Hiking Jebel Jais
Jebel Jais Club runs guided sunrise hikes on Jebel Jais that start and finish at The Hub, Jebel Jais, with showers and breakfast afterwards. There is a hike in December, January and March, including a sunrise hike at the Season Finale on Sat 13 Mar.
See the season hikesHiking the highest mountain in the UAE
Jebel Jais is the highest mountain in the UAE, at about 1,934 m, and its trails cross limestone ridges and wadis with long views over Ras Al Khaimah and, on a clear morning, out to the coast. Our hikes are group hikes led by guides, so you do not need to know the trails. The route for each hike is chosen for the day and sent to you with your pass.
Why sunrise
We start in the dark and walk into the light. A sunrise start means cool temperatures, quiet trails and the best light of the day from the ridge, and you are back at The Hub for breakfast while the morning is still cool. Season hikes run from December to March, the best months of the year to be on the mountain.
The season hikes
Sunrise Summit hike, Sat 19 Dec: a sunrise hike, then showers and breakfast at The Hub. Leave No Trace hike, Sat 23 Jan: a guided trail with a clean-up, so we leave the mountain better than we found it. There is no hike during Ramadan in February. The Season Finale on Sat 13 Mar has a sunrise hike alongside the finale ride and showcase. Dates are provisional until they are set with the clubs by Mon 30 Nov.
What to bring
Sturdy shoes with grip, a warm layer for the start and the ridge, plenty of water and your ID for check-in. A head torch helps on a pre-dawn start. Breakfast is at The Hub afterwards, but carry a snack for the trail. Leave the mountain as you found it: everything you carry up comes back down.
Guides and safety
Every club hike is guided and runs with a licensed operator, as Ras Al Khaimah requires for organised treks. Stay with the group between the lead and the sweep guide, keep to the trail and tell a guide if you are struggling. Hikers aged 16 and 17 need a parent or guardian in their booking, and every hiker signs the waiver when they register. We make the weather call early on the day and email you if anything changes.
Start and finish at The Hub
Hikes meet at The Hub, Jebel Jais, at the foot of the mountain road, about 25 minutes by car from Ras Al Khaimah city and about 80 minutes from Dubai in the early morning. Check in with your QR pass, hike, then come back for showers, restrooms, coffee and breakfast, and the Oasis offer on event days. Tap a Passport post or check in to collect your Basecamp Passport stamp for the hike: hike, ride and drive in the same season and you earn the Explorer badge.
Club hikes at Jebel Jais
These are the guided hikes on the calendar; dates are provisional until they are set with the clubs by Mon 30 Nov.
- Sunrise Summit hikeSat 19 Dec (Provisional)
- Leave No Trace hikeSat 23 Jan (Provisional)
- Season FinaleSat 13 Mar (Provisional)
Questions
Do I need hiking experience?
No. Our hikes are guided group hikes with a lead and a sweep guide, and the route is chosen for the group on the day. A reasonable level of fitness helps, because every hike involves some climbing.
What time does a sunrise hike start?
Before dawn, so that the group is on the trail as the sun comes up. The exact meeting time at The Hub comes with your pass and in the reminder email the day before.
Where do the hikes start?
At The Hub, Jebel Jais, at the foot of the Jebel Jais mountain road. Every hike starts and finishes there, with showers and breakfast afterwards.
Are the hikes guided?
Yes. Every club hike is led by guides with a licensed operator, as Ras Al Khaimah requires for organised treks.
Is there a hike every month?
December, January and March. There is no hike during Ramadan in February.
Is it free?
Yes. Places on club events are free. Register, then bring your QR pass to check-in at The Hub.
What about the weather?
We make the call early on the day and email you if anything changes. A hike can be shortened or moved for safety or weather.
Facts checked 25 Oct 2026
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Photos from the road, the next ride, meet or hike, and the stories behind the mural. Tag yours with #JebelJaisClub.