Going Up: The Best Hiking Trails In The UAE

Are you on the hunt for an adventurous getaway in the UAE? Aside from the attractions found within the city limits, the UAE offers a wide variety of hiking trails and mountains where the aspiring traveler can take in the beauty of nature. In this article, freelance photographer Kavan Choksi examines some of the UAE's finest hiking trails where you can get some fresh air and avoid the crowded city streets.

Wadi Shawka: Wadi Shawka is a seasonal watercourse in the Hajar Mountains, just an hour's drive away from Dubai. It is known for being a beginner-friendly course for those who are inexperienced in hiking. The trails have helpful signs and clearly marked routes, making it difficult for the hikers to get lost.

Hatta: Hatta is also located in the Hajar Mountains and provides another accommodating hiking trail for beginners. It has 17 routes, meaning you can plan several days of adventure in this area. As Kavan Choksi notes, the Hatta hiking trail is pet-friendly and has numerous tourist spots along the way.

Jebel Jais: Situated in Ras Al Khaimah, Jebel Jais has a hiking trail that is four kilometers long. It has attracted countless visitors because of the unparalleled 180-degree view of the mountains it offers at the peak. Although the mountain is 1,300 meters tall, the hike can be completed in around 3 hours, and the terrain is not overly rugged.

Jebel Hafeet: The third-highest peak in the UAE, Jebel Hafeet offers fantastic views of Al Ain City. One of the things that make the trail aesthetically pleasing is the contrast between the rocky setting of the Jebel Hafeet and the scenery of Al Ain, which is also called the Garden City because of its palm groves and natural springs. Kavan Choksi advises you to be ready for a challenging climb because the terrain offered by Jebel Hafeet can make for a strenuous hike.