The Best Hiking Trails In The UAE: 12 Spots Worth A Visit

Trekking Adventures: Exploring the Best Hiking Trails in the UAE

Nestled within the majestic landscapes of the United Arab Emirates lies a world of adventure waiting to be explored. While the country is renowned for its towering skyscrapers and bustling cityscapes, it’s also home to some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the region. From rugged mountain ranges to serene desert oases, each trail offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Emirates. So, lace up your boots, pack your essentials, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the best hiking trails the UAE has to offer.

12 Of The Best Hiking Trails in the UAE

Wadi Shawka

Difficulty: Easy

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pmmW2nbXtqKN8aVg8

Just an hour’s drive from Dubai, Wadi Shawka is the go-to spot for newbie hikers. Offering a variety of trails, from quick jaunts to full-day adventures that include the Shawka pools, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the views are killer—perfect for snapping those Instagram-worthy shots! When you hit up Shawka Dam, you’ve got options: take the stairs straight to the top or pick one of the well-marked trails nearby. And don’t worry about getting lost; these paths are easy to follow, making it a safe bet for families with kiddos. Oh, and furry friends are welcome too, just make sure to keep them on a leash!

Hatta Mountain Trails

Difficulty: 4 Trails With Varying Difficulties

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aqTb4MvPdTpZS4Yw8

Hatta, Dubai’s biggest national park, is a hit among families and adventure seekers, mainly because of the cool adventure spot, Hatta Wadi Hub. Tucked away in the Hajar Mountains, it offers four hiking trails for all skill levels: Easy, Moderate, Difficult, and Severe. These paths cover about 33 kilometers in total, taking you through rocky hills, wadis, dams, farms, and, of course, the famous Hatta sign. What makes Hatta special? Well, they’ve got toilets! Perfect for families with little ones. Plus, there are sweet spots for picnics, camping, checking out heritage sites, and more.

Wadi Munay

Difficulty: Moderate

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8QV4tG78AwSr2Xdb7

This Ras Al Khaimah hiking spot is a real gem for all sorts of hikers, offering a pretty chill trail that’s not too steep. You’ll start off by climbing through this dry wadi until you hit a flat plateau. Once you’re up there, you can wander around the mountain, taking in the views for about 5.5 kilometers before making your way back to where you started. Oh, and here’s a little tip: since there aren’t any signs along the way, just make sure you remember where you parked your car or started your hike!

Al Rabi Mountain Trail

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WrAC9oPQxV1UPBqt9

Tucked away on the east coast, the Al Rabi Mountain trail offers killer views of Khorfakkan town and the Gulf of Oman, making it a go-to hike for many. It’s super easy to follow with signs along the way, and the sunrise scenes are epic! Yeah, it gets a bit steep sometimes, but the sight of the Hajjar mountains and Khorfakkan landmarks keeps you going. Plan for about three hours to cover the 6-kilometer track at a chill pace. Pro tip: Park at the long-term parking lot downhill for hassle-free parking.

Ain Al Sheria

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FA2CrSspDRDF2qWi9

Ain Al Sheria in northwest Fujairah is hands down one of the most visually striking hikes in the UAE. With its vibrant russet rock formations and ancient petroglyph-adorned boulders, this trail is unlike any other. Stretching over 8.8 kilometers, the path is now well-marked thanks to the efforts of Fujairah Adventures. But let’s be real, this isn’t a walk in the park; it’s a challenging trek that demands some hiking chops. While you’ll find shelters along the way for a breather, be prepared for the scorching sun—load up on sunscreen and, most importantly, carry more water than you think you’ll need. Oh, and unless you’ve got a 4×4, getting to the trailhead might be a bit tricky due to limited parking and access.

