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Exploring the UAE: Drive to Al Ain’s Jebel Hafeet

Last updated on September 8, 2025 | 8 min read
Written By
Shruti Gupta
Edited By
Sachin Nayi
Exploring the UAE: Drive to Al Ain’s Jebel Hafeet

How about indulging in one of the most adventurous drives on a well-developed road to even enjoy night photography, picnics, and camping experiences later on? 

In the hustle culture where everyone is struggling to meet their needs and fulfil their dreams of a lifestyle, an escape is necessary. A break that connects you to yourself, lets you cherish life’s experiences, and lets you enjoy the beauty of the UAE through every angle.

The Jebel Hafeet road trip takes you to the highest peak (1249 m) of Abu Dhabi in Al Ain, and even the most interesting yet scenic drives. It ranges 11.7 km and has 60 bends, thus Edmunds and Lonely Planet regard it as the world’s best driving roads. 

Throughout the route, you will find panoramic desert views, Al Ain’s oasis, and an illuminated city skyline. So you can enjoy sunrise, sunset, picnics, camping, adventure, and night photography. 

It is one of the most beautiful mountain peaks, with the surrounding landscape and even the route through it. It is located on the border of Oman and the UAE, where the name of the peak in Arabic means empty mountain. So, while you want to learn more about it, let’s check the details. 

Why Should You Take a Jebel Hafeet Road Trip?

Jebel Hafeet, being the second-highest peak in the UAE, requires you to drive  11.7 km and is a mountainous route. While many people would think why it’s worth visiting, below-mentioned are the reasons:

  • Incredible views: Jebel Hafeet in the vicinity of Al Ain will give incredible, breathtaking views of its oasis and a desert scenery from the summit. 
  • Adventurous Drive: The mountainous well well-maintained, steep yet winding road gives a thrilling driving experience. Plus, with the performance of luxury cars, it becomes effortless yet adventurous to drive. 
  • Night Views: The Jebel Hafeet is gloriously illuminated at night, offering diverse perspectives.
  • Ideal for Picnics: For those who want an escape from city life and the usual hustle culture, Jebel Hafeet is suitable. This is because it has a huge space for relaxation with a large parking lot and cafeteria. 

 

Besides, it even offers breathtaking yet serene sunrises and sunsets. Moreover, the best part is the Jebel Hafeet drive up the mountain that most people love. 

What Is The Best Time To Visit Jebel Hafeet?

October to April is the ideal time to drive to Jebel Hafeet as the weather is cooler than making your trip more happening. In such super clear skies, you can take better photos for your Instagram and vlogs. 

Moreover, would you like driving a convertible and the cool mountain breeze falling on your face during this time? 

Yet, if you are visiting during any other time, then evening and night visits are more preferred due to their fresh air and spectacular city views. 

But if you are planning to travel in December-January, then do carry winter wear as the temperatures would fall below 15°C after sunset. 

How To Plan A Jebel Hafeet Road Trip from the UAE?

There are some popular yet Thrilling routes to travel uphill for the Jebel Hafeet road trip via popular cities, which include:

  1. Dubai to Jebel Hafeet
  2. Abu Dhabi to Jebel Hafeet
  3. Al Ain to Jebel Hafeet 

Choosing the route should depend more on your preferences and considerations, yet the following is the breakdown of details!

1. Dubai to Jebel Hafeet

You will need 2+ hours to reach Jebel Hafeet from Dubai.

The route options include: 

  • Take the Al-Ain to Dubai road (E66) to reach Jebel Hafeet.
  • Choosing the Al Hayer to Sweihan to Abu Dhabi Road or Sweihan Road (E20).

Moreover, the routes traveling from Dubai to the Jebel Hafeet provide the best driving experience, and hence locals regard it as the best road to drive on. 

2. Abu Dhabi To Jebel Hafeet 

The route from Abu Dhabi to Jebel Hafeet takes less than 2 hours by road. 

For this purpose, you must choose the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain highway (E22 expressway), which is the only one in the UAE with a speed limit of 160 km/hr, while the rest have 140 km/hr. 

Some other routes to travel include: 

  • Al Hayer 
  • Sweihan 
  • Abu Dhabi Road (E20)
  • Al Taf Road (E16)

But do check if all of them are operational during the time.

