UAE Mountains; Guide To The Best 15 Mountains In The UAE

UAE Mountains are a fantastic adventure hotspot, whereas the glitzy and glamorous cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are known for their skyscrapers, restaurants, and other attractions. Similarly, Sharjah is known for its culture and heritage, whereas Ras Al Khaimah is an adventurer’s dream. Aside from modern skyscrapers and man-made attractions, the UAE has several impressive mountain ranges. We will visit various mountains in the UAE where you can camp or enjoy a day trip away from the city.

UAE Mountains

The United Arab Emirates has 304 named mountains. Western Peak is the highest point on Jebel Jais, the most famous mountain in the UAE. Jabal Masf is the most prominent mountain. Jebel Jais, are located in the stunning Hajjar Mountains, Hatta Mountains, Al Faya in Sharjah, and Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain. Let’s learn more about the UAE’s various mountain ranges.

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Mountains and Wadis in UAE

At night, a secret world of brooks, caves, rock pools, and creatures awakens within the UAE’s mountain range. Mountains in Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah border the desert landscape of the Eastern UAE. As part of the Hajar Mountain range, Ras al Khaimah is home to the UAE’s tallest mountain, Jebel Al Jais. If you enjoy thrilling experiences, driving up winding mountain roads, or escaping the city. This is a must-see attraction in the UAE.

These mountains are home to distinct freshwater ecosystems known as wadis, which support a biodiversity of flora and fauna distinct from the neighboring desert ecosystem. The mountains of the UAE also have the best climate for raising the best bees and producing the best honey.

Wadis are closely associated with mountains and are incredibly diverse in terms of species. While most wadis in the UAE do not have permanent water, when they do, they are unique wetland ecosystems. Their aquatic habitats, which include temporary rainwater pools, bedrock and gravel riffles, and gravel pools, make them ideal breeding grounds for species such as birds, dragonflies, and butterflies. The majority of wadis are found in the Rocky Mountains near the UAE’s east coast.

The first protected mountain area in the UAE, in eastern UAE and northern Oman, is Wadi al Wurayah in the Hajar mountains. The climate of Wadi Al Wurayah is typical of a hot, hyper-arid mountain desert environment, with summer temperatures reaching close to 50°C. Wadi Al Wurayah is a rich archaeological and historical site with settlements dating back to 3000 BC. In addition, there are Wadi Ghalilah, Wadi Showka, and Wadi Al Bih (Hajar Mountains).

Take a look at: UAE Coastal Climate

Importance of mountains and wadis

The UAE’s mountains and wadis promote rainfall. As humid air reaches the mountains, it is forced to rise and cool at higher altitudes, resulting in condensation and rain, a valuable resource in the UAE. They are home to endangered species. Wadis, such as Fujairah’s Wadi Wurayah, is known as the last refuge for rare animals such as the Arabian Leopard and the Arabian Tahr, as well as hundreds of plant species. They also serve as physical barriers to the wind.

Furthermore, they are home to a variety of species that rely on one another for survival, including potentially existing relationships between living and non-living creatures such as tadpoles, frogs, water beetles, plants, vipers, sun, and water. Here are some species that can be found in mountains and wadis:

Tahr of Arabia.
Arabian Spotted eagle owl.
Caracal.
The Fox Vulpes of Blanford.
Viper with Saw-scales from Omani.
Arabian Toads and Dhofar.
Garra, Oman.
Oriental Acridocarpus.
Orchid (Epipactis veratrifolia).

Read more: UAE Coastal Geography

List of UAE Mountains

Caracas, owls, foxes, and vipers live in the UAE mountains, which are also a popular destination for explorers and adventurers. Learn more about the UAE’s mountains, and the region’s natural hidden treasures. Here is Your Guide to the best 15 Mountains in the UAE.

Jebel Jais

Jebel Jais, Romanized Jabal Bil Ays, a popular Ras Al Khaimah mountain, is a mountain of the North-Western Hajar range in the Musandam Governorate of Oman and also in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. It is part of the stunning Hajjar Mountain range in the UAE. It is the highest mountain in the UAE, standing at 1,934 meters, above sea level, and with around 10m of prominence. The Jebel Jais Mountain, which has been around for over 70 million years, has some of the most breathtaking views.