Wadi Al Helo Sharjah

Difficulty: Moderate

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9E8qkUv1R1EW2sHH8

Wadi Helo, also known as Wadi Al Helo, got its sweet name for a reason—it’s tucked away near a quaint old village nestled in the Hajar Mountains of Sharjah. Picture this: a winding wadi that flows into a tranquil lagoon, all while passing by the ancient Awhala Fort. Along the hike, you’ll stumble upon heaps of historical ruins and old watchtowers from the Islamic Golden Age. But here’s the kicker: once you reach the summit, prepare to have your breath taken away by the jaw-dropping views of the valley and the majestic mountains all around. If you’re a history buff or just love digging into archaeology, this hike’s gonna be right up your alley!

Jebel Jais

Difficulty: 6 Trails With Varying Difficulties

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/d19qHBaU6kCXaa1JA (lower trails), https://maps.app.goo.gl/PRr5qhQfyrYXWGLV8 (upper trails)

Jebel Jais, the tallest mountain in the UAE, offers two hiking zones with six trails catering to all levels of hikers. Down below, you’ll find five trails, from leisurely walks to more challenging treks. If you prefer some guidance you can join guided tours as well.

For those seeking a tougher adventure, the upper trail awaits. It starts with a bit of a steep climb, but fear not, the path is well-marked. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views from the highest points in the UAE. Thanks to the efforts of the Ras Al Khaimah government, Jebel Jais is now a haven for thrill-seekers, boasting the country’s highest restaurant, 1484 by Puro, named after its elevation above sea level.

Jebel Hafeet

Difficulty: Hard

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/p4ER9pBnnwExyPqBA (Green Mubazzarah Park), https://maps.app.goo.gl/kVP9NFFH3oZF2TQVA (Jebel Hafeet Desert Park)

Nestled in Al Ain, the lone mountainous area in Abu Dhabi, Jebel Hafeet presents a range of fulfilling hiking opportunities. You can explore the Green Mubazzarah Park, which is a little shorter of a route. Another option is the “smuggler’s route,” which starts from the Desert Park on the mountain’s opposite side. Both paths are rated intermediate due to loose rocks, making them unsuitable for kids or novice hikers.

Wadi Abadilah

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zoJYfg4hdLrgHzxb8

This hiking trail has become quite the crowd-pleaser, offering some stunning nature sights, including the lovely Wadi Abadilah. It’s not too tough, not too easy—just the right balance for a good hike. You’ll stroll through scenic farmland adorned with banana trees, mango trees, and date palms. And if we’ve had a bit of rain lately, you might even find some cool streams and pools along the way. It’s kid-friendly too, but keep an eye on the little ones, especially if those rocks get slippery!

Jebel Qada’ah

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XWiLdnzeXJEF8ss36

Nestled smack dab in the heart of the Northern UAE and the Mussandam mountains, Jabel Qada’ah is home to the second-highest peak in the whole UAE. Hikers are in for a treat with some seriously epic views from these mountain clusters, offering two different routes to explore—ranging from a real toughie to something a bit more manageable. And keep your peepers wide open for the Secret Staircase, a little gem carved into the sand by local goat herders. Finding your way to the starting points is a breeze: just punch in ‘Jebel Qada’ah route 1’ or ‘Jebel Qada’ah route 2’ into Google Maps, and you’re off!

Wadi Naqab

Difficulty: Moderate

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ixTq3onWXxmuY3QW6

The 14km stretch of dry river beds in Wadi Naqab offers loads of hiking options, with an old village and some wadis along the way (though they might not have much water, depending on the weather). Taking the loop from Wadi Naqab to the Al Sanat village usually takes about 6 hours and involves a bit of a climb with some loose rocks, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. It’s moderately challenging, so if you’re new to hiking, you might want to start with something a bit easier.

Wadi Bih

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mB3dL4NZb43qYpYr5

This Ras Al Khaimah hiking route is perfect for adventurers, offering a variety of trails suitable for both beginners and intermediate hikers. There’s even a special route that extends through the mountains. Since the trail can be quite lengthy, especially depending on the one you pick, consider camping overnight. It’s also a fantastic spot for camping!

Lead image courtesy of Instagram/@visitrasalkhaimah