Jebel Hafeet Desert Park Abu Dhabi
Experience the majestic Jebel Hafeet mountain, explore ancient history, and sleep under the stars in this stunning desert park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour views are spectacular
Jebel Hafeet Desert Park Abu Dhabi
Best Time
Golden hour views are spectacular

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the majestic Jebel Hafeet mountain, explore ancient history, and sleep under the stars in this stunning desert park.
"An unforgettable desert escape with breathtaking views and unique accommodations."
Book Eco-Retreats Early
Popular accommodations like Pura Eco Retreat book up fast, especially domes with private pools.
Scenic Drive Stops
Pull over at scenic overlooks during your drive up Jebel Hafeet for breathtaking photo opportunities.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pura Eco Retreat Domes
Base of Jebel Hafeet Mountain
Unique dome tents with private pools offering a serene desert escape and breathtaking mountain views.

Jebel Hafeet Mountain Drive
Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road
An exhilarating drive with stunning panoramic views, often cited as one of the world's most amazing roads.

Ancient Tombs
Jebel Hafeet Desert Park
Explore UNESCO-listed restored tombs, offering a glimpse into the area's rich historical past.

Stargazing & Campfires
Designated camping areas
Experience clear desert skies for incredible stargazing, often enhanced by cozy campfires.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Desert Serenity
Adventure Awaits: Drive or Hike?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Eco-Retreats Early
Popular accommodations like Pura Eco Retreat book up fast, especially domes with private pools.
Scenic Drive Stops
Pull over at scenic overlooks during your drive up Jebel Hafeet for breathtaking photo opportunities.
Respect the Environment
Help keep the park clean by disposing of trash properly; avoid littering the beautiful landscape.
Pack for Comfort
Bring comfortable shoes for hiking and layers for cooler desert evenings.
Desert safari or hiking at jebel hafeet
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Eco-Retreats Early
Popular accommodations like Pura Eco Retreat book up fast, especially domes with private pools.
Scenic Drive Stops
Pull over at scenic overlooks during your drive up Jebel Hafeet for breathtaking photo opportunities.
Respect the Environment
Help keep the park clean by disposing of trash properly; avoid littering the beautiful landscape.
Pack for Comfort
Bring comfortable shoes for hiking and layers for cooler desert evenings.
Check Weather Forecast
Desert weather can be extreme; check forecasts for heat or potential sandstorms before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Jebel Hafeet Desert Park for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the iconic mountain drive and the serene desert atmosphere. The unique accommodations like Pura Eco Retreat and the opportunity for stargazing are major highlights, complemented by attentive staff and delicious food. However, some guests note that litter and graffiti can detract from the otherwise pristine landscape.
"The Location is awesome. Stargazing without stray light from a city. Meet interesting people at the fire pit. Nice hiking trails. Good foot with attentive staff. Ali die an outstanding Job served us on Apr.07.2025.
Shuttle service was perfect."
Norbert Schönhofen
"The view is absolutely beautiful, everything was clean and well-maintained. The service was top-notch — the staff were incredibly kind, attentive, and welcoming. The atmosphere was warm and cozy. The food was delicious, plentiful, and truly satisfying. We especially loved the campfire — it added a magical and relaxing touch to the evening. Thank you for the wonderful hospitality and care!"
Eva Shin
"We had an amazing stay all around. From the minute we were checked in by Eve, to being taken care of by Adil as well as Guru at the restaurant, the entire staff and team were phenomenal. The room is meticulous and the service provided at the property was superb. The food at the restaurant was also delicious and included a variety of dishes. We had a great 2 nights and will be coming back for sure."
Nael
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Jebel Hafeet Desert Park is by car, approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Abu Dhabi city. You can also consider hiring a taxi or using ride-sharing services. Public transport options are limited, but some travelers have inquired about bus routes to Al Ain, from where you might need a local taxi.
Yes, the Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road is a famous and enjoyable drive, often praised for its scenic beauty and challenging turns. It's a popular activity for both cars and motorcycles.
Public transport directly to the park is not widely available. Travelers typically rely on private vehicles or taxis. If coming from Abu Dhabi, you might take a bus to Al Ain and then a local taxi to the park.
Exploring the park can be done by car, allowing you to drive up the mountain and visit various viewpoints. For a more immersive experience, consider hiking the trails or staying overnight at one of the eco-retreats.
The main roads are paved and accessible for standard vehicles. However, for off-road exploration within the park, a 4x4 vehicle might be necessary, though most attractions are reachable by regular cars.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Jebel Hafeet Desert Park itself is generally free. However, specific activities or accommodations within the park, such as the Pura Eco Retreat, will have their own associated costs.
The park is typically open 24 hours, allowing for both day visits and overnight stays. However, specific facilities or attractions within the park may have their own operating hours.
There are no entrance fees to drive on the Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road. The road is a public thoroughfare, and the stunning views are accessible to all visitors.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book accommodation, especially at popular spots like Pura Eco Retreat, well in advance, as they can fill up quickly.
While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, guided tours for hiking or cultural experiences might be available through local operators or the park's management. It's advisable to check locally or online for current offerings.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers various hiking trails suitable for different fitness levels. While specific trail names aren't always detailed, exploring the base and slopes of the mountain provides excellent hiking opportunities.
Keep an eye out for local bird species, including Egyptian vultures. The desert environment also supports various reptiles and small mammals, though sightings can be rare.
Yes, Jebel Hafeet Desert Park has designated camping spots, some of which offer facilities like toilets and showers, making it a great option for overnight stays.
Campsites at Jebel Hafeet Desert Park are reported to have basic facilities, including clean, modern shared showers and toilets. Some sites also provide wood for campfires.
Visitors can enjoy stargazing, have picnics in designated areas like the Green Zone, explore the ancient tombs, or relax at eco-retreats with amenities like private pools and campfires.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the park itself might have limited dining, accommodations like Pura Eco Retreat offer delicious food. There are also reports of a shisha cafe at the Mecure hotel on top of the mountain for sunset views.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is a great idea. The Green Zone at the base of Jebel Hafeet is mentioned as a nice spot for a picnic.
Eco-retreats like Pura Eco Retreat offer delicious meals, with guests praising the food as plentiful, satisfying, and varied. Breakfast is often highlighted as a positive aspect.
The Mecure hotel at the summit of Jebel Hafeet is mentioned as a place with a shisha cafe, offering a spot to relax and enjoy the sunset with refreshments.
Yes, if you are camping or staying in heritage tents, you can often order food directly to your tent at reasonable prices.
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic overlooks along the Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road offer stunning panoramic views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The desert landscape itself provides a dramatic backdrop.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. The clear night skies are also excellent for astrophotography.
The UNESCO-listed restored tombs offer unique photographic opportunities, blending ancient history with the desert environment.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive desert landscapes and mountain vistas. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions, especially for stargazing.
Photographing wildlife, such as birds, can be rewarding, but it requires patience and a telephoto lens. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During the day, families can enjoy gentle hikes on some of the park's trails, explore the ancient tombs for a touch of history, or have a picnic in scenic spots like the Green Zone. The drive up Jebel Hafeet mountain also offers spectacular views that can captivate younger imaginations, with plenty of safe overlooks to stop and admire the scenery.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Consider planning your drive to coincide with sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting and unforgettable photographic opportunities. The drive offers a thrilling experience with plenty of opportunities to appreciate the engineering marvel of the road and the natural beauty of the Hajar Mountains.
🌌 Stargazers & Nature Lovers
Beyond the celestial wonders, the park offers a chance to connect with nature through its hiking trails and unique desert flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for local birdlife, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the desert. The ancient tombs also add a layer of natural and historical discovery to your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Jebel Hafeet Mountain Drive
Travelers recommend stopping at the numerous scenic overlooks to fully appreciate the vastness of the landscape. The drive is particularly magical during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, when the light casts a warm glow over the mountains. Some suggest driving up, enjoying the views, driving down, and then driving up again for a more spirited experience, emphasizing the road's suitability for enthusiastic driving.
However, it's important to be aware of the road's condition and other users. While the drive is exhilarating, some visitors have noted the presence of litter and graffiti on the mountain, which can detract from the natural beauty. Despite this, the sheer scale and beauty of the drive make it an unforgettable part of any visit to Jebel Hafeet Desert Park.
Unique Stays: Pura Eco Retreat
The dome tents, in particular, have become a sought-after feature, with some boasting private pools that offer a luxurious way to enjoy the desert surroundings. Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness, comfort, and the attentive service provided by the staff, who often go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. The atmosphere is described as warm, cozy, and magical, especially with the addition of campfires in the evening.
Beyond the accommodation itself, the retreat offers delicious food, with breakfast often highlighted as a standout. The location is ideal for stargazing due to the minimal light pollution, and the proximity to the park's attractions, including ancient tombs and hiking trails, makes it a convenient base for exploration.
Exploring the History: Ancient Tombs
Visiting these tombs provides a unique opportunity to connect with the past. The archaeological significance of the area highlights the long human history present in the UAE. While the park is known for its stunning desert landscapes and the iconic mountain drive, these historical remnants add another layer of depth to the visitor experience.
For those interested in history and archaeology, taking the time to visit and learn about these ancient structures is highly recommended. They stand as silent testaments to the enduring legacy of human civilization in this desert landscape.
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