Jebel Hafeet is the bare limestone ridge that rears out of the plain south of Al Ain, straddling the border with Oman. At roughly 1,240 metres it is the highest point in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, and the view from the top takes in the green grid of Al Ain on one side and open desert on the other.
A broad three-lane road of some 60 bends climbs almost twelve kilometres to a car park near the summit — a favourite with drivers and cyclists. At the foot of the mountain lie hot springs and hundreds of Bronze Age tombs.
What to see and do: Jebel Hafeet
Drive to the summit for sunset
There are lay-bys with viewpoints on the way up and a large viewing area at the top. Come an hour before sunset for the light on the rock.
See the Hafit tombs
On the eastern foothills, “beehive” stone tombs about 5,000 years old gave their name to the Hafit period of Arabian prehistory. They form part of Al Ain’s UNESCO listing and can be visited through Jebel Hafit Desert Park.
Soak at Green Mubazzarah
A grassy park at the base of the mountain with warm spring-fed streams and pools, popular with local families at weekends.
How to get there: Jebel Hafeet
- By car: about 20 to 30 minutes from central Al Ain to the start of the mountain road, then around 20 minutes up.
- By tour: many full-day Al Ain tours from Abu Dhabi include the drive up; check the itinerary.
- Taxis from Al Ain will take you up and wait; agree the price first.
Insider tips
- It is noticeably cooler and windier at the top. Bring a layer in winter.
- Haze is common; the clearest views are on winter days after wind or rain.
- Go easy on the brakes on the way down, and watch for cyclists.
Tours & tickets that fit: Jebel Hafeet
These well-rated experiences pair best with Jebel Hafeet:
Day trip from €103 From Abu Dhabi: Full-Day Al Ain Tour with Entry Tickets and Meal
A guided day in the “Garden City” — the date-palm oasis, the old forts and, on most departures, the road up Jebel Hafeet. The gentle, cultural counterpart to a safari, and suitable for people who cannot do dune bashing.
- The UNESCO-listed oasis city
- Forts, museum stops and the oasis
- Entry tickets and a meal included
Sunrise from €64 Abu Dhabi: Sunrise Desert Safari
A short, early trip for photographers and early risers: you are on the dunes as the sun comes up, when the sand is cool, the light is low and nobody else is about. It is also the most comfortable way to see the desert in the hot months.
- Pre-dawn pickup to reach the dunes for first light
- Coolest hours of the day and empty sand
- Back in the city by mid-morning
