Isn’t Dubai just a luxury city in the desert to explore? Well, Yes and No! In addition to being one of the best cities to visit globally, Dubai is also packed with wilderness and is home to some of the most adventurous hiking trails. When the government of the UAE offers an easy-access Dubai visa, then why wait? Pack your bags and unravel the best travel experience to be remembered.
If you are on a quest for adventurous activities in Dubai, then gear up to explore these thrilling hikes and enjoy the call of nature.
Hatta
Bounded by the Hajar mountains, Hatta hiking trails have 17 routes with different difficulty levels. Hatta, located in Dubai’s largest national park, is covered with surging peaks and channels perfect for hiking. You can see the diverse terrain, from sandy walking trails to sharp rocks to climb over. The winding wadis become a friendly partner for you as you trek along the tracks, exploring ranges to conquer.
Tip for the trip: as Hatta offers several trails to explore, bring your man’s best friend for the best experience in the mountains.
level: beginners
Showka Dam
Showka dam, located on the eastern exterior of Ras Al Khaimah, situated between the Hajar mountains, serves the best walking trails in Dubai. It is only an hour’s drive from Dubai and mainly has routes that provide the most opportunities to explore. You will hike on the human-made hiking routes cut through the first ranges of the Showka mountains. As you reach the top, you will be stunned by the scenic view as the fresh breeze of the mountains fills your heart, saying it was all worth it to trek.
Tip for the Trip: it is recommended not to look down while hiking as the steep is very high.
level: beginners
Jabel Jais
The Jabel Jais, located in Ras Al Khaimah, is a draw in the shape of a balcony and is one of the adventurous things to do in UAE. Almost two kilometers above the Arabian Gulf, the tricky terrain has six trails of 16 km, each changeling you with its diverse ecosystem of mountains. One of the wonders that beautifully mend through barren landscapes and deep gulfs. You will find trails throughout the upper and lower steeps of the ranges.
Tip for the trip: you better take someone who knows the routes of the trails.
Level: intermediate
Jabel Hafeet
The enormous Hafeet holds the pride of the second-highest peak in the UAE and is known for the opulent saga of fossils discovered in the mountains. The trek takes around four hours from the base camps to reach the top viewpoints, where you can gaze out over the massive desert. Below lies the Green Mubazzarah, a popular attraction among tourists renowned for its hot spring lake, jacuzzi and swimming pools. A unique experience to enjoy is hiking the vast trails and dipping in park pools to relax your muscles.
Tip for the trip: be well prepared as hiking here requires a lot of stamina.
Level: intermediate
Stairway to Heaven
Opened to only seasoned hikers, Stairway to Heaven is one of the toughest yet best hikes in the Dubai wilderness. The trail runs 17 km through the mountains near the Oman border in Ras Al Khaimah. The adventurous hike is 1.5 km above sea level. On your way to the trek, note that the path has been fixed with stone cairns, making it a dangerous route. The view at the highest point is rewarding after all that sweating and panting while trekking.
Tip for the trip: not for the faint of heart, and always trek with a guide here.
Level: intermediate to experienced.
Now that you are all set to explore these hiking adventure sports in Dubai, ensure to take all the essentials and carry at least three liters of water on your expedition.
