Jebel Hafeet is a significant mosaic piece of the ancient history of the United Arab Emirates. Concurrently, it is an important hallmark as the highest (1240 meters) peak in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. For a traveler, it is a space of surprising discoveries, from the thrill of the difference in elevation to more subdued historical adventures.
What to do on Jebel Hafeet?
As if wrought from rocky and weathered limestone, this site narrates the story of geological transformations through significant fossil discoveries dug out in the area. If natural history is not something that grasps your attention, you can choose other destinations for your trip to this fantastic location.
- Jebel Hafeet tombs. More than 500 of them were found in the foothills, some dating back 5000 years ago. That means that at the beginning of the Bronze Age, life was in full swing here. Nowadays, you can have a look at these single-chamber tombs.
- A serpentine highway drive. The winding highway is considered one of the most exciting roads in the world. There are two lanes for the ascent and one for the descent. The road goes up steadily over rocky limestone ledges. The ascent distance is 11.7 km.
- Views of Al Ain. It is an excellent complement to the trip. While climbing the mountain, you will enjoy many picturesque viewpoints. And from the top, you can see the whole region literally at your feet.
- Many go up the mountain in the evening to look at the starry sky from the top. But even if you have no interest in celestial bodies, dare to complete the trail itself, it is impressive!
- Green Mubazzarah or Al-Mubazzarah Al-Khadra is an oasis at the bottom of the mountain, a popular family recreation spot with picnic and barbecue areas. It is a large lakeside park, with the slopes covered with greenery: a very unusual sight in a desert area. The oasis is known for its hot springs; waters come out of the ground and run like a small river throughout the park. For an insignificant fee, you can visit the public swimming pools; these are separate buildings for men and women, where hot spring water is used for medicinal baths.
- If you continue your trip (from the lake by boat or on the highway by car) to the bottom of the mountain, you will reach the historic Mubazzarah Dam, built in the 50s of the last century.
Jebel Hafeet is located south of Al Ain, and you can reach it in 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi or Dubai.