Sky-high buildings, Burj Khalifa, Sparkling malls, and other attractions have always attracted tourists to Dubai. But do you know the other side – the adventure side of Dubai?
Have you ever thought of waking up early during your luxurious Dubai vacation and going for a hike? Let us tell you that Dubai has some spectacular hikes and trails that easily satisfy hungry adventurers.
Here’s the exclusive list of 10 breathtaking hikes in and around Dubai and the UAE. Get ready with your boots and other safety gear, and also buy travel insurance online for a safer adventure.
Top 10 Hikes in Dubai & UAE
Hatta Mountain Trails: An Adventurous Hike
Escape the city and head to Hatta, a mountainous exclave of Dubai. Here, a network of trails caters to all experience levels. The easy trail to Hatta Dam offers stunning views of the surrounding wadis (riverbeds). Challenge yourself with the trails leading to the iconic Hatta sign or the peak of Jebel Kumdah, both rewarding you with breathtaking panoramic vistas.
Al Qudra Lakes: Explore Wildlife
The Al Qudra Lakes, a series of artificial lakes on the outskirts of Dubai, are your answer. Varied trails wind around the lakes, offering opportunities to spot desert foxes, majestic oryx, and various bird species. Time your hike for sunrise or sunset to witness the desert awakening or paint the sky in mesmerizing colours. Be prepared for some sandy terrain, but the chance to commune with nature is well worth it, whether you’re a beginner or a moderate hiker.
Pro Tip: Plan your Dubai Visa from here and explore this hike care-free.
Wadi Ghub: A Dramatic Hike
There is one desert wadi trail, which passes through the wadi of Wadi Ghub, situated in Ras Al Khaimah; this hike is of high complexity and covers the picturesque territory of the wadi. Picture walking with spiralling, multicoloured pillars and smears of paint on the other side of the rocks.
Natural pools are opportunities to bathe — but do not forget that water in them is available only in specific periods. This hike is not for the weary blown, so to speak; they must be willing to put on a pair of good walking shoes and take the challenge. Rough off-road areas and the possibility of floods require some experience and a good portion of caution.
Fossil Rock: A Hike Through Time
Find out about Dubai’s prehistoric past on a moderately challenging hike to Fossil Rock in the Mleiha Desert in Sharjah, which is just a stone’s throw away from Dubai. This is a rather exciting piece of geology and is believed to contain many fossils which give some insight into the ancient history of Dubai.
They secrete marvellous and panoramic desert views over the surrounding area, especially when you reach the top. Learn from your guide how to be a trekker perfect for both beginners and families.
Shawka Dam Mountain Trail: Hike with a View
This hike sells itself; the Shawka Dam Mountain Trail in Sharjah is easily accessible from Dubai, and all the mentioned boxes are checked. When you rise, be ready for enigmatic mountain scenery views. The views of the top bring one to an incredible view of the magnificent Shawka Dam.
This is a beautiful hiking trail for nature lovers, especially those who like taking pictures; they will cherish beautiful shots of the dam and the surrounding land. Some of the proposed inclines are challenging; hence, it is only appropriate for the individuals to be moderately fit.
Mushrif Park Trails: A Family Fun Escape
People sometimes require a small vacation to escape the noise and pollution of the towns. Just within Dubai, Mushrif Park can be recommended because it has many trees, plantations, and short and less challenging trails for a family picnic or walking.
Take a deep breath of the cool extending along green grasses and tree passages and enjoy your packed lunch in the specified picnic zone. This park even has play areas for children to play and exercise; hence, it can be a great place for outings to enjoy nature for children and other people.
Al Rabi Hike: Hike with a Sea View
Al Rabi Hike in Khorfakkan, Sharjah, is an easy day trip from Dubai. This trail is quite a paradox of a scenic coast, with views of the Arabian Sea on one side and the dramatically rocky massifs of the Hajar Mountains on the other.
It’s time to open your eyes—perhaps you will be lucky to notice some dolphins having fun on the coast! Thus, containing some pretty steep parts, this hike is recommended for moderately fit individuals with solid endurance.
Wadi Naqab: A Challenge for Adventurers
Wadi Naqab in Fujairah, which is also a relatively easy day trip from Dubai, is considered to be only for experienced hikers. Be ready to drive through another rather picturesque wadi with beautiful rocks. If you are lucky to come across during the rainy season, expect to swim in the naturally formed plunge pools or even watch beautiful waterfalls.
The technical ground and possibility of torrents make this place challenging and require specific experience and a reasonable dose of tenderness. However, it is one thing that if one can overcome, it becomes the most significant thing ever to achieve.
Jebel Jais Via Ferrata
One must visit Jebel Jais Via Ferrata in Ras Al Khaimah, which can be accessed from Dubai and is thrilling. This cliff hiking trail is safeguarded and is appropriately named the Jebel Jais mountain trail; however, hikers will need essential safety gear and should hire the services of a professional tour guide before exploring the trail since it overlooks the marvellous mountain.
That is not for the ‘faint-hearted’, which makes it more suited to the experienced climbers or adventurous souls, in exchange for the magnificent view and the thrilling exercise.
Conclusion
It does not matter if you are already an experienced traveller or if this is your first time hiking; always remember to make a schedule where you intend to go, bring all necessary things for the trip, and exercise safe hiking on the trails. Buy travel insurance online if things go wrong; they do, and you’ll be glad you prepared for it. Now get out there, discover more of Dubai and watch as the rest of the tails pave the way to more amazing discoveries!
