Jebal Jais

The UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais, is part of the spectacular Hajar mountain range formed over 70 million years ago in the eastern part of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, and Oman. Towering at 1,934 metres above sea level, Jebel Jais boasts breathtaking vistas, thrilling adventures and a welcome respite from the heat. During the summer months, temperatures at all the major landmarks across the emirates average between 43–45°C, while at the Jebel Jais summit temperatures reach a moderate 31°C during the day and 29 °C in the late afternoon. While you could escape the heat through indoor activities in other areas of the UAE, Jebel Jais gives you the chance to enjoy outdoor adventures and incredible scenery at significantly cooler temperatures than at sea level.

Ras Al Khaimah has multiple eco-systems across its sandy deserts, coastal strips, salt flats, mangroves and mountains, making it a fascinating place for nature lovers. Jebel Jais mountain is home to mountain goats, camels, foxes, wildcats, as well as hundreds of bird species. After the winter rains, the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah burst into colour with purple lilies, wild irises and white daisies blooming to life. The Sidr tree – well known for its medical uses and whose pollen attracts bees that produce excellent mountain honey – can also be found in the area’s wadis, which means ‘valleys’ in Arabic. These wadis often fill with rainwater in winter, and some are full even during summer. After the rains, wadis become fertile, turning green with local flora, creating a picturesque landscape perfect for photos. Some of the more popular wadis in the Jebel Jais and Hajar mountain ranges include Wadi Shahha, Wadi Albih, Wadi Ghalilah, and Wadi Sham.