Hiking in UAE is among some of the best and most vital activities you can plan, and it is guaranteed to add more fun and excitement to your trip. A large number of adventure lovers go to the mountains every year in the UAE to delve into their dose of adrenaline. The hiking trails in the entire country are bounded to bring together all the mysteries hidden behind the immersive beauty of nature while you explore the rugged mountains and get a glimpse of the localities from above.

In this blog post, we have covered the best spots for hiking in the UAE, which take you away from the fancy glamour of city life and bring you closer to nature. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned hiker, these hiking trails are well-marked to give you a pleasant and promising experience for a lifetime.

Get the hiking essentials, pack your bags, and head out to any of these beautiful hiking trails for an off-grid experience.

Hiking Trails in the United Arab Emirates

1. Wadi Abadilah

To get all those Instagram-able pictures during the trek, Wadi Abadilah is a perfect place to hike, with several palm trees in the surroundings. It is a well-marked hiking trail for beginners and also friendly for pets. Wadi Abadilah is located in Fujairah near Masafi. The Wadi is loaded with rugged green floors where you will see small to large-sized trees, pools, natural springs, and water flows. The trail has a lot of water pools along the way, so you must be careful, as the path can be slippery during rainy days.

Location: Wadi Abadilah, on the road between Masafi and Dibba.

2. Wadi Shawka Dam

This trail of Wadi Shawka is recognized as one of the most difficult hikes in the UAE and offers beautiful views of the canyons. Shawka Dam, which is located on Ras Al Khaimah’s eastern outskirts, combines wild species native to the UAE with a picturesque landscape. This huge hiking trail, which is nestled between the Hajar mountains, gives it the ideal place to relax and declutter yourself. The path can be extremely tougher to conquer, requiring good legwork. You can take your own route since there are numerous mountain bike trails in the Shawka region.

Location: Located in the Hajar Mountains of Ras Al Khaimah.

3. Wadi Monay

This 1.5 km hiking route is appropriate for beginners. The three to four-hour climb passes by ruins of ancient civilizations and offers breathtaking views of the Hajar Mountains. Kids will enjoy the hike and find interesting flora, rocks, and animals along the way. Additionally, Dubai is only a 1.5-hour drive away from the trail. Up a rocky wadi, down a trail, up a steep ridge, and over the top and down – The overall experience of hiking at Wadi Monay is pleasantly memorable.

Location: Situated off the Sharjah and Kalba Highway, 1.5 hours away from Dubai.

4. Al Rabi Mountain Trail

One of the most well-known and simple hiking trails in the UAE is the Al Rabi Mountain trail, which is located on the east coast and offers views of Khorfakkan town and the Gulf of Oman. You’ll be treated to a breathtaking morning view, and the trail is well-marked to ensure the safety of every visitor. Be aware that the trek might sometimes be challenging, but you’ll have the Hajjar Mountains and other notable sights in Khorfakkan to motivate you. A wide trail of 6 kilometers has various landmarks and is among the most scenic hikes above Khor Fakkan.

Location: 89R5+P9V, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

5. Hatta Hike

The Hatta Hike trail is situated on the border between the UAE and Oman. Numerous tourist attractions are located along the road, including gorges, tiny cities, and valleys. The 10-kilometer hike course is completed in around 4 to 6 hours. Water bottles, energy bars, and other refreshments should be kept on hand as it is essential to maintain constant hydration throughout the hiking venture. Along the journey, many farms spread out, offering spectacular viewing around the trail.

Location: Located in the foothills of the Hajar mountains.

6. Jebel Hafeet

Next on the list is Jebel Hafeet which is among the most challenging hikes which welcome professional hikers in its scenic drive. Located only 80 kilometers away from Dubai, it is the third-highest hike and is popularly known for its majestic views of the lush green surroundings of Al Ain. If you want to do something more challenging, you can have the option of cycling to test your endurance.

Location: Located at the border of UAE and Oman.

7. Wadi Tayyibah

Next on the list is the lesser-known Wadi Tayyibah, which is packed with breathtaking beauty. Wadi Tayyibah is the place to go for a leisurely stroll to relax and destress your mind. This area comes under Fujairah and winds through the Hajar mountains in the eastern United Arab Emirates. It is a wonderful weekend getaway from the hectic Dubai lifestyle and a lovely change from the typical desert vista.

Location: Situated in the Hajar Mountains of Fujairah, UAE.

8. Ain Al Sheria

Ain Al Sheria in northwest Fujairah is one of the UAE’s most vibrant and geologically interesting hikes, which stands out exceptionally due to its magnificent rock formations in vivid warm tones. Fujairah Adventures’ latest efforts have resulted in a well-marked 8.8-kilometer route. However, prior hiking expertise is required due to the hike’s difficulty. Bring more water than you think you’ll need in addition to sunscreen, as most areas come under the open sun.

Location: H4WV+VW2, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

9. Mleiha

This tourist destination, known as the Fossil Rock, allows you to travel through time. The beautiful natural landscape and distinctive blend of nature offer an experience that will excite you on your hiking adventure. Jebel Buhais is a unique place to trek where the trekkers can take an insight into the views of the 2,000-year-old iron age fort and various archaeological discoveries and ancient landscapes. Visitors can also engage in a landscape tour, such as riding a buggy and getting a closer look at all the objects displayed at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre.

Location: 4RRM+QGW – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates

10. Wadi Lasal

This lengthy but comparatively simple trail begins near the Wadi Modaynah Dam in Ras Al Khaimah, providing both novice and expert hikers with an excellent opportunity to walk across the Hajar Mountains. The trail is excellent for mountain biking as well, and there are several flat places and convenient rest stops along the way where you can enjoy the breathtaking mountain views. Since the loop is only 90 kilometers from Dubai and takes around three hours to complete, some hikers opt to camp nearby the dam to start the walk early. However, this is not necessary, and you can start hiking whenever you want.

Location: Located on the Sharjah-Kalba Road, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

Things to Consider Before Going on a Hike in the United Arab Emirates

If you are a hiking enthusiast and love to explore the scenic beauty hidden in the middle of the mountains, the UAE is the place that brings lots of hiking trails for you to explore. But before you start your hike to your favorite trail, here are some things which you should consider to make this experience memorable for a lifetime.

• Ask your friends to join you on your hiking adventure because it is always better to hike in a group for safety concerns.
• Grab maximum knowledge about the hiking track. Do not decide to watch Instagram pictures or Google images. Research the width, length, height, elevation gain, and other vital aspects of the trail.
• Check the official website to confirm the rules and regulations of the hiking spot. Do check if it requires any pass or offers free entry.
• Do not leave the mess behind. Always clean your trash and take back the empty water bottles and other stuff that you took up with you.
• Do not harm the natural habitat of the wildlife you might encounter en route to your trail.
• Always check the weather forecast before starting to prepare for the hike. Pack the clothes and accessories accordingly.
• Try to avoid choosing cotton clothes as they have more tendency to absorb moisture. Always pick breathable materials such as nylon or polyester.
• Wear wool-blend socks to protect your feet from the hiking harshness.
• Do not forget to bring a trail map and trail description to avoid getting lost. Carrying a GPS app is also a great idea.
• Keep your water bottles filled with water because it is important to stay hydrated.

Wrap up

The beauty and extravagance of the UAE are not limited to its beaches, skyscrapers, and deserts only. There are many other massive things to explore in the country, such as these beautiful hiking trails. If you are a hiking lover, you must have to spare some time to explore these popular hiking spots to satisfy your adventurous soul. Take those memorable pictures and enjoy the priceless hiking experience without breaking your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is UAE suitable for hiking?

The UAE has majestic mountains which offer beautiful hiking spots for those visitors who love to hike.

Is hiking free in UAE?

UAE entertains visitors with its large number of hiking trails and its unique nature. These trails are free, and you can enjoy hiking any time of the day.

Which is the longest trail in the UAE?

Wadi Naqab – Bat Cave Trail is the longest trail in the UAE.

Is hiking beneficial for health?

Hiking helps as a great weight-reducing activity and reduces heart disease, blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It is also helpful in preventing osteoporosis.

What are the rules of hiking?

Do not spread the waste in the surroundings. Keep yourself hydrated. Do not disturb the wildlife. Keep directions so you may not get lost.

What is the difference between hiking and trekking?

Hiking is a simple walk on different hiking trails, while during trekking, long-distance hiking is involved, even requiring camping at night.

The manmade beauty in UAE is beyond exceptional, and the lakes are a great example of how beautiful and breathtaking this side of the country is.

Here we have enlisted a list of popular lakes that are a sight to behold and attract visitors from worldwide. Let’s see this part of UAE and find out how it mesmerizes everyone who visits any of these lakes.

Moon-shaped Lake

The Moon-shaped Lake is widely popular for its crescent moon shape, and since its discovery in Al-Qudra, its popularity has taken the Internet by storm. Surrounded beautifully by the orange and white sand dunes, this is the perfect place to visit if you want to start your lake hunt in UAE.

Location: Situated in the middle of Al Qudra Desert, Dubai.

Pink Lake

Ever since a young photographer discovered the mesmerizing beauty of the pink lake, Pink Lake has become a social media sensation due to the cotton-candy pink-colored water. The lake is 40 meters long and has a width of 10 meters.  A study says that the pink color of the water is due to the proliferation of algae. Going nearer to the pink lake, you can clearly see a layer of sea salt under it. Due to the mystery involved behind the pink coloration of Pink Lake, this place is a must-visit place for tourists.

Location: Saraya Island, Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai

Al Wathba Salt Lake

Al Wathba is a beautiful long stretch of clear green emerald waters with gorgeous crystalline salt pads beneath the surface sand. The lily pad-like salt structures attract visitors coming to this place. You will also find this spot to be attractive for BBQs or night camping. The picturesque views offered by Al Wathba Salt Lake will leave you spellbound due to its unbelievable beauty.

Location: Situated in the Al Bihouth region of Abu Dhabi, near Al Wathba South

Lake Zakher

Lake Zakher is the largest lake in UAE that was created from the wastewater that was released into the land and pushed up against the levels of groundwater. This scenic artificial lake has reedbeds on three of its sides, and a wide landscape of the desert surrounds it. For picnic lovers, it has a number of small shelters where they can enjoy quality time with their friends and family.

Location: Al Ain, Eastern Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the UAE

The Lake of Expo 2020

Dubai Expo 2020 created a buzz around the media with its massive debut in UAE. It’s not just the expo that thrilled the visitors, but The Lake of Expo, too, created a lot of hype due to the massive exploration and unbelievable man-made beauty that this place offers. While on your way to explore the lake, you may also spot ducks, flamingos, and cranes surrounding the lake.

Location: Al Qudra Lake Road, Dubai

Love Lake

An exceptionally beautiful place to visit for love birds that is a true depiction of natural treasure and sheer beauty. The perfect heart-shaped lake is dotted by flora and immensely exudes the vibes of calmness and love, which makes it one of the most visited spots in UAE, especially by couples. While on your way to explore Love Lake, you will be welcomed by flamingos, ducks, and swans.

Location: Situated between the Al Salam desert dunes, a 10-minute drive away from Al Qudra Lake, Dubai

Burj Khalifa Lake

Located centrally in Dowtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa is among the largest manmade lakes in Dubai, with approximately 30 acres occupied. Dubai fountain is also close to the Burj Khalifa lake, which is embellished with 6,000 lights and 25 colored projectors to enhance the surreal vibes of this manmade lake. Book a cruising ride on the lake and enjoy the mesmerizing and amazing fountain show on your trip to Dubai.

Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Bottom line

Although UAE does not have abundant natural water bodies, it has some beautiful manmade lakes where you can enjoy the best of your time. It has a lot of hidden gems that hypnotize the tourists who are visiting these spots for the first time. The manmade lakes will surely make you think about how far UAE has come in indulging innovation in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Does UAE have any natural lakes?

UAE lacks an abundance of natural water bodies, but with the manmade lakes, it is working hard to create its own water bodies and lakes.

• Which is the largest lake in UAE?

Zakher Lake is the largest lake in UAE.

• Which country has the largest number of lakes?

Canada has the largest number of lakes.

There are so many incredible things to do in Dubai, and if you are planning your staycation in Dubai, you should be aware of the public holidays which are coming ahead in 2023. Since the government has announced an equal number of holidays in private and public sectors, people can thoroughly enjoy the official holidays. Usually, people in UAE go on short vacations during their Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha holidays.

During winter, students enjoy academic holidays of three weeks while the staff gets two weeks off. The longest vacation that is allowed to the students officially is during the summer time when the seven-week break is allowed to the students and six weeks to the staff.

As far as public holidays in UAE are concerned, all public and private departments remain closed on these official holidays. Below we have listed UAE public holidays, so you may plan any occasion or vacation on these special days without taking any non-official leave.

UAE holidays 2023

Here is the detail of all the official holidays that are allowed in the public and private sectors in the UAE.

• Gregorian New Year

1st January marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year, and in 2023, it happened on Sunday. This holiday welcomes the beginning of a new year in the hope of achieving new horizons.

• Eid ul Fitr

The 1st Islamic holiday of the year, will fall on the 20th of April and continues for three days. The occasion also marks the end of the sacred Islamic month of Ramadan, where Muslims observe fasting for 30 days. On the occasion of Eid ul Fitr, Muslims perform special prayers, greet each other and pay charity.

• Arafat Day

This year, the Day of Arafat, 9th Dhul Hijjah, will be observed on 27th June. Arafat is a part of the Hajj Pilgrimage in which Muslim pilgrims make their way from Mina to Mount Arafat.

• Eid ul Adha

Eid ul Adha is the largest holiday celebrated among the Muslim community worldwide. This year Eid ul Adha will fall from 28th June to 30th June, during which Muslims sacrifice goat, sheep, camel, or cow to honor the sacrifice of Ibrahim (A.S), who dreamt of sacrificing His only son for the willingness of Allah. While he was ready to sacrifice Ismail (A.S), God sent a sheep who took the place of Ismail (A.S). Every year, Muslims celebrate Eid ul Adha to honor the love and dedication Ibrahim (A.S) showed for Allah. While Muslims sacrifice the animal, its meat is divided into three parts, out of which one part is given to the needy and poor people.

• Islamic New Year

The beginning of the new Hijri Calendar will be observed on the 21st of July when Muslims mark the start of another historically important month, Muharram. Interestingly, this year, 21st July will be held on Friday, which means people in UAE can enjoy a three-day long weekend.

• The Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

The Muslim community celebrates the birthday of their beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on 12th Rabi ul Awwal, which will fall on 29th September this year.

• Commemoration Day

Commemoration Day is celebrated in the UAE to honor the martyr heroes who fought for the country. A one-minute silence is observed on 30th November, followed by the national holiday on 1st December. Every year, Commemoration Day is observed to honor those who have died while serving the UAE and to recognize the commitment and sacrifices made by the nation’s military and civilian service members. Commemoration Day in the UAE was introduced in 2015 by the Late President Sheikh Khalifa.

• UAE National Day

The UAE’s National Day is celebrated on 2nd December each year, on which the entire nation celebrates the unity of all the seven emirates into one unified nation. The display of fireworks and dazzling ceremonies are everywhere in the country, and the people rejoice in the spirit of unity. Locals and foreigners come together to celebrate the UAE National Day on 2nd December and create an atmosphere that is spectacular in the truest sense.

Enjoy the holidays to the fullest when in UAE

There are multiple activities and places to explore in UAE, and during the public holidays, you can enjoy the much-needed getaway from the hectic work routine and explore these fun places.

To plan camping in UAE, check the list of the best camping spots here. (https://fundining.ae/camping-in-uae/ )

To explore the delectable flavors of Dubai in a luxurious atmosphere, check out the list of the top hotels in Dubai. (https://fundining.ae/top-4-stars-hotels-in-dubai/ )

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How many public holidays are allowed in the UAE?

There are a total of 14 public holidays allowed in the UAE.

• How many holidays are granted for the UAE’s National Day?

There are two holidays allowed to celebrate UAE’s National Day, i.e., on the 2nd and 3rd of December.

• Are public holidays paid in UAE?

The public holidays are paid leaves, and if the employee is required to work on a public holiday, he will be compensated by either any paid day leave or an additional bonus.

• What is the next public holiday in UAE?

The next public holiday in UAE will be held on 20th April to celebrate Eid ul Fitr.