Trailblazing Adventure in UAE's Great Outdoors

The First UAE Cross-Emirate Hiking Trail Is Coming Soon – From Jebel Jais to Alaqqah Coastline

The United Arab Emirates is entering a new era of nature and adventure tourism: Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are jointly working on creating a unified cross-emirate hiking trail that connects the country's most spectacular natural wonders. The trail starts from Ras Al Khaimah's most famous peak, Jebel Jais, and extends to the Alaqqah coastline, traversing mountains, valleys (wadis), desert landscapes, and coastal areas.

Unique Close-to-Nature Experience

This is the first initiative of its kind in the UAE, linking the hiking networks of several emirates into one long, continuous trail. The two northern emirates — Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah — share common mountain ranges that stretch near the border with Oman. The project's goal is to provide nature lovers and adventure tourists the opportunity to enjoy the best offerings of both emirates on a single route.

The hike will cover the UAE's highest point, the 1,934-meter-high Jebel Jais, and the trail continues along the Sal Khail Trail and the spectacular rocky ridges of the Alaqqah Coastal Ridge, offering unparalleled views of Fujairah city and the sea.

Adventure and Active Recreation

Ras Al Khaimah has already been popular in adventure tourism, thanks to attractions like the Jais Sledder, a mountain sled track, and the Jais Sky Tour, which features six zipline tracks from various heights. Additionally, popular hiking spots such as Jabal Mibrah, Showka, Dafta, Mamadoh, Esfai, and Esfini are also accessible.

Fujairah, on the other hand, is famous for its naturally beautiful, sea-facing mountain hiking trails, highlighted by the Sal Khail Trail and the Alaqqah Coastal Ridge. These locations perfectly complement Ras Al Khaimah's existing offerings, creating a connected, diverse, and exciting hiking trail.

Collaboration to Boost Tourism

The collaboration between the two emirates has been formalized with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and Fujairah Adventures. The aim is to elevate adventure tourism and close-to-nature experiences by connecting the existing hiking networks.

This development is especially relevant to Ras Al Khaimah's tourism goals, as the emirate hosted about 1.3 million visitors in 2024, with plans to triple this figure to 3.5 million by 2030. Currently, half of the emirate's visitors come from other parts of the UAE, many of whom seek relaxation, rejuvenation, and active recreation.

Unique Natural Features

Ras Al Khaimah's uniqueness lies in its blend of mountainous, coastal, and desert landscapes. The 64 kilometers of untouched white sandy shores, the peak of Jebel Jais, and the desert sand dunes together offer a complex natural experience that is truly unmatched in the region.

Summary

The new hiking trail not only presents a fantastic opportunity for nature and adventure enthusiasts but also contributes to diversifying local tourism, promoting sustainable development, and better preserving natural values. Through the collaboration between Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, the UAE takes another step towards becoming a leading player in nature-based tourism in the region.

(The article is sourced from a statement by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).)