Jebel Jais stands out among the mountains in the UAE for its grandeur and variety of attractions. Visitors to RAK’s Jebel Jais, a popular tourist attraction, will find plenty to do. Residents of Dubai and Sharjah, in particular, regard a visit to Jebel Jais as one of the best weekend attractions, especially as the weather cools.

The Viewing Deck Park in Jebel Jais is an excellent starting point for exploring the mountain. Visitors can view the scenic valleys of the mountain, which is 1,250 meters above sea level, from 7 viewing decks and 10 binoculars.

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Jebel Hafeet Mountain

Jebel Hafeet is the second-largest mountain in the UAE and the highest peak in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, rising 1,240 meters above sea level. Visitors will be pleased to learn that there are numerous activities available at Jebel Hafeet. The Hajar mountain range includes this UAE mountain.

This magnificent mountain towers over Al Ain and extends into Oman. When the weather is nice, the best months to visit Jebel Hafeet are November, December, and January. The mountains are made of weathered limestone that has been weathered over millions of years.

Jebel Hafeet is well-known for its unusual fossil discoveries. In the area, fossils dating back 5,000 years have been discovered. According to excavations in the area, the tombs at Jebel Hafeet mark the beginning of the Bronze Age in the UAE. Copper artifacts and ceramic vessels are among the discoveries.

Road to Jebel Hafeet Mountain

There are two paths to the top of Jebel Hafeet Mountain. The first option is to drive all the way, while the second option is for the more adventurous, in which you must cycle all the way to the top. In any case, you must pass through the breathtaking Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, which is known for its picture-perfect vistas. Strabag International of Cologne, Germany built the iconic road, which is a challenge for cyclists who visit and train in the area on a regular basis.

The Jebel Hafeet Desert Park

Several historical and archaeological remains attest to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain’s rich history in the Jebel Hafeet Desert Park. The Jebel Hafeet Desert Park designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, provides a plethora of enjoyable activities such as Biking, Hiking, and Individual, serviced, and luxury camping are all options, and 4WD tours to various sections of the Desert Park, as well as a trip to scenic spots around Jebel Hafeet.

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Hatta Mountains

The Hatta Mountain, which is part of the Hajar range, is one of Dubai’s most popular mountains. This beautiful mountainous region is located in the emirate of Dubai. This mountain retreat, which is about 105 kilometers or an hour and 30 minutes drive away, has a lot to offer. It is an important part of the Hajjar Mountains because it borders the emirates of Sharjah and Oman.

The famous Hatta Dam is one of the best things to do in the Hatta mountains in the UAE. People from Dubai and Sharjah visit the Hatta Dam and surrounding areas for a relaxing day trip or a long weekend. The Hatta Dam is without a doubt one of the most tranquil areas, with clear turquoise waters.

The Hatta Dam’s perfectly turquoise waters are ideal for water sports such as water biking, boating, kayaking, and pedal boat rides. Kayaking is one of the most popular activities for tourists visiting Hatta. Prices for various water sports at Hatta Dam are listed below.

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Jebel Faya

Jebel Faya is a limestone mountain in Sharjah known for its rugged terrain. The mountain is also historically significant in the area. You can discover different parts of the Jebel Faya and nearby archaeological and historical sites on a tour of the Mlieha Archaeological Center.

Jabal Yibir

The mountain Jabal Al-Mebra, also known by the name of the nearby peak Jabal Yibir, is a 1,527 m (4,938 ft.) high mountain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

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Jabal Dad

Jabal Dad also known as Jabal Adhan, is a mountain class T Hypsographic in Al Fujayrah, United Arab Emirates (Asia) with the region font code of Africa, Middle East. It is located at an elevation of 1,067 meters above sea level. The mountain is a high elevation that rises above the surrounding area and has a small summit area, steep slopes, and local relief of 300m or more.

Its coordinates in DMS (Degrees Minutes Seconds) are 25°27’16” N and 56°13’29” E, or 25.4544 and 56.2247. (in decimal degrees). It has the UTM position DP21 and the Joint Operations Graphics reference NG40-10.

Read more: UAE Natural Landmarks

The Jabal Qitab

Jabal Qitab, also known as Jabal Kitas, is a mountain in the Emirate of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates (general), with the region font code of Africa, Middle East. It has an elevation of 1,029 meters above sea level.

Its coordinates in DMS (Degrees Minutes Seconds) are 25°0’53” N and 56°14’10” E, or 25.0147 and 56.2361. (in decimal degrees). It has the UTM position DN26 and the Joint Operations Graphics reference NG40-10.

Jabal ar Rahrah

Jabal ar Rahrah is a peak in the Hajar Mountains in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, northeast of the United Arab Emirates. It stands 1,691 meters (5,548 feet) tall and is located entirely within the United Arab Emirates, at 25.94419°N, 56.15219°E.

The tribe Bani Shatair, one of the two main sections of the Shihuh seminomadic tribe, occupied the Shihuh tribal area Bani Bakhit, among other territories, in the historical area of Jabal ar Rahrah.

Read more: UAE Geological Heritage Sites

Jabal Rahabah

Jabal Rahabah is a peak in the Hajar Mountains in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, northeast of the United Arab Emirates. It is one of the highest peaks in the UAE, standing at 1,543 meters (5,062 feet) and being entirely within the Emirates’ territory. Between Jabal Rahabah (1,543 m) and Jabal ar Rahrah (1,691 m), the country’s highest peak is a 5 km long ridge known as the Jabal ar Rahrah Ridge.

Intermittent streams and small ravines and wadis tributaries of Wadi Jib, which in turn is a tributary of Wadi Shah, flow on the eastern slope of Jabal Rahabah, which is badly damaged by the construction of a wide road, and on the western slope, it forms the Wadi Rahabah, which flows directly into the Persian Gulf.

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The Jabal Qada’ah

The mountain Jabal Qada’ah is located in Ras al Khaymah, United Arab Emirates. The terrain elevation above sea level is estimated to be 1328 meters. There are some spelling variations for Jabal Qada’ah in other languages.

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Jabal Najdayn

Jabal Najdayn, also known as Jabal Naydayn in the Emirate of Fujairah, Ra’s al Khaymah, UAE. A mountain is a type of elevation that stands high above the surrounding area, with a height of 862 meters, a small summit area, steep slopes, and 300 m of local relief and more, coordinates of Latitude 25° 10′ 47″ North and Longitude 56° 10′ 19″ East.

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Jabal ‘Aqqah

Jabal ‘Aqqah is a 547-meter-high mountain located in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. Jabal ‘Aqqah is located near the villages of Adgat and Al Aqah. Latitude 25.48474° or 25° 29′ 5″ north, Longitude 56.33336° or 56° 20’ 0″ east are the coordinates. 547 meters in height (1,795 feet).

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The Jabal Badiyah

The mountain Jabal Badiyah is located in Al Fujayrah. The elevation is 432 meters (1,418 ft.). Sharm region, Al Fujayrah, United Arab Emirates. The terrain elevation above sea level is estimated to be 442 meters. There are many spelling variations for Jabal Badiyah in other languages.

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Jabal Masafi

The mountain Jabal Masafi is located in Al Fujayrah, United Arab Emirates. The terrain elevation above sea level is estimated to be 1030 meters. In other languages, Jabal Masafi is spelled in a variety of ways.

Um Alnosoor

Um Alnosoor mountain (Jabal Hatta) is 1300 m (4265 ft.) high above sea level and is a mountain in the United Arab Emirates. The prominence is 709 m/2 (326 ft.) and is located at 24°44′35.8′′ N 56°04′53.1′′ E. The summit of the mountain is accessible through a trail.

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Where are the mountains in the UAE?

Mountains in Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah border the desert landscape of the Eastern UAE. As part of the Hajar Mountain range, Ras al Khaimah is home to the UAE’s tallest mountain, Jebel Al Jais.

What is the highest mountain in the UAE?

Jebel Jais Mountain, which is part of the northern Hajar mountains, is the highest point in the UAE, standing at 1,934 meters above sea level.

Are there any mountains in the UAE?

The UAE is not a mountainous country, as most of its territory is desert or semi-desert and relatively flat, but it does have excellent mountains, which are part of the Hajar Mountains, which are located in the northeast of Oman and east of the UAE and are the highest in the Arabian Peninsula’s eastern part.

What are the 4 mountains in the UAE?

There are first four mountains in order of height, Jabal as Sayh (1,746 meters), Jabal ar Rahrah (1,691 m), Jabal Sa (1,575 m), and Jabal Harf Tila (1,568 meters).

The majority of the UAE mountains are covered by sandy deserts or are located near the sea. There are numerous beautiful places to relax in the mountains and by the sea. Most mountains on the UAE map are located in the country’s east, near the border with Oman.