Jebel Hafeet mountain
1 / 5
Jebel Hafeet - by Kent Tupas on Unsplash
Description
Jabal Hafeet (meaning "empty Mountain" and spelled with different variations) is the second highest peak in the UAE at 1,249m and is located immediately to the south of the city of Al Ain, in the Abu Dhabi emirate, at the border with Oman. With a prominence of 900m and 11.7 km of photogenic road with 60 turns, the highlights are the drive and panoramic views from the top. The Hafit Graves and Mezyad Fort are situated at the foot of the mountain and worth a quick visit as well. Trivia: the mountain is a regular feature of the UAE Tour cycling race (8% average gradient).
Access & Transport
The summit is 25km / 30mins drive away from the center of Al Ain city and 1h45 / 170km from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. There is a bus service until close to the base of the mountain (Green Mubazzarah Valley) but not inside the protected area and up to the top
Instructions & Recommendations
Considering the hot weather during the day it is best to schedule a drive up for either sunrise or a little before sunset. You may want to combine a visit there with other attractions in Al Ain such as the zoo, Al Jahili Fort and/or Al Ain Oasis.
Environmental & Social
Marginally negative from an environmental standpoint because of the transport aspect to get there. Socially neutral
Conclusion
Jebel Hafeet mountain is a nice change in topography from the rest of the Abu Dhabi emirate and makes for a great outing with superb views but, for most international travellers, it may not warrant the long drive from either Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Rather, it works perfectly well in combination with other attractions in the Al Ain area. Make sure you go up early or late in the day for the best weather and atmospheric conditions.
Key positive
Good views and enjoyable drive up the mountain
Short drive to other Al Ain attractions
Key negative
Hot and dusty during the day
Not spectacular by international standards
Suitability
Suitable for all ages and accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Not recommended for people suffering from motion sickness.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 30m
est. visit time:2h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo