Winding mountain road in ras al khaimah jebel jais mountain located in united arab emirates ; Shutterstock ID 648568486; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Keith; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Middle East Online Highlights Update

Shutterstock / Deepu B Pillai

Jebel Jais

Top choice in Ras Al Khaimah


The highest peak in the UAE at 1934m, Jebel Jais is even occasionally dusted with snow. A switchback road snakes up the mountainside delivering vistas of barren, eroded cliffs, deep canyons and warped escarpments around every bend. There are pullouts for photograph-stops along the way, but for the ultimate panoramic mountain views, you'll want to head up to Viewing Deck Park near the summit. For a more up-close-and-personal mountain experience, Jebel Jais has a zip line and via ferrata.

The total drive is about 50km from the roundabout connecting Khuzam and Al Rams Rd in RAK City. Those without their own wheels can access the mountain using the Jebel Jais Shuttle.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ras Al Khaimah attractions

1. Sayh Plateau

2.25 MILES

This tiny natural plain surrounded by jagged limestone peaks has been farmed for centuries and is a beautiful sight in the winter when the plain is bright…

2. Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park

2.66 MILES

As observation decks go, it doesn't get much posher than this. Opened in early 2018, the landscaped and manicured viewing terraces here at 1250m have…

3. Jebel Harim Pass

3.35 MILES

This pass, high up on Jebel Harim, connects the east coast of Musandam with the west coast, across the neck of the peninsula. Rawdah Bowl lies at the…

4. Tombstones

7.06 MILES

A set of ancient inscribed gravestones marks the junction between Rawdah Bowl and the Omani portion of Wadi Bih. Fashioned either from luminous yellow…

5. Dhayah Fort

7.87 MILES

It's well worth climbing the zigzagging staircase (you'll need sturdy shoes – this is not flip-flops territory) to this twin-towered hilltop fortress to…

6. House of Locks

9.12 MILES

An interesting feature of Jebel Harim is the type of local stone-built house known as bait al qifl or ‘house of locks’. So called on account of their…

7. Rawdah Bowl

9.77 MILES

Beneath Jebel Harim, a gap in the mountains leads to an almost circular plateau known as the Rawdah Bowl. A beautiful depression of mature acacia and ghaf…

8. Al Qalaa

13.17 MILES

The newer of Burka's two forts isn't open to the public, but it does boast a commanding vantage point high above town. The castle faces the sea but…