Jebel Jais: UAE's Highest Peak Adventure Guide

Introduction: The UAE's Mountain Escape

Most visitors don't know the UAE has mountains. Jebel Jais, at 1,934 meters, is the country's highest peak and offers a completely different experience from the beaches and skyscrapers. Here you'll find winding mountain roads, dramatic viewpoints, cool temperatures, and adventure activities including the world's longest zipline.

Located in Ras Al Khaimah, just 1.5 hours from Dubai, Jebel Jais is an easy day trip that feels like you've traveled to another country.

Getting to Jebel Jais

The Drive

The journey is part of the experience - the Jebel Jais Mountain Road is an engineering marvel.

• From Dubai: 1.5 hours via E311 and E18
• From Abu Dhabi: 2.5 hours
• From RAK city: 45 minutes
• Road quality: Excellent, fully paved with guardrails
• Fuel up: No petrol stations on the mountain

What to Expect on the Drive

• 21 km of switchbacks and hairpin turns
• Multiple viewpoints and pull-offs
• Dramatic scenery - bring a camera
• Ears may pop from elevation change

Jebel Jais Flight: World's Longest Zipline

The star attraction - a Guinness World Record-holding zipline experience.

The Experience

• Length: 2.83 km (1.76 miles) - world's longest
• Speed: Up to 150 km/h
• Height: Soar above the mountains at 1,680 meters
• Duration: 2-3 minutes of flight time
• Position: Superman-style (face down)

Practical Information

• Price: AED 650+ per person
• Age: 12+ years
• Weight: 45-150 kg
• Book ahead: Often sells out, especially weekends
• Duration: Allow 2 hours total (briefing, transport, flight)

What's Included

• Safety briefing and equipment
• Transport to launch platform
• GoPro footage available for purchase
• Certificate of completion

Jais Sky Tour

For those wanting a longer adventure, the Jais Sky Tour offers multiple ziplines.

The Experience

• Ziplines: 7 ziplines across the mountains
• Total length: 5 km of ziplining
• Highlights: Sky bridge, viewing platforms, varied terrain
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Price: AED 450+ per person

Jais Adventure Park

A growing complex of adventure activities at the base of the mountain.

Activities

• Via Ferrata: Protected climbing route (no experience needed)
• Jais Sledder: Toboggan ride down the mountain (coming soon)
• Hiking trails: Guided and self-guided options
• Zip lines: Various difficulty levels

Hiking at Jebel Jais

Available Trails

• Jais Trail 1: Easy, 2 km, 1-1.5 hours
• Jais Trail 2: Moderate, 4 km, 2-3 hours
• Stairway to Heaven: Challenging, 3+ hours (guided only)

Hiking Tips

• Best season: October to April (cooler temperatures)
• Start early: Begin by 7 AM in warmer months
• Bring: 2+ liters water, sturdy shoes, sun protection
• Tell someone: Share your hiking plans
• Guides: Recommended for Stairway to Heaven

Jebel Jais Viewing Deck

Even without adventure activities, the viewing deck alone is worth the drive.

What You'll See

• Panoramic mountain views
• UAE and Oman territory
• The Gulf of Oman on clear days
• Dramatic sunset views

Facilities

• Puro Café: Coffee and light food with stunning views
• Restrooms: Clean facilities available
• Parking: Free
• Accessibility: Viewing deck is wheelchair accessible

1484 by Puro

The UAE's highest restaurant, named after its elevation in meters.

• Cuisine: International menu with local touches
• Specialty: Coffee and breakfast
• Views: Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains
• Hours: 8 AM - 10 PM
• Reservations: Recommended for sunset

Bear Grylls Explorers Camp

An overnight adventure experience on the mountain.

What's Included

• Accommodation: Safari-style tents or cabins
• Activities: Survival skills, archery, climbing
• Meals: Outdoor cooking experiences
• Stargazing: Minimal light pollution = amazing night skies
• Price: From AED 1,500 per person

Weather & What to Wear

Temperature Guide

• Summer (June-Aug): 25-30°C (still cooler than coast)
• Winter (Dec-Feb): 5-15°C, can drop below 0°C at night
• Always: 10-15°C cooler than Dubai/RAK coast

What to Pack

• Layers: Temperature changes throughout the day
• Jacket: Essential, even in summer (wind)
• Warm clothing: Winter visits need proper cold-weather gear
• Sunscreen: UV is stronger at altitude
• Sunglasses: Bright mountain sun

Photography Tips

• Golden hour: Sunrise and sunset are spectacular
• Viewpoints: Multiple pull-offs on the drive up
• Wide angle: Essential for capturing the scale
• Milky Way: Some of UAE's best stargazing (new moon nights)

Insider Tips

1. Go on weekdays: Weekends get busy, especially the drive up
2. Check the weather: Fog can obscure views - check RAK forecast
3. Sunrise visits: Arrive by 5:30 AM for spectacular sunrise
4. Book zipline early: Popular activity sells out 2+ weeks ahead
5. Bring snacks: Limited food options on the mountain
6. Full tank: No petrol stations - fuel up in RAK city
7. Winter camping: Popular activity - book Bear Grylls camp ahead

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your Visit

Jebel Jais offers a side of the UAE most visitors never see - dramatic mountains, adventure activities, and temperatures that actually require a jacket. Whether you're seeking the adrenaline rush of the world's longest zipline or simply a scenic drive with stunning views, Jebel Jais delivers.

Planning your Jebel Jais adventure? Find tour operators, hotels, and more in Ras Al Khaimah on GoProfiled.