Hajar Mountains
The Hajar Mountains (Al Hajar Mountains) stretch over 700 km from northern Oman through the eastern UAE. With Jebel Jais (1,934 m) in Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Hafeet (1,249 m) near Al Ain, it forms the dramatic backbone of the eastern UAE — a rugged limestone landscape so fundamentally different from the desert that it feels like being in another country.
The mountains are geologically old — over 70 million years — and consist mainly of ophiolite rock, which was once part of the seabed and was uplifted by tectonic forces. In the deep wadis (dry valleys), seasonal rainwater collects, creating surprisingly green oases amidst the barren rocks.
Activities in the Hajar Mountains:
- Wadi Hiking: Wadi Wurayah (the only permanent waterfall in the UAE), Wadi Shawka, Wadi Al Bidyah
- Mountain Biking: Hatta Wadi Hub has developed trails (rental available on-site)
- Climbing: Jebel Jais Via Ferrata (guided climbing tour, from 350 AED/87 EUR)
- Canyoning: In the gorges of the wadis — guided tours from 250 AED (62 EUR)