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The perfect time to explore the picturesque views away from the hustle and bustle of the city is here. If so, what’s better than going for a hike? If the thought alone has gotten you all excited, lace up your boots, pack your backpack, and look no further than the hiking trails with the best views in the UAE.
Yes, you read it right. You must have heard about skyscrapers, sparkling buildings, lots of dunes, and whatnot. But what people often overlook are the stunning landscapes and dramatic mountain ranges of the UAE, which offer some of the best hiking experiences.
We have compiled a list of some of the best hiking trails with the most scenic views in the United Arab Emirates. Whether you’re an experienced hiker looking for a challenge or a casual adventurer seeking a scenic stroll, there's a trail for you.
If you’re a beginner and would like to start with a simple hike, Wadi Tayyibah is one of the best and easy hikes with a view in the UAE.
This old East Coast road lies 20 km north of Masafi. The hike starts at the Al Tayyibah Heritage Museum in Fujairah. Moving further, you get to enjoy the winds around natural springs and traditional irrigation systems of the old village of Tayyibah in the Hajar Mountains.
What’s best is that if you get tired, there are plenty of places to stop along the way to rest and enjoy the views.
Located just 2 hours from Dubai, the Jebel Hafeet hiking trail is not for the faint-hearted. While it may be one of the quickest hiking trails in the UAE, it's reserved for the more experienced hikers.
It lies along the UAE and Oman border and boasts the country's third-highest peak. The hike starts with a steep climb at the bottom of the mountain in Green Mubazzarah Park. And as you move further up, you can witness the breathtaking views of the Al Ain Oasis, an official UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To fully enjoy the hike, it’s best to carry ample water, sturdy boots, and poles for support.
Another one of the best hikes with a view is Wadi Lasal. This is one of the most fun yet simple hiking trails in Sharjah, UAE. This circular loop trail is approximately 6.2 miles (10km), perfect for trekkers or mountain bikers.
It takes less than 3 hours to complete the hike, including scenic stops along the flat terrains. The best time for this hike is dawn or dusk, when you can witness mesmerizing patterns created by the sun's rays in the sky.
Boasting the highest point in the country, Jebel Jais offers one of the best view hiking trails in the UAE. It is a popular escape from the city fuss, a scenic two-hour drive to the neighboring emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
If you want a stunning view of sprawling mountain ranges, you can head to the Wadi Al Far Trail, about 900 meters in elevation, and it takes about two hours to climb up. Offering 80 kilometers of hiking trails, this area is suitable for all, including short and sweet family walks to adventurous climbs for experienced hikers.
Rounding off the list is another one of the hiking trails in UAE called Hatta. It is a short drive from Dubai and one of the perfect hiking trails with the best views in UAE. This natural beauty is ideal for a 1 or 2-day getaway from the noisy city.
You can witness the beautiful dams and combine the hike with cool activities such as paddle boarding or kayaking. You can also opt to ride a bike that you can rent on-site. What’s most attractive about Hatta is that it’s best for family picnics or a day out with kids.
From the mountains of Ras-Al-Khaimah to the old-heritage villages, there is no shortage of natural beauty that you can explore in the UAE. These hiking trails with the most breathtaking views will make you want to trade in the city skyline for a panoramic vista and embark on a hiking adventure.
But before you decide which of these hikes to go on, ensure that it suits you. In addition, don’t forget to carry enough water, energy bars, and adequate hiking equipment.