The UAE's second-highest peak is walked on its summit road, with views across Al Ain and into Oman.
Jebel Hafeet rises to 1,249 m on the edge of Al Ain and is the nearest thing to a mountain hike in Abu Dhabi Emirate. No formal way-marked footpath to the summit was verified in current sources, so the practical route follows the mountain road from the Green Mubazzarah park area, which is shared with cars and cyclists and has steep, shadeless hairpins. Most visitors drive to the top and walk only short stretches; fit walkers may attempt the climb in the cooler months, starting at first light and carrying large amounts of water. A taxi back down is a sensible fallback. The Hafit tombs and the park hot springs at the base make a lower-effort half day instead.
| Distance | About 12 km one way on the mountain road |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4-6 hours |
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Trailhead | Taxi or rental car from Al Ain city (about 15 minutes); intercity bus or car from Abu Dhabi (about 160 km) |
| Best season | November-March |
| Address | Green Mubazzarah Park, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain
- Trail type
- Out-and-back road walk
- Terrain
- Paved mountain road with steep hairpins; limestone slopes
What to bring
3+ litres of water, hat, sun protection, sturdy shoes, windproof layer, phone with offline map
Location
Green Mubazzarah Park, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain
24.1063, 55.7463 View on map
Highlights
- Panoramic view over Al Ain and toward Oman
- Winding road with roughly 60 bends
- Hafit Bronze Age tombs at the base
- Green Mubazzarah hot springs and park
Tips for visiting
- Start before sunrise; the road has no shade.
- Walk facing traffic and stay on the verge at hairpins.
- Arrange a taxi pick-up from the top as a fallback.
- Do not attempt the climb from May to September.
When to visit
November to March, starting at dawn
Accessibility
Not accessible on foot for wheelchairs; the summit area is reachable by car.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a marked summit trail?
No formal way-marked summit footpath was confirmed; the usual route is the mountain road.
How high is Jebel Hafeet?
1,249 m, the UAE's second-highest peak.
Can the summit be reached without hiking?
Yes. The road is drivable to near the top, and taxis run from Al Ain.
Is it safe in summer?
No. Heat makes the climb dangerous from May to September.