3. Al Ain to Jebel Hafeet

Those in Al Ain need a 30-40 minute drive to reach the spectacular peak of Jebel Jais, second second-highest in the UAE. 

The routes for reaching Al Ain include: 

  • Jebel Hafeet Street
  • 112nd Street
  • Khalifa Bina Zayed Al Awwal Street

Moreover, do check the topography of each street and which is comfortable for you to drive on. 

Is Jebel Hafeet Worth Visiting: Things To Do

Yes, Jebel Hafeet is worth visiting in the UAE and is one of the prime attractions of Al Ain. There are several activities to do there, plus the Jebel Hafeet Mountain road adds fun to the whole trip. 

The mountainous road has 60 turns, of which many are hairpin bends, three lanes, of which two are climbing and one is descending. Thus, from Al Ain through the Jebel Hafeet mountain road is ranked amongst the 10 best drives in the world. 

The following are the things to do in Jebel Hafeet:

1. Night Photography/Adventure 

How about clicking some incredible night views that would be like picture-perfect professional photography? 

If you are enthusiastic about it, then do reach the top of Jebel Hafeet at 4 PM. Locate a good spot and set up your camera to capture the most breathtaking sunset that would grab eyeballs. 

Besides, after dusk, the sky keeps getting darker, and you can enjoy the authentic views of Jebel Hafeet Mountain road. 

The surroundings with the environment make it look like a golden necklace that even outshines the Gold Souk of Dubai. Further, its hairpin bends are suitable for long-exposure and light-trail photography. 

Additionally, the 60 turns of the road make this route every enthusiastic driver’s dream to go on a trip with a sports car rental to indulge in complete thrill. 

2. Jebel Hafeet Park and Hot Springs

On the foothills of Jebel Hafeet, there’s a luscious green region called the Jebel aha feet Park. Also called the Green Mubazzarah Park, it is ideal for escaping the city vibes and to cherish some time with yourself. 

Instead of being a nerdy place, there are various campsites around the park that you can enjoy with your squad. 

The most attractive yet unique aspect of it is the Al Ain Hot Springs, where you can dip your feet for a soothing yet relaxing feel. However, the water can be hotter at times, so do check. 

3. Jebel Hafeet Desert Park

How about enjoying a desert park while on this mountainous trip?

Well, the mountain is a part of the Jebel Hafeet National Park, which is a reserved desert habitat. You would find attractions like the Meyzad Fort, Hafit Graves, and more oases. 

As a goal to preserve and initiate restoration of the natural environment, flora, fauna, and the land’s geology, it was developed. The committee simultaneously aimed to attract tourists to the place, and this helped with both motives. 

Opting for a Range Rover for such a trip would give you the classic Emirati Arabic vibes.  

4. Al Ain Oasis 

The place is located in the central part of Al Ain city and covers around 1200 hectares of land. Apart from being the largest oasis of the UAE, it is also known as one of the most beautiful ones in the city. 

Besides, at the foothills of Jebel Hafeet, you will find Al Ain and Wadi Adventure park, a water sports facility at the base of the region. 

Jebel Hafeet Road Trip: What To Expect? 

The Jebel Hafeet road trip, while known as one of the most intriguing ones in the whole of the UAE, has several provisions as well, including:

  • Free Entry: Tourists don’t have to pay any entry fee while visiting the Jebel Hafeet.
  • Basic Facilities: The road towards the top has several rest points, restroom provisions, and a canteen.
  • Well-developed roads: The road to Jebel Hafeet is well developed, with good terrain, well-lit, steep, and has sharp bends. 

The Bottom Line 

Jebel Hafeet is one of the most gorgeous places in the UAE and unusual from the city’s image of futuristic infrastructure, giving you a different perspective. Further, the place is suitable for all age groups with plenty of activities to engage in that aren’t stereotypical or organized. 

Moreover, kids, groups, and even solo travelers all enjoy it. Yet, the best way to experience it fully is to rent a luxury car like the Lamborghini, Range Rover, Rolls-Royce, or similar. So, what stops you?

Take on the most interesting drives now! 

Shruti Gupta

Shruti Gupta is a passionate automotive writer who brings insightful expertise to the Phantom Rent A Car blog.

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