7 UAE hiking trails for expert trekkers chasing views and adrenaline

Think you’ve conquered the UAE’s easy weekend trails? Think again. For seasoned trekkers craving heart-pounding climbs, jaw-dropping vistas, and the kind of views that make your camera sweat, these six trails are next-level. From rugged Hajar Mountains ridges to hidden wadis and secret oasis spots, each hike promises a perfect mix of challenge and reward. Lace up your hiking boots, pack plenty of water, and get ready to leave the crowds behind—these aren’t strolls in the park. Adventure, adrenaline, and Instagram-worthy panoramas await at every turn. Here are six UAE hikes that separate the pros from the amateurs.

Check out our beginners list here.

1) Wadi Naqab - Bat Cave Trail

Think you’ve conquered the UAE trails? Try Wadi Naqab’s 19.5 km dry river beds—a meandering playground of old villages and a series of wadis (water optional, depending on the weather). The loop to Al Sanat village clocks in at around 6 hours, with inclines, loose rocks, and zero room for timid toes. Basically: leave the faint-of-heart at home.

Start line: Just punch 'Wadi Naqab' into Google Maps. No 4x4 needed—your legs are the engine here.

Snap-worthy pit stop: Your phone better be charged, because the scenery demands a camera. Time to make your Insta feed unscrollable.

Pro tip: This one’s for seasoned hikers. Beginners? Maybe warm up with an easier trail first, unless you enjoy unplanned “training montages” in the desert sun.

2) Sheri Village Trail

Clocking in at 4.5 km with 581 m of elevation gain, Sheri Village sits pretty at 700 m above sea level. Access it via Wadi Naqab, pass the stone hut, and take a right—simple directions, epic views.

This trail is short but brutal. It's all about steep inclines, exposed rocky paths, and zero mercy from nature. Avoid May to September unless you enjoy feeling like a roasted marshmallow, and skip it in the rain unless you love impromptu mudslides.

Winter is a delight. Crisp air, jaw-dropping vistas, and a trail that makes every step worth it.

3) Wadi Shah to Oasis to Jais

6.9 km, 942 m elevation gain, 3–3.5 hrs of pure leg-burning glory.

This trail tackles the remote, rugged highlands of the Hajar Mountains via ancient, unmarked donkey paths. Get ready for a steep, sweat-inducing climb from the wadi floor up into the high mountains.

Your reward is a hidden oasis with abandoned terraced fields and swaying date palms. And if that isn’t enough, the path keeps climbing to the exposed ridges of Jebel Jais, where the panoramic views practically demand a slow-mo Instagram reel.

Top sights:

• Wadi Jib: The river that whispers, “you made it.”

• Ghalil Al Yafar: More scenic goodness to make your camera sweat.

4) Jebel Jais from Wadi Shah Trailhead

8.5 km, 560 m elevation gain, 3.5–4 hrs of thrill-packed trekking.

Follow in the footsteps of the Shihuh, the legends of the Hajar Mountains, along a historic high-altitude route that’s not for the faint-hearted. Expect narrow ledges, steep staircases, and a bit of scrambling—yes, this is basically your real-life Stairway to Heaven.

Your reward? Epic summit views that make every shaky step worth it, plus bragging rights for your Insta-worthy shots.

Top sights:

• Wadi Arus: River vibes and serenity.

• Wadi Jib: Scenic pit stops for reflection (and photos).

• Wādī Shāh: Another river gem to round off your adventure.

5) Hatta Wadi Hub

32.6 km of trails, 5 new routes, all levels welcome.

Dubai’s largest national park is basically a hiker’s playground. Nestled in the Hajar Mountains, Hatta’s peaks, troughs, and winding wadis—some sandy, some rocky—promise adventure (and peace) around every corner.

Start here: Hatta Wadi Hub.

Pro tip: One day isn’t enough. You’ll want a whole calendar of excursions to truly conquer Hatta. Bonus points if you bring your four-legged friend—they’ll happily splash around in the wadis while keeping you company.

6) Jebel Hafit

Al Ain may be the Garden City, but we’re here for the rocky, rugged charm of Jebel Hafit. This trek takes around four hours from base camp to the killer vantage points, where you can drink in sweeping desert views and the city below.

Start here: Green Mubazzarah Park.

Pro tip: This one’s for the seasoned hiker—break in those shoes first, or prepare for blistered regrets. The summit’s worth it, but stamina is non-negotiable.

7) Stairway to Heaven

If you’re after brag-worthy climbs, the 20km Stairway to Heaven at Wadi Ghalilah is your Everest. Only for seasoned hikers, this beast tops out 1.5km above sea level—so yes, the views are epic, but your lungs and legs will definitely feel it too.

Starting point: Wadi Ghalilah Dam car park.

Pit stop: The summit, obviously.

Top tip: Not for the faint-hearted—200m drops aren’t for casual glances. Knee pain is guaranteed on the way down. Go with a squad of pros… or a guide.