain is a part of the Hajar ranges and the road leading up to it or through it is called the Jebel Jais mountain road. Witness rugged cliffs, deep canyons and twisted escarpments as they lead to the top. The road is 3 lanes, with 2 going up and Moreover, the temperature at the top is 10 - 13 degrees lower than that at sea level.

Activities

1. Ziplining at the Jebel Jais Flight: The newest offering is the Jebal Jais Flight by Toroverde, the longest zip line (2.83 kms long) in the world as stated by the Guinness Book of World Records. Visitors have the opportunity of flying like a falcon from 1680 metres above the ground with speeds reaching up to 160 kph. This is surely a bucket list item for adrenaline junkies around the world and a phenomenon well worth experiencing.

Price: AED 350/person
Booking: Book tickets for Jebal Jais Flight by Toroverde online, the service is extremely popular and tickets won always be available if you randomly show up. Find the link here.

2. Picnic: A day out with your family can be ideally spent on a trip to Jebal Al Jais. This is usually clubbed with barbecuing.

3. Camping: A lot of adventurists camp on the summit, serving as an excellent option to spend quality time with friends.

4. Trekking: There are few hiking trails, at the end of which you’re rewarded with purely brilliant views.

5. Barbecuing: Barbecuing is very popular among most residents of the UAE and Jebel Jais provides amazing settings to do the same.

How is the Weather at Jebel Jais?

One can visit the Jebel Jais any time of the year since the temperature is always lower than the mainland. But do keep in mind that it tends to get rather chilly during the winters, especially at night. One can also see snow dusted across the area of the mountain during the winter months. There are several viewing stations on the route that offer magnificent panoramic views.

Mountains of Jebel Jais

The mountain is a part of the Hajar range that runs along the UAE-Oman border. It’s situated about 1,950 metres above sea level and offers sweeping views of valleys filled with rocks, dried-up riverbeds and beautiful gorges. The road stops five kms before the end of the summit as the road to the peak is still under construction.

The temperature continuously keeps falling the higher up you go, with the minimum being 13 degrees. Numerous ridges have been built alongside the well-asphalted road leading to the summit where one can enjoy the enthralling panoramic views of the scenic valleys and fascinating desert landscape.

Tips For Visiting Jebel Jais

Dress modestly adhering to UAE culture as a lot of locals visit the summit regularly.
If you plan on going off-road or straying away from the asphalted road, use a 4x4.
Carry all rations, there is a scarcity of shops on the summit.
Carry winter clothes, especially if you are planning to stay post-sundown. It tends to get chilly.
Drive carefully, the road is well made but still unpredictable. Choose an experienced driver and more importantly, a good car.

How To Reach Jebel Jais

There is no public transport that goes to Jebel Jais.

The only option will be to drive yourself there in a rental or rent a car with a driver. Taxis won’t be feasible since the mountain is a good 2 hours from Dubai and at least 45 minutes from the city of Ras Al Khaimah, close to the Oman border. It’s around 180 kms from Downtown Dubai and around 30 km from Ras Al Khaimah city.