Ask most UAE residents, and they will tell you the six months of good weather we enjoy, that just begs you to head outdoors, makes any summer sweltering worthwhile. Lucky then that the UAE can't fail to please even the hardiest of walkers.
Staggering routes that rise high into the mountains, descend deep into wadis and offer vistas of unparalleled beauty and remoteness are just waiting to be explored.
Make the most of your next weekend by heading off on a hike, then enjoying some R&R by booking a nearby hotel - or if you are in the mood, embrace the outdoors and sleep under the stars.
What to take on your hike expedition:
- Trail trainers or hiking boots with good ankle support
- Emergency whistle
- Water - count on at least three litres per person even in the cooler winter months
- Food
- Warm clothing and waterproofs (depending on the season)
- First-aid kit (including insect repellent, paracetamol, a bandage, plasters, antihistamine, antiseptic cream and dehydration salts)
- Passport - if the drive requires crossing through the Omani border
- Sun protection (hats, sunglasses, SPF cream)
- Mobile phone
- Camera
Hike 1
Stairway to Heaven
Why go? Nothing short of breathtaking, this intricate trail was constructed by the Shihu tribe; it literally is a series of precarious staircases connecting terraces on a vertical stone rock - this makes it very exposed in places so you need a head for heights! Not for the faint-hearted, the hike requires stamina and endurance, but the views from the 1,930m-high summit combined with the massive sense of achievement, make it all worthwhile.
Where to stay: Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Ras Al Khaimah
Spread over 100 hectares, this resort is an oasis of indulgence, the epitome of luxury and would make an idyllic retreat after the physical challenge that this hike presents. Room rates start at Dh2,000 per night, visit www.banyantree.com.
Need to know
Location: North of Ras Al Khaimah, Northern Emirates
Distance from Dubai: 134km
Time to hike: Ten to 12 hours
Difficulty rating: Extreme. It is essential that you tackle this with someone who knows the route and even then, it's not for novices. Many do this hike over two days, camping overnight in between. Arabia Outdoors (www.arabiaoutdoors.com) organises regular trips, call 055-9556209 or email info@arabiaoutdoors.com.
Hike 2
Jebel Sumayni
Why go? Situated onthe UAE-Oman border,Jebel Sumayni is verypopular thanks to the amazing rock formations, gorgeous views and lush plantations. Despite a summit height of 1,073m, it's a relatively easy hike which makes it an excellent introductory peak. From the top, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Big Red sand dunes and the rugged Hajar mountains.
Where to stay: Hatta Fort Hotel
This is a charming retreatthat sits majestically atthe foot of the Hajar Mountains and has a lovely laid-back feel to it. Roomrates start at Dh350, visit www.jebelali-international.com.
Need to know
- Location: South of Ray, Hatta
- Distance from Dubai: 80km
- Time to hike: Five to six hours but can easily be shortened
- Difficulty rating: Moderate. The hike is a mixture of uphill walking on rocky paths and scrambling up wadi beds.
Hike 3
Hanging Gardens
Why go? Unlike anything else you will find in the Emirates, the Hanging Gardens are amazing rock formations that ascend to the base of the cliff of Jebel Qatar. The views are spectacular and there are countless route options to explore, many of which remain undiscovered. So even the most pioneering adventureris sure to be entertained. You can also exploreFossil Valley, where pretty much every rock containsa fossil.
Where to stay: Al Ain Rotana
Situated in the heart of the city, this hotel has some great restaurants and comprehensive spa and fitness facilities to ease those tired feet after a day out hiking. Room rates start at Dh600 per night, www.rotana.com.
Need to know
- Location: North of Al Ain
- Distance from Dubai: 110km
- Time to hike: From four hours
- Difficulty rating: Moderate. Mixture of uphill walking on rocky paths and scrambling up wadi beds.
Hike 4
Aqaba - Lima
Why go? Organised by Absolute Adventures (www.adventure.ae), this hike starts off with a 45-minute boat ride along the Musandam Peninsula to Aqaba. From there, the hike takes you on a trail along the water's edge, so keep an eye out for dolphins, before rising steeply up to the abandoned town of Aqaba, 250m above sea level. The views on to the harbour and to Lima are spectacular. The trail then descends into Lima where fresh water pools, date farms and almond trees are in adundance. Here you have lunch before catching a boat back to Dibba, stopping along the way for snorkelling. Call 04-3459900 or email info@adventure.ae.
Where to stay: Golden Tulip Resort Dibba
The Golden Tulip sits right on the Musandam Peninsula on a pristine sandy beach and a backdrop of the majestic Hajar Mountains.
Room rates start at Dh500 per night, www.goldentulipdibba.com.
Need to know
- Location: Dibba Village,East Coast
- Distance from Dubai: 130km
- Time to hike: Three hours
- Difficulty Rating: Difficult. It's not a long hike, but the trail is quite steep, both for ascending and descending.
Hike 5
Wadi Wurrayah
Why go? Wadi Wurrayah is the UAE's first protected mountain area, in part for being the home of the country's last remaining Arabian leopard among a number of other protected species. The area also boasts some amazing waterfalls, freshwater pools and the remnants of countless Bedouin settlements. If you choose to hike along the wadi you can include a bit of canyoning (so be prepared to get wet feet!) or you can hike above the falls. The secluded fresh-water pools make for perfect picnic spots.
Where to stay: Oceanic Hotel
With views that combine dramatic mountains and the sea, the Oceanic is fantastic for water sports. The hotel is a little dated, but the beach is great and it offers fantastic value for money. Room rates from Dh350 per night, www.oceanichotel.com.
Need to know
- Location: North of Khor Fakkan, East Coast
- Distance from Dubai: 178km
- Time to hike: Four hours
- Difficulty rating: Easy. Mainly just trekking over flat ground with a few small inclines
Keen to camp?
Sleeping under the starsis one of the great attractions of living here, and with minimal gear and preparations required,it costs next to nothing. There are a few proper campsites around the country, but most campers treat the desert or the beaches as their playground, as you can set up just about anywhere. Both Carrefour and ACE Hardware have great gear at affordable prices.
Camping must-haves:
- Tent
- Lightweight sleeping bag and mattress
- Torches and spare batteries
- Coolbox
- Water - for drinking and washing
- Food and drinks
- Camping stove and firewood or BBQ and charcoal
- Newspaper and matches to light the fire
- Warm clothing
- Toilet rolls
- Rubbish bags
Hiking tips
The UAE Off-Road Explorer book is a must-have for outdoor adventure seekers with detailed route maps, planned itineraries, must-see highlights and easy to follow sections by area and activity.
A GPS is necessary, not only to get to your starting point but because hiking in the UAE is rarely supported by a single trail to follow.
If your hike destination requires off-road driving, a 4x4 vehicle will be needed, as will an experienced driver.
Don't want to go it alone? There are several adventure companies who organise regular hiking trips around the country. Check out the Abu Dhabi Alpine Club (www.adalpine.wordpress.com); the Dubai Outdoors Club (www.socialcirclesuae.com/group/dubaioutdoorsclub); or the ESCAPE Dubai Meetup Group (www.meetup.com/Escape-Dubai) who all welcome new members with a shared passion for hiking and the outdoors.
