Perfect Weekend Getaway: Travel To Jebel Jais

by Sophie She

Perfect Weekend Getaway: Travel To Jebel Jais

26 Sept 2024

Photo: Fedya Ro

Jebel Jais, or as locals tenderly call it — JJ — is the UAE's highest peak, by the way! It is located in the northernmost region of the UAE and stands as the highest mountain in the country, reaching a peak of 1,934 metres above sea level. This mountain alone offers an excellent weekend escape for those looking to travel away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai, immersing themselves in natural landscapes, adventures, and relaxing moments.

Photo: Fedya Ro

Why Jebel Jais?

Beyond the adventure activities, Jebel Jais offers a serene retreat into nature. The mountain air is cooler than the cities, especially in the hotter days, making it a perfect spot for relaxation. You can pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the many viewpoints scattered along the mountain road, offering lovely panoramas of the surrounding landscape.

Jebel Jais is also an ideal location for photography enthusiasts, with the golden hours of sunrise and sunset casting beautiful light over the rocky peaks, making it perfect for capturing dramatic mountain shots. Sounds good, doesn’t it? So, it is time to grab your travel backpack and go.

Photo: Fedya Ro

Travel Step 1: Getting there

The entire drive from Dubai or Abu Dhabi is about 2–2.5 hours, depending on traffic, making it a convenient and quick weekend escape.

Photo: Fedya Ro

Travel Step 2: Where to stay

Of course, we are starting with looking into the place on which pillows you will rest your body for +10 hours after a terrible work week. JJ is located inRas Al Khaimah, and luckily RAK offers a variety of accommodation options suited to every

Photo: Fedya Ro

The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert: For those who travel in search of luxury, this desert resort offers private villas with pools, fine dining, and a full suite of spa services, providing the ultimate escape.
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort: Located along the pristine coast, this beachfront hotel blends chic with the relaxing vibe of the sea. It is a great option if you want to mix mountain adventure with a seaside retreat.

Jebel Jais Camp: This one is literally made for Bear Grylls lovers, so grab your travel backpack and let’s hang out with nature. For the more adventurous, camping on Jebel Jais is a great way to fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. The mountain’s designated camping spots offer breathtaking views of the night sky, particularly ideal for stargazers.

Photo: Fedya Ro

Travel Step 3: Where to eat

While there aren’t many restaurants directly on Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah offers some dining options.

Photo: Fedya Ro

1484 by Puro: Sandy Team’s favourite. This restaurant, named for its altitude, is located at 1,484 metres above sea level. It offers a mix of international cuisine with stunning panoramic views of the mountains. Whether it is a morning breakfast or a sunset dinner, it is the perfect spot to dine while soaking in the view. Try their bowls, the are gorg.
Lexington Grill & Bar (Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah): If you have your tux on you — for a fine-dining experience, head to this American-style steakhouse. It is perfect for a celebratory meal after a day of hiking or ziplining.

Photo: Fedya Ro

Travel Step 4: Things to do

Now, here we have plenty:

Jebel Jais Flight – The World’s Longest Zipline
For thrill-seekers, the Jebel Jais Flight, holding the title of the world’s longest zipline, is an absolute must. Soaring over the rugged mountain landscape at speeds of up to 160 km/h , this is an unforgettable travel adventure. The entire experience spans over 2.83 km, giving you a thrilling bird’s-eye view of the majestic mountain range. They also offer now some promotional packages for your fun to be also kind to your pocket
Jais Sky Tour
If the zipline is a bit too extreme and you’d like to keep your pants dry (like this author), the Jais Sky Tour offers a slightly tamer adventure but still packed with excitement. This series of six ziplines, connected by suspension bridges, lets you fly between mountain peaks, while enjoying different perspectives of the landscape.

Photo: Fedya Ro

Hiking Trails
Jebel Jais offers several well-marked hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts and nature photography lovers. Ranging from beginner to more advanced routes, these hikes will lead you through canyons, valleys, and rugged cliffs. One popular trail is the Wadi Shah Trail, known for its challenging climbs and rewarding views from the summit. Your sports tracker will be proud of you!
Jais Viewing Deck Park
For those who want to relax while taking in the sights, head to the Jais Viewing Deck Park, which offers several platforms with stunning views of the Hajar Mountains and the Arabian Gulf. It is the perfect spot to catch the sunrise or sunset, complete with food trucks serving snacks and beverages. Relax and enjoy!

Photo: Fedya Ro

Jais Sledder
Newly introduced, the Jais Sledder is a toboggan ride that lets you travel 1,840 metres down the side of the mountain. The ride reaches speeds of up to 40 km/h and offers family-friendly fun for some quality time together.

Photo: Fedya Ro

by Sophie She