Jebel Hafeet
UAE's second-highest peak, offering a legendary mountain road and breathtaking panoramic views of Al Ain.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, stunning sunsets
Jebel Hafeet
Best Time
Cooler temps, stunning sunsets
Highlights
Must-see attractions
UAE's second-highest peak, offering a legendary mountain road and breathtaking panoramic views of Al Ain.
"The winding road to the top is famous for its scenic beauty and is considered one of the best driving roads in the world."
🚗 Best Driving Road Ever!
The winding road up Jebel Hafeet is a highlight. Enjoy the curves and scenic lookouts!
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catching the sunset from the top is unforgettable, but expect company on weekends.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Scenic Mountain Road
Summit Road
A 10.7 km winding road with over 60 curves, hailed as one of the world's greatest driving roads.
Panoramic Summit Views
Jebel Hafeet Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Al Ain city, the desert, and surrounding landscapes.
Green Mubazzarah Hot Springs
Base of Jebel Hafeet
A lush oasis with natural hot springs, picnic spots, and chalets for a relaxing retreat.
Jebel Hafeet Desert Park
Base of Jebel Hafeet
Explore ancient Bronze Age tombs and enjoy ecotourism activities like camel treks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Jebel Hafeet
Prepare for Limited Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Best Driving Road Ever!
The winding road up Jebel Hafeet is a highlight. Enjoy the curves and scenic lookouts!
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catching the sunset from the top is unforgettable, but expect company on weekends.
💧 Pack Essentials
No facilities at the summit! Bring water, snacks, and your camera.
🚴 Cyclist's Paradise
Many cyclists tackle the climb; be mindful of them on the road.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Best Driving Road Ever!
The winding road up Jebel Hafeet is a highlight. Enjoy the curves and scenic lookouts!
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catching the sunset from the top is unforgettable, but expect company on weekends.
💧 Pack Essentials
No facilities at the summit! Bring water, snacks, and your camera.
🚴 Cyclist's Paradise
Many cyclists tackle the climb; be mindful of them on the road.
🏕️ Weekend BBQs & Tents
Locals enjoy weekend evenings with BBQs and camping at the base.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Jebel Hafeet is celebrated for its spectacular mountain road and breathtaking summit views, especially during sunset. Visitors appreciate the scenic drive and the opportunity for photography. However, the lack of facilities at the top, such as restrooms and dining options, is a common point of disappointment.
"Nice place to visit during the night times. The view is great and the drive was fun too. Apart from the photogenic location, nothing is there at the top. No restaurant, shops and not even the washrooms and other facilities."
Chamithra Thenuwara
"Absolutely amazing road with scenic limestone mountains and rocks. The look outs are all very worthy a stop and feel the view. This place has very good roads and in summers traffic was less. Sunsets are simply mind blowing. Will keep coming here when ever i visit dubai. In winters you will see crowd in the nights so keep that extra time for your self. BBQs and tents are the best way to have fun on weekend in this place."
Jigar Baxi
"Jebel Hafeet (also spelled Jebel Hafeez) is a prominent mountain located in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, near the city of Al Ain, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is one of the UAE’s most iconic natural landmarks and offers a mix of geological, historical, and cultural significance.
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About Jebel Hafeet
• Height: Approximately 1,240 meters (4,068 feet), making it the second-highest peak in the UAE.
• Location: On the border of the UAE and Oman, overlooking the city of Al Ain.
• Terrain: Composed of limestone and fossilized marine creatures, the mountain rises sharply from the desert, offering panoramic views.
• Drive: The winding road to the top is famous for its scenic beauty and is considered one of the best driving roads in the world.
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History and Significance
• Geological Formation: The mountain is believed to be over 70 million years old, shaped by tectonic forces and erosion.
• Archaeological Site: At the base of Jebel Hafeet lies the Jebel Hafeet Tombs, dating back to the Bronze Age (around 3200 BCE). These tombs belong to the Hafeet period, which was named after the mountain.
• These beehive-shaped tombs are some of the earliest known burial sites in the UAE.
• Cultural Importance: The area is considered sacred and historically significant by the local Bedouin tribes.
• Wildlife: The surrounding Jebel Hafeet Park and Green Mubazzarah area are home to various species of flora and fauna, including rare insects and reptiles.
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Modern Attractions
• Green Mubazzarah: A lush oasis at the foot of the mountain with hot springs, picnic areas, and chalets.
• Jebel Hafeet Desert Park: A protected area for ecotourism and heritage preservation, including camel treks, hiking, and guided tours of archaeological sites."
Mohammed Ali (alikalanad)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The drive from Dubai to Jebel Hafeet takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Take the E22 highway towards Al Ain, then follow signs for Jebel Hafeet. Renting a car is the most convenient option for exploring the mountain road.
Public transport directly to the summit is limited. You can take a bus to Al Ain city and then hire a taxi to Jebel Hafeet. Consider a guided tour for ease of access.
The mountain road is well-maintained and offers stunning views. Drive cautiously, especially around the numerous curves, and utilize the designated parking areas to enjoy the scenery.
Yes, several tour operators offer day trips to Jebel Hafeet from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, often including visits to other Al Ain attractions.
Yes, Jebel Hafeet is accessible at night, and many visitors enjoy the night views and cooler temperatures. However, be extra cautious when driving in the dark.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to drive up Jebel Hafeet or visit the summit. However, activities within Jebel Hafeet Desert Park or Green Mubazzarah may have separate charges.
Jebel Hafeet is generally accessible 24/7, though facilities at the summit are non-existent. The Jebel Hafeet Desert Park and Green Mubazzarah have specific operating hours.
No advance booking is required for general access to Jebel Hafeet. If you plan to visit specific attractions within the park or stay at a resort, booking might be necessary.
There are no major restrictions for general visitors. However, be mindful of local customs and dress modestly if visiting nearby areas.
To avoid crowds, aim for weekday mornings or afternoons, especially during the cooler months. Weekends and evenings, particularly during sunset, tend to be busier.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views, take photos, and soak in the vast landscape. There are no shops or restaurants, so come prepared.
While not extensively developed for public hiking, there are informal trails. The Jebel Hafeet Desert Park offers guided hikes and more structured trails.
The hot springs are located in Green Mubazzarah at the base of the mountain. They offer a relaxing experience with naturally heated mineral water.
Yes, families can enjoy the scenic drive, picnic spots at Green Mubazzarah, and the Jebel Hafeet Desert Park. Some resorts nearby cater specifically to families.
The area is home to various species, including reptiles and insects. The Jebel Hafeet Park is a protected area for its unique flora and fauna.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic shots. Numerous lookout points along the mountain road provide dramatic perspectives of the landscape and Al Ain city.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Golden hour provides soft, warm light that enhances the mountain's textures.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the landscape. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially near protected zones or residential areas. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Capture the serpentine nature of the road from various vantage points. Drone shots can offer a unique perspective of the road winding through the mountains.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Jebel Hafeet Desert Park provides educational opportunities with its ancient tombs and potential for camel rides. 🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Its reputation as one of the world's best driving roads is well-earned, with its challenging curves and stunning vistas. Take your time, utilize the numerous lookout points to capture incredible photos, and enjoy the journey to the summit. 🚴 Cyclists
The well-paved road and its consistent gradient make it a popular training ground. Be prepared for a significant ascent and ensure you have adequate hydration and energy supplies. Cyclists should be aware of motorized traffic and ride defensively, utilizing designated lanes where available. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit is immense. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road
The ascent offers increasingly spectacular views of the surrounding desert and Al Ain city, with numerous designated lookout points perfect for a photo stop or a moment to simply admire the vastness. This road is not just for cars; it's a popular route for cyclists who challenge themselves with the climb.
+1 Be aware of cyclists sharing the road and drive with extra caution. The road's design and the dramatic limestone cliffs create a truly immersive driving experience, making it a must-do for road trip enthusiasts visiting the UAE. Exploring the Base: Green Mubazzarah & Desert Park
It's a popular spot for picnics, with ample green spaces and chalets available for rent, making it an ideal place for families and groups to spend a leisurely day. Adjacent to Green Mubazzarah is the Jebel Hafeet Desert Park, a protected area that blends natural beauty with significant historical heritage. This park is home to the Jebel Hafeet Tombs, ancient Bronze Age burial sites dating back to around 3200 BCE, offering a glimpse into the region's deep past.
Jebel Hafeet at Night: A Different Perspective
While the summit itself remains devoid of facilities, the atmosphere at night is often described as serene and captivating. It's a popular time for locals and tourists alike to gather, perhaps for a quiet moment of reflection or to enjoy the cooler temperatures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit