Maybe we are all suddenly obsessed with wellness. Or perhaps it is simply the season in the UAE pulling us outdoors. Either way, trail hiking has officially moved to the top of the agenda — I see it all over social media, I read about it constantly, and even my husband comes back from it from time to time, buzzing about weekend plans (which, more often than not, involve a hike).

And if everyone around you seems to be hiking lately and you are considering giving it a go, this is for you. Because while beginner trails don’t require extreme preparation, they still require some. And if you are planning to go further — properly further — then preparation becomes essential.

So here it is: your guide to trail hiking in the UAE — when to go, where to hike, and what to bring with you.

Very little can spoil a hike — aside from the weather and a handful of beginner mistakes that often come down to inexperience. If you want your first trail to be the start of something, rather than a disappointment, keep these in mind.

1. The wrong shoes

Hiking shoes aren't the same as everyday trainers or running sneakers. Designed with proper grip and sturdier soles, they help prevent slipping on loose gravel and rocky slopes. On uneven terrain, good footwear isn’t just about comfort — it is about safety.

2. Not bringing enough water

Dehydration is very real on a hike, especially in the UAE. A simple rule many outdoor experts follow is at least 1 litre of water per 10 miles (around 16 kilometres) in moderate weather — and significantly more in hotter conditions.

3. Poor timing

I am not only talking about the season — though that is important. The time of day matters just as much. After 11 am, the UAE heat becomes far less forgiving. Evening hikes can also catch you out if you misjudge the light, and many trails close entry between 2 pm and 4 pm.

The safest option? Start early and aim to finish by 10 am at the latest.

4. No map or offline app

Here is something beginners often don’t realise: most mountain trails have little to no mobile signal at all. While many routes are marked, you shouldn’t rely on that alone. Download an offline map or use an app that works without the internet before you set off.

Insider note: If you don’t have a physical map, two apps can help. AllTrails is great for navigation and trail reviews, while Wikiloc is useful for GPS tracks and offline route options.

5. Ignoring the weather

It may seem obvious (particularly in the UAE, where even light rain keeps people indoors), but it is worth saying: hiking in strong winds or rain can be risky, especially in the mountains. Weather can turn quickly, and clear skies don’t always last.

Insider note: Before setting off, it is worth checking the forecast on Windy or AccuWeather. They offer more detail than standard weather apps, including wind speed, gusts and incoming weather systems — particularly useful on exposed mountain trails where conditions can change quickly.

The UAE is full of excellent hiking trails, but when you are just starting out, it is not always best to head straight for the most popular or demanding ones. Ease yourself in instead — begin with a 1–3 hour hike, moderate elevation, and no more than 10 kilometres. Here are several options to consider.

Hatta Wadi Hub Hikes: 2–10 km

Location: Hatta

Hatta Wadi Hub isn’t only a destination for trail cyclists — it is also one of the easiest places to begin your hiking journey. The network includes four colour-coded routes — green, blue, red and black — moving from gentle introductions to more demanding climbs, with distances ranging from 2 to 10 kilometres.

As you walk, the landscape gradually opens into views of Hatta’s rugged mountains and, on certain routes, glimpses of Hatta Dam. The coloured stone markers guide the way, so navigation feels reassuring rather than stressful.

And perhaps the nicest detail of all: once the hike is done, you are never far from a well-earned coffee (or a matcha) at the café nearby.

Al Rabi Trail: 5 km

Location: Sharjah (Khor Fakkan)

Al Rabi Trail feels like the kind of mountain hike that quietly builds your confidence. The path rises steadily for about five kilometres, gaining around 250 metres in elevation, before opening into wide, uninterrupted views over the Gulf of Oman.

There is nothing technical about it — no scrambling, no ropes, no intimidating drops — just a consistent climb that unfolds at a comfortable pace. In roughly one hour and a half, you find yourself standing above the coastline, with a view that makes the effort feel more than justified.

Rainbow Trail: 6 km

Location: Fujairah

At first glance, Rainbow Trail can look similar to Al Rabi in photographs — and that is simply because both are part of the Hajar mountain range. The rocky landscape and earthy tones are characteristic of the region. But geographically and atmospherically, they are quite different. While Al Rabi overlooks the sea from the East Coast, Rainbow Trail sits inland in Fujairah, surrounded entirely by rugged mountain terrain.

The name hints at what makes this track special: layers of subtly coloured rock formations shape the route and guide you through the landscape. With around 350 metres of elevation gain, it demands slightly more effort than Al Rabi, making it a natural next step once you have completed your first mountain hike.

Wadi Abadilah: 6–8 km

Location: Fujairah

Wadi Abadilah is where greenery meets mountain rock in a way that feels almost unexpected for the UAE. The trail stretches for around 6–8 kilometres and is relatively gentle in terms of elevation, making it a comfortable, steady walk rather than a demanding climb.

If you are lucky, you might come across small frogs hiding in natural pools along the way — a quiet reminder that these wadis carry more life than they first appear to.

A small insider note: weekends can feel busy here. If hiking is your way to properly switch off, it is worth planning a weekday visit if possible.

Wadi Tayyibah: around 7 km

Location: Fujairah

If anyone ever tells you the UAE has nothing to do with greenery, this is the trail that proves them wrong. And if someone insists the country looks like Mars — this hike somehow manages to support that too.

Wadi Tayyibah is one of those places that feels almost unreal: palm trees, open valley stretches, rugged mountain walls — all layered together in a way that shouldn’t quite work, yet does.

It is best suited to confident beginners, perhaps as your third or fourth hike. The terrain becomes more uneven as you go deeper, but the overall distance remains manageable.

Jebel Jais, Lower Trails: 1.2–8 km

Location: Ras Al Khaimah

Jebel Jais offers a range of trails, from short 1.2 kilometres introductions to longer lower-segment routes of up to 8 kilometres. The lower zone is ideal if you want a true mountain experience without committing to the most physically demanding sections.

After periods of closure due to unstable weather conditions, many of these trails have reopened, welcoming hikers back to the UAE’s highest mountain. Expect dramatic ridgelines, open exposure and slightly cooler temperatures thanks to the altitude.

Wadi Shawka: 3–12 km

Location: Ras Al Khaimah

Probably the most popular beginner-friendly hike in the UAE, Wadi Shawka offers multiple loop options that allow you to adjust the route depending on how much distance you want to cover — typically between 3 and 12 kilometres.

Considered moderate, it rewards effort with natural pools (after rainfall), open valley views and some of the most beautiful sunrises — if you manage to wake up early enough.

From 2024 onwards, new hiking regulations have been introduced across parts of the UAE. Some apply nationwide, while others are specific to certain emirates — particularly higher-risk mountain areas like Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. Before you head out, it is worth taking a few minutes to understand what applies to your route. Ignoring the rules can lead to hefty fines.

In Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, larger hiking groups (generally 10 people or more) are required to hike under the supervision of a certified mountain guide.

If you are organising a hike — even if it is non-commercial and simply a community or friends’ event — you are also be required to obtain an official permit from the relevant local authority. Organising hikes without proper approval can potentially result in fines.

For individual hikers or small informal groups, these requirements typically apply only when the hike is structured or led as an organised event.

Solo hiking is strongly discouraged — and in some regulated mountain zones, effectively prohibited — particularly in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. Authorities emphasise that mountain hiking is considered a high-risk activity and should be done in pairs or small groups.

Most official hiking routes have QR code registration systems at the trailhead.

Before you begin, you may be asked to scan the code and complete a short form. This logs your start time and basic details, allowing authorities to monitor hikers in case assistance is needed.

In Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, certain regulated mountain areas may have local inspectors and designated supervisors assigned to monitor trails and ensure safety rules are followed.

While the UAE has strengthened its hiking regulations, the reality is that hiking is still hiking — terrain, weather and your own physical condition can never be predicted with complete certainty. If you would like a little extra reassurance, here are two apps that genuinely add an additional layer of safety: